It is becoming increasingly evident that many of the problems facing the world today arise from our dependence on the automobile. And as more and more people become aware of how the decisions they make to transport themselves affect the health of the planet, greater numbers of them are joining what is fast becoming a movement toward a car free lifestyle. For those of you who are ready to give up your car, a fraction of the money you presently spend on your automobile can be used to enjoy the bicycle in the highest of styles and comfort.
Since the effective cyclist does not live by one bike alone, you will want to have several different bikes for all the assorted needs that can arise. The money you save by not paying registration fees on your car will buy you a folding bike for trips on public transportation. The insurance premium you forego will buy you a pretty good road bike for recreational rides. Several months worth of gas savings will buy you a decent mountain bike so you can escape the concrete jungle. A set of four car tires can buy you the best of lighting and rain gear. Your regular tune ups, oil changes and lube jobs will outfit your commute bike with the fenders, mirrors, locks and all of the other accessories you will need. One or two foregone emergencies such as a broken radiator hose or failed water pump can get you on your financial way to the grand daddy of all cycling luxuries, a recumbent bicycle. Foregoing several car washes will buy you an excellent used bike, a beater.
Get a beater bike (even better, get two) for short errands around your work or neighborhood. You can usually buy an old, mechanically sound bike at a flea market or garage sale for under $25. The uglier it is, the less the likelihood of it getting stolen. This means you can leave it on the side of your house or office for ready access.
Expand the carrying capacity of your bike. Put baskets or racks on your bike so you can transport your purchases, a change of clothes, etc. One company even makes a special bag for carrying suits. Get a trailer, they're fun to pull. Capable of holding several hundred pounds, trailers can be used to easily transport big purchases such as dog food, carry kids or a pet, or to help you move your laundry or household belongings around. Toward that end, these excellent trailer manufacturers also support the National Bicycle Greenway:
Trailer Comparison Chart
Make your bike flatproof. There are tire liners and gels that can accomplish this for you.
Winterize yourself. As one wise man said, 'There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing'. Be ready for the rain or cold with the appropriate hand, foot, head and body wear. With the right gear, riding in poor conditions can really become a pleasure. For access to the suppliers of many of the goods mentioned above, stay tuned......
Along with all of this you will also need the right mindset. The following tips should help you develop one: Make lists so you can consolidate your trips for purchases, appointments or visits to friends. Instead of going about helter skelter like many car drivers do, using one trip to purchase one item such as a loaf of bread, try to combine your errands.
Get to know your mass transit options. Pick up schedules. Know which carriers transport bikes and when. Know where you can rent a car. Know what rental companies need from you if an emergency should strike or you want to take a long trip or need to move. Allow yourself more time to get places.
Enjoy the journey and not just the destination. It's not a competition, so don't think of yourself as a racer; you won't get sweaty and you won't always need a shower at the end of your ride.
Shop more often, shop locally and buy smaller quantities. Let your fingers do the walking.
Use UPS and Federal Express for across town as well as cross-country deliveries. Get access to a FAX. If possible move closer to your job.
The rewards to your own sense of well being and personal ecology as well as that of the planet can be found in "How to win an argument with a car driver. You will never regret the decision to give up your car.
