By Mike Rosenfield
Wake up, get dressed and head out for work. Outside is the view of thousands of drivers, sitting in lines of automotive stagnation, on an over-congested, outdated roadway. Exhaust and heat pollution ripple views along lines of cars sitting in front of red lights. When the light changes, three cars go through, and then it’s red again. Millions of people accept this reality every day of their lives. Wow, what fun!
There’s another way; ride your bike. This way, very little time is wasted on red lights. Focus is redirected from frustration -to breathing, balance, and relaxation. Fitness and health are gained, stress from antiquated road systems and the antics of crazy drivers decrease. Cardio-workouts in a gym are no longer needed. The extra time can be spent in the pursuit of other endeavors. In Japan, it’s typical to see men, dressed in suits, on bikes-on their way to work; there’s no negative stigma. Maybe this is one of the supporting reasons for the fact that the Japanese have the greatest longevity.
A bicycle lifestyle is one that incorporates biking into exercise programs, transportation and appreciation for the outdoors, nature and the sport.
How to start
On a nice day, when it’s beautiful outside, but responsibility is about to ruin appreciation for it, take a ride. Perhaps, it’s a day that you need to go to Publix, but dread 20 minutes of toxic exhaust, stagnant traffic lights and a parking lot with available spaces half the distance back to your house again. Don’t do it: why would you choose to? Get the backpack (an amazing amount of groceries can fit in one) hop on the bike and go. Now you can appreciate a nice day, while passing up frustration and lines of stationary motorists. Upon arrival, a convenient parking space not more than 20 feet from the entrance welcomes bicyclists.
Little by little, choose biking over driving. Increased fitness, endurance and a sense of accomplishment, will result. Soon, 20-mile bike rides become second nature; 50-mile rides come onto the horizon, and with that, the realization a car is not so desperately needed in Ft. Lauderdale.
Create a plan that fits your needs
Think of all the places you go to regularly. Decide if those places are a realistic, obtainable, destination by bike. Some bicyclists cross whole states or nations; for them, there are literally very few places they couldn’t get to by bike. Gradually, the importance of the car becomes diminished; it’s a relief. Self-reliance prevails. To know that it’s possible to cross a nation under your own power is amazing; but also, going to Publix on a bicycle, can be a small miracle.
Just remember…
Safety is key; remember motorists often don’t see bicyclists. They are not looking. The motorist’s mind is focused on other cars; they can dent, scratch or destroy each other, but a collision with bicycle might not be felt.
Some well-known bicyclists and their websites
Ken Kifer
Ken created a website that offers tons and tons of advice and help for those interested in biking for pleasure, fitness or travel; many times a combinations of each. He experimented and carefully measured the distances he biked from year to year (http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/commute/index.htm). Alas, he was killed by a drunk driver in 2003; let this be a reminder that safety is the number one priority. Stay alert and feel free to use the sidewalks.
Darren Alff
Darren, created “The Bicycle Touring Pro” website that also offers tons and tons of useful information. Daren traveled through the USA and Europe on his bike and shares his experiences, tips and pictures of his adventures (www.bicycletouringpro.com).
Alex Ramon
Alex created an informative site that provides, just about every topic of instruction, for bicycle repair and adjustment (www.bicycletutor.com).
The Bicycle Lifestyle Change Test
1. Do you want a healthier lifestyle?
2. Would you like to be a part of the pollution-solution?
3. Are you sick of the traffic and a defunct road system?
4. Do parking meters or parking tickets make you sick?
5. Do you hate to interrupt your activities to feed a meter (where money evaporates into a black hole)?
6. Do you hate wasting time, circling parking lots, in search of a space?
7. Do you get road rage?
8. Do you like the convenience of close parking?
9. Do you feel that our road system is strewn with serious problems?
10. Do you dislike the pretenses in which the police (who should protect and serve) at times operate, often following motorists about to satisfy numbers, thus not serving?
11. Would you like to have newfound money, otherwise spent on gas, to do with as you choose?
12. Are you tired of car repairs?
13. Have you ever had your car window smashed in?
14. Are you scared to park your expensive car in a lot filled with drivers of questionable skills?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to get on your bicycle.
