Green Transportation: In Search Of The Perfect Bicycle
It occurred to me today that I could have ridden a bicycle to any place I’ve gone in the last 48 hours, if I owned a bicycle.
By now we’re all pretty well versed in the badness of motorized vehicles, so I’ll spare the lecture this time. I remember Ed Begley saying on the subject of transportation; “my first choice is to walk, next is my bike, next is public transportation, next is my electric car.” Thanks for the great advice, Ed!
Benefits of bicycling:
- Great exercise
- It’s cheap (no gas required)
- It’s green (no pollution)
- It’s less dangerous (if I hit somebody on my bike, it’ll probably hurt a lot less than if I hit them with my car, yes?)
I live too far to commute via a bicycle but on the weekend I think I could really utilize a bicycle for almost all my travels. The trouble is that I don’t know the first thing about bicycles. There are Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, something called a “Comfort Bike” and Hybrids. I’ve read up on all of them but I do not see a clear winner, yet. I need a bicycle consultation!
Did I mention that I’m not even sure I know how to ride a bicycle? I know I know, you never forget how to ride a bike, alledgidly. But my gosh it’s been like a million years since I rode one, seriously! Plus, I’m extremely clumsy.
Which kind of bicycle would you recommend for me? I’ll mostly be using it to get around my neighborhood on the weekend.
image courtesy of uh.edu
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t recall the name of the brand of bikes I admired in Annapolis last week, but it was something like this: http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Womens-Rover-GX-Beach-Cruiser/3071695/product.html?cid=130561&fp=F&srccode=cii_9686437&cpncode=18-12824236-2
How about these baskets?
http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2008/03/bike_baskets.php
Robin at Bumblebee
Robin - I think the old lady across the street from me has this bike! I love the cool retro look.
And thanks for the link to the awesome baskets!
Another great article. I live in the country, too far away from everything to use a bike regularily but I use it get from the house to the barn and at the other end of the property. It’s so much fun and only takes a ‘leg-power’. Suz
I love this topic. I’ve gotten into bike commuting this year, as I finally was able to get an appropriate job within reach. I’ve been keeping a log book at my office for jotting the days I ride and which routes were used that day to and from home. That way I can calculate the accumulation of miles, saved gas and money, reduced carbon footprint, etc., for my own pleasure, amusement and whatnot.
Good luck, Gina, with finding your bike and getting out there. Be safe.
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