Bush says take fewer car trips; let's ride bikes

The disruption to petroleum refining facilities in the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita prompted Bush to ask Americans to conserve — something that even his vice president once said “cannot be the basis of a sound energy policy,” according to the New York Times.

So if $3-plus per gallon of gasoline isn't enough to get commuters out of their cars and onto their bicycles, maybe the president's plea will do it.

There are plenty of excuses not to bike to work. It's too far. It takes too long. Can't work in grubby clothes.

The City of Austin has compiled 12 excuses for not commuting by bicycle, and answers them. Among them:
It's too far — Drive part way or use public transportation with bike racks;
It takes too long — Trips under 3 miles in urban areas usually take less time, and up to 5 miles takes about the same. If it takes longer, chalk it up to exercise time.
Must dress nice for work — Take a change of clothes.

The League of American Bicyclists has tips for commuting by bicycle at its website. Suggestions include how to ride in the rain and after dark, how to lock up the bike, how to safely ride on the road.

Also many local bicycle clubs and governments give tips on local conditions and facilities for bicycle commuting and storage. Many transit agencies provide bicycle racks on buses and storage lockers at destinations. For instance, check the Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle, the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation in St. Louis, or the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia in the city of brotherly love.