National Bike Month is coming up in May, and you might be trying to convince some coworkers to join your bike commuting efforts for Bike-to-Work Week May 11-15.
The League of American Bicyclists refutes 10 common arguments for not commuting to work by bicycle in its manual for bike-to-work organizers (.pdf). I've reprinted them below.
Also, “On Men” blogger Adam Voiland at US News & World Report reports the six most common excuses he hears for not commuting by bicycle, from “it's too dangerous” to “it will make me impotent.” A longtime bike commuter, he shoots them down one at a time.
Here's the League's list of Bike Month and Bike-to-Work week events — “Bike Month Special Events.” (Here are activities for Seattle's Cascade Bicycle Club.)
Busting the 10 bicycling myths (from League of American Bicyclists)
1. I'm out of shape
— Ride an easy pace, in a few months you will be in great shape
— Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
— You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter
2. It takes too long
— The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you become
— Trips of less than 3 miles will be quicker by bike
— Trips of 5 to 7 miles in urban areas take the same or less by car
3. It's too far
— Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day
— Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your route
— Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work
4. No bike parking
— Look around for a storage area in your building or office
— Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office
— Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside
5. My bike is beat up
— Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike
— If you can't maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route
— Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you ride
6. No showers
— Most commuters don't shower at wor; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
— Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there
— Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only
7. I have to dress up
— Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive
— Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners
— Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding
8. It's raining
— Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry
— If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day
— Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain
9. The roads aren't safe
— Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights
— Wear bright clothing
— You are at no greater risk than driving a car
— Wear a helmet everytime you ride
10. I have to run errands
— Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity
— Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building
— Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking
— Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use
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