Mythbusting 10 common excuses you'll hear during Bike-to-Work week

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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

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2009/04/23/mythbusting-10-common-excuses-youll-hear-during-bike-to-work-week/

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