6 Fictions About Commuting By Cycle

1. It is too dangerous. Yes, theres legitimate risk associated with riding. Riders do smash and get slamed by cars. But how risky is pedalling in similarity with other modes of transportation and with our awareness of the risk? A less than you might assume.

Consider the studies of a firm that undertakes safety and failure testing, previously known as the Failure Group and now known as Exponent. The firm examined a selection of past-times and calculated that the number of fatal accidents per million hours of exposure was 0.26 for pedalling, 0.47 for motoring, 1.53 for living (all causes of death), and 8.80 for motor biking. That is to say, they discovered that the hazards of pedalling were about 50% that connected with driving and a 6th of that associated simply with living.

Sadly, the precise methods Exponent used are proprietary, and the total paper isn't available to the general public, but believe us this is not a fly-by-night riders' advocacy organization that is faking the numbers. As Exponent reasons on its site, it has been trusted to scrutinize high-profile accidents such as the sabotage of the federal offices in Oklahoma City.

So, for the point of discussion, let us claim that Exponents work is an understatement and review another broad report that measures the risks using a sparingly different yardstick—the number of kills per billions of kilometres travelled instead of per hour of exposure. The Rutgers University scientists who completed this study concluded that, per kilometre travelled, bicycling kills are eleven times as great as automobile occupant fatalities. Seems pretty bad for biking until you examine what the same study revealed about walking. Walking kills per kilometre walked were 36 times as great as driving deaths, suggesting that walking is more than three times as risky as biking.

That said, there is still more that cyclists can do to take responsibility for our protection. A disturbing 24 percent of fatal cycle accidents involve an intoxicated cyclist. Study shows that bikers get into lots of smaller accidents that could be prevented. Numerous articles have shown that the failure to use lights in the dark or a helmet significantly increases a biker’s risk. Finally, newer riders should be really careful about cars opening doors and taking turns, and about riding on the pavements.

In the end: Its not that biking doesn't have danger, but with some consideration is in order, especially when you begin to allow the many health advantages that biking generates.

2. Its too far. The cycle might take too long or take too much energy if you live further than, say, 10 miles from the day job. But consider ways to expand your potential distance. Most commuters, for example, use foldable bicycles so they can go half way on a commuter train.

3. Bikes are expensive. Not true. You should be able to come across a new or used bike suitable for simple commuting for below $500. Find a great, local cycle shop with a knowledgeable staff, explain the route and distance of commute youre considering, and they'll help you select the proper frame and amount of gears you will want.

If youre just beginning, you may want to look for a functional, commuter bicycle with mud guards to save your clothes, a stand, and a comfortable saddle. And, if youre really looking for a relaxed ride, take a gander at the new class of coasting bicycles that are designed to reconnect people with carefree recollections of biking as a kid. They feature pedal brakes called coaster brakes instead of hand brakes and an automatic shifter, and although they are not designed for speed, theyre a fantastic way to get reacquainted with the saddle, says Doyne.

4. It is not possible to transport the gear I need. If this is what you think, you are carrying far more than the usual person to work or you do not have the right rucksack or features on your bicycle. A good basket or touring panniers will mean you can easily carry a computer, spares clothes, snacks, a few books, a slew of folders, and whatever other bits and bobs you regularly carry.

5. Theres nowhere to wash. Jeff Peel of the League of American Bicyclists says that most riders do worry about this, but that there are plenty alternatives beyond simply showing up at the office stinky and sweaty. First, check to ensure that your workplace doesnt have a full bathrooms somewhere. If it doesn’t, look for nearby gyms or fitness clubs. Some offer shower-only memberships for riding or running commuters.

6. Biking will turn me impotent. This is an accusation that has circulated since the late 1990s, and theres a kernel of fact to it. There is evidence that serious bicycle cyclists can experience temporary and even long-lasting problems if they ride many hours on a racing saddle that isnt fitted well. But there are now lots of saddles with ergonomically designed cutaway grooves that take the pressure off the key arteries and nerves. As long as your saddle fits properly and you dont ride as much as a professional rider training for the Tour de France, biking is more apt to reduce the chances of erectile dysfunction than raise them, since cycling will help keep cardiovascular disease a major creator of erectile dysfunction.

Article Source: http://articlewagon.com

The author rides to the office with his 3 year old infant on a WeeRider, the child cycle seat and loves every minute of it!

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