Cycling Winter is over, and snow is but a memory. Because of the warmer climate, getting around the town by bicycle has become a more viable option. With parking problems and rising gas prices, people should bike more, as it is a less costly alternative to using automobiles, and it is better for the environment and personal health.
It would not be revolutionary to claim that parking in our city can be a bit of a hassle. Recently, the University students were asked about their experiences with parking. Their main complaint — and the bottom line of the problem — is that parking is expensive. However, those expenses can be avoided by using bicycles, as bike parking on campus is free.
Another expense issue with cars is gas, as prices have been on the rise. Though price averages in our state remain below the national average, it is still a lot more compared to the pricing from a year ago. This would obviously not be an issue if one were to cycle instead.
The great weather we have had and the cost-efficiency of cycling should be enough to convince people to bike more, but there are other benefits aside from general convenience.
Firstly, cycling is better for the environment. Bikes do not release pollutants into the air, and consistent cycling is estimated to prevent 6 to 14 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere every year. Infrastructure requirements for bikes are minimal, as they do not require the establishment of highways. This means fewer resources need to be used and less land needs to be urbanized.
Secondly, cycling is better for you. Cycling as a means of transportation will get you where you need to go while providing you with an accessible workout that increases your strength, stamina, and overall fitness. Additionally, cycling has mental health benefits. Regular cyclists are likely to experience improved moods. To build on this, a study shows that cyclists experience 21.6 percent fewer bad mental health days, suggesting that cycling is beneficial to one’s well-being in more ways than one.
Essentially, there are plenty of reasons why everyone should bike more. Our city is a particularly encouraging place to bike. There are signs and lanes everywhere dedicated to making cycling more convenient, and the university encourages this alternative as well.
Well, there are some problems, of course. One of these is bike theft. To avoid it, just follow some rules if you rely on bicycle transportation to get to and from campus. Many of these actions can also help police locate and identify your bicycle, should it go missing. First of all, use a high-quality lock. When you lock your bike, be sure to lock your bike frame and wheel to fixed, approved bike racks. Second, keep a record of the make, model, and serial number of your bike, including a photograph. This will make it easier to report your bike if it is stolen, and to return it to you if it is located. Next, balance protection and visibility. Lock up your bike in a moderately busy area with high visibility rather than an isolated location. Avoid leaving your bike unattended in the same area for multiple days. Finally, consider investing in a tracking device for your bicycle and report bike theft and suspicious activity near bike racks. Following these simple tips, you won’t lose your bike and you’ll help save others.
Considering that the weather is warmer and automobiles are still a hassle to use in the city, now is as good a time as any to start biking. If you have an old bike lying around, maybe it is time to start using it. If not, it might be time to invest in one. |