6 Myths About Cycle Commuting

1. It is too perilous. Yes, theres valid hazard associated with bicycling. Riders do smash and get knocked by autos. But how risky is pedalling in similarity with other forms of transportation and with our judgement of the risk? A surprisingly less than you might presume.

Consider the calculations of a company that undertakes safety and failure testing, once known as the Failure Group and now called Exponent. The company researched a variety of past-times and determined that the number of fatalities per 1million hrs of exposure was 0.26 for pedalling, 0.47 for motoring, 1.53 for living (all causes of death), and 8.80 for motorcycling. To put it another way, they discovered that the risks of pedalling were about 50% that associated with driving and 15% of that connected with purely with living.

Sadly, the exact ways Exponent used are proprietary, and the whole report is not available to the general public, but rest assured that this isn’t a fly-by-night riders' advocacy organization that is faking the numbers. As the company reasons on its website, it has been trusted to scrutinize high-profile catastrophes such as the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

So, for the point of discussion, let us accept that Exponents work is an understatement and consider another thorough study that measures the dangers using a sparingly different metric—the count of kills per billions of kilometres moved rather than per hour of activity. Rutgers University scientists who actioned this review concluded that, per kilometre travelled, riding kills are eleven times as great as car occupant fatalities. Looks quite grim for biking until you review what the same review found about walking. Pedestrian kills per kilometre travelled were 36 times as great as driving deaths, implying that walking is more than three times as risky as pedalling.

That said, there is still more that bikers can do to take responsibility for our protection. A disturbing 24 percent of deadly bike accidents involve an intoxicated cyclist. Work shows that cyclists get into many minor accidents that could be prevented. Various studies have shown that the failure to use lights at night or a helmet significantly increases a biker’s risk. Finally, newer riders have to be especially careful about cars opening doors and making turns, and about pedalling on the sidewalks.

The bottom line: It isnt that biking is without danger, but a little perspective is in required, especially when you start to include the many health advantages that cycling provides.

2. Distance is too great. The cycle may well take too long or take too much energy if you live further than, say, 13 miles from work. But consider ways to expand your potential distance. Many commuters, for example, use foldable bikes so they can go half way on a commuter train.

3. Cycles are pricey. Wrong. You should be able to get a new or used bike perfect for simple commuting for below $500. Find a excellent, close cycle shop with a experienced staff, discuss the route and distance of commute youre thinking of, and they'll help you choose the correct frame and amount of gears you will need.

If youre just beginning, you should search for a functional, commuter bicycle that has fenders to protect your pants, a kickstand, and a comfy saddle. And, if youre really looking for a easy ride, take a look at the new type of coasting bikes that are designed to remind people with carefree memories of biking as a child. They have pedal brakes called coaster brakes instead of hand brakes and an automatic shifter, and although they are not built for speed, theyre a great way to get reacquainted with the saddle, says Doyne.

4. Its impossible to carry the kit I require. If this is what you think, youre transporting way more than the usual cyclist to work or you don’t own the proper rucksack or features on your bicycle. A sturdy basket or touring panniers will mean you can easily carry a computer, change of clothes, snacks, paperwork, a slew of binders, and any other gadgets you regularly carry.

5. There isn't anywhere to scrub up. Jeff Peel of the League of American Bicyclists states that many riders do worry over this, but that there are plenty other solutions beyond simply arriving at work smelly and sticky. First, check to ensure that your workplace doesnt have a full bathrooms somewhere. If it doesn’t, look for nearby gyms or fitness clubs. Many have shower-only memberships for cycling or jogging commuters.

6. Riding will turn me sterile. This is an accusation that has circulated since the mid 1990s, and theres a kernel of fact to it. There is proof that professional bicycle riders can experience temporary and even long-lasting erectile dysfunction if they ride lots of hours on a racing saddle that doesnt fit well. But there are now lots of saddles with specifically designed cutaway slots that take the pressure off the key blood vessels and nerves. As long as your saddle fits properly and you dont ride as much as somebody training for the Tour de France, cycling is more apt to lower the odds of erectile dysfunction than raise them, as the exercise will help keep cardiovascular disease a major creator of erectile dysfunction.

Article Source: http://www.cursebustersound.com/article

The author rides to work with his 3 year old infant on a iBert, the infant cycle carrier and enjoys every minute of it!

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