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Six Fictions About Commuting By Bicycle

By: Robert Thomson

1. It is too adventurous, chancy, hazardous, jeopardous. Yes, theres substantial gamble associated with pedalling. Bikers do smash and get whacked by vehicles. But how parlous is biking in comparison with other modes of transportation and with our judgement of the risk? A less than you might reckon.

Consider the studies of a corporation that carrys out safety and failure testing, previously known as the Failure Group and now known as Exponent. The corporation researched a range of activities and calculated that the number of deaths per 1,000,000 hrs of exposure was 0.26 for biking, 0.47 for motoring, 1.53 for living (all causes of death), and 8.80 for motorcycling. In other words, they discovered that the hazards of biking were roughly half that associated with driving and a 6th of that associated simply with being alive.

Unfortunately, the precise calculations Exponent used are secret, and the complete paper isn't available to the public, but believe us this is not a fly-by-night bikers’ advocacy organization that’s faking the numbers. As Exponent details on its site, it has been trusted to comment upon high-profile catastrophes like the sabotage of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

So, for the reason of discussion, let us assume that Exponents analysis is an understatement and review another broad study that measures the dangers using a barely different measure—the count of deaths per billions of kilometres travelled rather than per hour of activity. Rutgers University researchers who completed this work concluded that, per kilometre travelled, cycling deaths are eleven times as great as automobile occupant deaths. Seems pretty grim for riding until you look at what the same work found about walking. Pedestrian deaths per kilometre travelled were 36 times as great as driving kills, suggesting that walking is more than 3 times as risky as pedalling.

That said, there is still more that cyclists can do to take accountability for our safety. A disturbing 24 percent of deadly cycle accidents involve an intoxicated rider. Work shows that bikers get into many smaller accidents that could be prevented. Various articles have shown that the failure to use lights at night or a helmet hugely increases a biker’s risk. Finally, riders starting out must be especially careful about cars opening doors and taking turns, and about pedalling on the pavements.

The bottom line: Its not that biking doesn't have danger, but a little consideration is in order, more so when you start to allow the many health advantages that cycling enables.

2. It's a long way. The ride 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 increase your potential distance. Many commuters, for example, use foldable bicycles so they can go partway on a commuter train.

3. Cycles are pricey. Not true. You should be able to get a new or used bike perfect for basic commuting for less than $500. Find a excellent, close bicycle store with a knowledgeable staff, explain the terrain and distance of commute youre thinking of, and they'll help you choose the proper frame and number of gears youll want.

If youre just starting out, you should search for a functional, commuter bicycle with fenders to save your pants, a stand, and a comfy seat. And, if youre really looking for a relaxed ride, take a look at the new class of coasting bicycles that are designed to reconnect people with worry free recollections of biking as a child. They have pedal brakes called coaster brakes instead of hand brakes and an automatic shifter, and while they’re not built for speed, theyre a fantastic way to get reacquainted with the seat, says Doyne.

4. It is not possible to transport the kit I need. If this is what you think, you are transporting way more than the average rider to work or you don’t own the correct rucksack or features on your bicycle. A good basket or touring panniers will mean you can easily carry a computer, change of clothes, food, a few books, a stack of folders, and any other bits and bobs you regularly need.

5. There isn't anywhere to change. Jeff Peel of the League of American Bicyclists states that many cyclists do worry about this, but that there are plenty other solutions beyond simply showing up at the office smelly and sticky. First, look to ensure that your building doesnt have a shower somewhere. If it doesn’t, look for nearby gyms or fitness clubs. They often offer shower-only memberships for cycling or jogging types.

6. Biking will turn me sterile. This is an accusation that has been doing the rounds since the mid 1990s, and theres a kernel of truth to it. There is evidence that serious bicycle riders can experience short-lived and maybe long-lasting problems if they log many hours on a racing seat that isnt fitted properly. But there are now plenty of saddles with specially designed cutaway slots that remove the pressure off the key blood vessels and nerves. As long as your seat fits properly and youre not riding as much as somebody training for the Tour de France, cycling is more apt to reduce the odds of erectile dysfunction than increase them, as riding will assist keep cardiovascular disease a major cause of erectile dysfunction.

Article Source: http://articleaddict.com

The author cycles to work with his 3 year old daughter on a Safe-T-Seat, the baby bicycle carrier and enjoys every minute of it!

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