May is National Bike Month in America, and as the prices of gasoline continue to break records on a near-daily basis, more and more people are turning to this mode of transportation not only for their health and hobbies, but also to fight back against the pump. If you’re looking to park a two-wheeler outside of your Orlando apartment, the timing couldn’t be better. Plus, you’re going to find that biking brings with it many more benefits than saving on gas.
Biking is serious business though, so you should not go into the endeavor to buy without both eyes open. To really enjoy the pursuit, you’re going to need to know what kind of bike you want, how to buy a bike and how to stay safe on your bike.
Do Your Research
First thing’s first; if getting in on the biking craze is your true desire, you need to decide what kind of bike you want. Bicycle commuting, for example, will take a slightly different set of wheels than an off road, racing or even exercise bike. Define your purpose and you will find that learning how to buy a bike will become a whole lot easier. Use the websites below for tips on choosing and purchasing a new bike:
Determining what kind of bike you want is just the first step in learning how to buy a bike. Depending on where you go to look at bikes, you’re going to find the options are rather extensive no matter the type you have in mind. If you’re unsure of the best bike to buy, ask an expert at a local bicycle shop. Don’t forget to set a reasonable budget before you go in though. Bikes can range from less than $100 to almost as much as a new car.
Think Safety
Once your bike is purchased, don’t forget to keep safety in mind. According to the CDC 500,000 people per year are treated in emergency facilities for bicycle related injuries. You should understand bike safety inside out and backwards before you hit the road. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking at bicycle commuting or going off-road, safety is very important. Get a helmet, get reflectors and by all means brush up on the rules of the road. Below are some helpful websites for bike safety:
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
- Bicycle Accessories and Why You Need Them
Have a Plan
Finally, before you start out on your first day commuting as a biker, you need to have a plan. Find out exactly how far your office is from your apartment and decide if that commute is really manageable by bike. You should also research the roads that you will have to ride on to judge how safe they are; you may find that you can’t take the same roads by bike that did by car when commuting to work due to safety issues.
And, remember, the sun beats down in Orlando in the summers, and biking may not be as feasible for commuting to work as you thought it would be. If you’re office has a shower and locker room, then commuting by bike would be a bit easier. You might want to check if your office has a place to secure your bike during the day as well. Check out the websites below for bicycle commuting info:
- Commute by Bike: Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety
- Bike Orlando - Bike Commuter Blog
- Are the roads ready for commuter biking?
Biking is an excellent way to beat the high prices at the pump, but it’s also a great way to have a little fun and enjoy some serious exercise, too. Before diving into this hobby or using a bike as a mode of transportation, take the time to select the right bike and learn the ropes of safety. If you do these things, you’re going to find out first-hand what all the hype is about National Bike Month.
{ 0 comments… add one now }