Six Myths About Cycle Commuting

By Author: Timbo Levin
Total Articles: 3764
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1. It is too dangerous. Yes, theres authentic risk associated with bicycling. Bikers do collide and get knocked by autos. But how unsafe is cycling in similarity with other modes of transportation and with our awareness of the risk? A less than you might presume.

Think on the calculations of a corporation that undertakes safety and failure testing, once known as the Failure Group and now known as Exponent. The corporation researched a variety of activities and calculated that the number of fatal accidents per 1million hours of exposure was 0.26 for cycling, 0.47 for motoring, 1.53 for living (all causes of death), and 8.80 for motor biking. That is to say, they found that the hazards of cycling were roughly half that associated with driving and 15% of that associated simply with living.

Sadly, the precise ways Exponent used are secret, and the complete report isn't available to the general public, but rest assured that this is not a fly-by-night riders' advocacy organization that is making up the numbers. As the company reasons on its site, it has been relied on to scrutinize high-profile misfortunes like the sabotage ...
... of the federal offices in Oklahoma City.

So, for the sake of discussion, let's accept that Exponents analysis is an understatement and allow another inclusive study that measures the risks using a minutely different yardstick—the count of kills per billions of kilometres moved instead of per hour of exposure. The Rutgers University researchers who completed this work concluded that, per kilometre travelled, cycling kills are eleven times as high as car occupant deaths. Seems rather grim for biking until you review what the same study revealed about walking. Pedestrian kills per kilometre walked were 36 times as high as driving fatalities, suggesting that walking is more than three times as risky as biking.

However, there is still more that bikers could do to take accountability for our protection. A disturbing 24 percent of deadly bike accidents involve an inebriated cyclist. Study shows that cyclists get into lots of smaller accidents that could be prevented. Numerous studies have shown that the failure to wear lights in the dark or a helmet hugely increases a cyclists risk. Finally, newer riders must be especially careful about cars opening doors and taking turns, and about pedalling on the pavements.

The bottom line: Its not that biking is without danger, but some perspective is in order, more so when you begin to count the many health benefits that biking provides.

2. Distance is too great. The ride might take too long or take too much energy if you live more than, say, 13 miles from work. But consider ways to grow your potential distance. Most commuters, for example, use folding bicycles so they can go partway on a commuter train.

3. Bikes are expensive. Untrue. You should be able to come across a new or used bike perfect for simple commuting for less than $500. Find a great, close cycle store with a experienced staff, explain the terrain and length of commute youre considering, and they'll help you select the appropriate frame and number of gears youll require.

If youre just starting out, you may want to look for a functional, commuter bicycle that has mud guards to save your clothes, a kickstand, and a comfortable seat. And, if youre really looking for a easy ride, take a look at the new type of coasting bicycles that are designed to reconnect people with worry free recollections of biking as a child. They feature pedal brakes called coaster brakes instead of hand brakes and an automatic shifter, and while they're not designed for speed, theyre a terrific way to get reacquainted with the seat, says Doyne.

4. Its not possible to tote the gear I need. If this is what you think, you are toting way more than the average cyclist to work or you do not own the correct rucksack or features on your bicycle. A sturdy basket or touring panniers will mean you can easily carry a computer, spares clothes, lunch, a few books, a handful of folders, and any other bits and bobs you regularly take with you.

5. There isn't anywhere to scrub up. Jeff Peel of the League of American Bicyclists states that lots riders are concerned over this, but that there are numerous other solutions beyond simply arriving at work smelly and sticky. First, look to ensure that your office doesnt have a full bathrooms somewhere. If it doesn't, check close gyms or fitness clubs. Many have 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 studies that professional bicycle cyclists may experience short-lived and even long-lasting problems if they log many hours on a racing seat that doesnt fit properly. But there are now lots of saddles with specifically designed cutaway slots that remove the pressure off the important arteries and nerves. As long as your seat fits correctly and you dont ride as much as somebody training for the Tour de France, biking is more likely to lower the odds of erectile dysfunction than increase them, as cycling will assist keep cardiovascular disease a major cause of erectile dysfunction.