Bike commuting is a great way to improve health, save money and reduce the amount of ozone-forming pollutants released by automobiles.
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500,000 Americans bike to work |
Many bike commuters wear their work clothes while riding to work. Workplaces often do not have showers, but a washcloth and dry towel are sufficient for cleaning up after a ride. For a long and hilly commute, have a clean pair of clothes at work to change into.
Missouri law requires that motorists share the road with cyclists, giving them a full lane when possible. Cyclists in turn must obey traffic rules and regulations.
The bike to work guide : save gas, go green, get fit
Roni Sarig, with Paul Dorn.
Avon, Mass. : Adams Media, c2009.
Biking to work can save someone loads of money and lots of calories - all the while, the earth, too. But bike-commuting isnat always easy - there are many things a rider needs to know to get to work on time, safely, and happily. Expert bikers Roni Sarig and Paul Dorn teach potential bikers the tips and tricks to traveling to and from work. From buying the right bike, to fueling the body, to road safety, this all-inclusive primer will get bikers on the road in no time. Whether someone is buying a first bike or is a bicycle enthusiast, this book will teach how to: buy the right equipment; pick a route; weather-proof the ride; maintain the bike; follow traffic laws and ride safely; and enjoy the experience! Like a roadmap for the future, this guide teaches bikers how to make a difference in their bodies, wallets, and communities - and get to work - today.
The golden age of handbuilt bicycles : [craftsmanship, elegance, and function]
text: Jan Heine ; photography: Jean-Pierre Pradères.
New York : Rizzoli, c2009.
The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles is a celebration of the design history and craftsmanship behind this simple but efficient two-wheeled vehicle. Featuring fifty classic models built by hand, this book unveils the bicycle’s technical evolution within a historical context. Beautifully detailed are early-twentieth-century models with multi-gear systems, mid-century machines where war and postwar economy challenged craft and utility, as well as modern and contemporary bicycles. Featured artisans and brands include La Gauloise, Reyhand, Schulz, Barra, Alex Singer, and René Herse. With brilliant full-color images of each model and chronological text detailing the craftsmanship that went into producing these elegant machines, this book will appeal to bicycle enthusiasts and to anyone interested in design.
The complete book of road cycling and racing
Will Peveler.
Camden, Me. : Ragged Mountain Press/McGraw-Hill, c2009.
Ride faster, fitter, smarter, & fartherEvery road rider has goals. Yours may be to begin racing, to become more competitive, or to win a specific tour. Not interested in racing? Perhaps you want to complete your first century ride, improve your overall fitness, or ride father and faster just for the sheer joy of flying on two wheels.No matter what your goals,The Complete Book of Road Cycling and Racinggives you all the information you need to become a better, more performance-focused cyclist. Written by an accomplished racing coach, cyclist, and exercise physiologist, this book shows you how to: Fit the bike to your body for maximum efficiency and comfort Ride safely in a group Cope with any weather or altitude Maintain your bike Prepare for races of all types Master racing strategies and tactics Train efficiently and stay in peak condition year-round And much more
Bike repair & maintenance for dummies
by Dennis Bailey and Keith Gates.
Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley Pub., c2009.
By coupling step-by-step instructions and detailed photos and illustrations, Bike Repair #38; Maintenance For Dummies gives readers the information they need to keep their bikes in working order, often without taking it to the shop.
Safety Tips:
- When riding alongside parked cars, watch out for opening car doors
- Use hand signals when stopping or turning
- Plan your route so that you have few or no left turns to make
- Avoid sidewalks; cyclists are much safer in the street when following
the rules of the road
- Always ride with traffic; never against it
- Use headlights and taillights when riding at night
- Wear a helmet at all times
- Before riding, make sure that the tires have enough air and that the brakes work
The bike to work guide : save gas, go green, get fit
Roni Sarig, with Paul Dorn.
Avon, Mass. : Adams Media, c2009.
Biking to work can save someone loads of money and lots of calories - all the while, the earth, too. But bike-commuting isnat always easy - there are many things a rider needs to know to get to work on time, safely, and happily. Expert bikers Roni Sarig and Paul Dorn teach potential bikers the tips and tricks to traveling to and from work. From buying the right bike, to fueling the body, to road safety, this all-inclusive primer will get bikers on the road in no time. Whether someone is buying a first bike or is a bicycle enthusiast, this book will teach how to: buy the right equipment; pick a route; weather-proof the ride; maintain the bike; follow traffic laws and ride safely; and enjoy the experience! Like a roadmap for the future, this guide teaches bikers how to make a difference in their bodies, wallets, and communities - and get to work - today.
Also, take precautions to protect your bike against theft. The more deterrents, the more likely a bike will be abandoned for an easier target. Here are some tips:
- Park your bike out in the open where many people are passing by
- If possible, remove your bike seat and take it with you
- Use two chains, one to chain the wheels together, and one to chain the
bike to a bike rack or other secure structure.
Is it time for you to join the 500,000 Amercians who commute to work by bicycle? Most find the rewards are greater than the hassles. Plus you will be doing something for our planet.
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff