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1. It is too unsafe. Yes, theres demonstrable hazard associated with pedalling. Riders do crash and get hit by vehicles. But how parlous is pedalling in similarity with other modes of transportation and with our awareness of the hazard? A lot less than you might anticipate. Think on the reckoning of a corporation that undertakes safety and failure testing, once called the Failure Group and now known as Exponent. The corporation considered a selection of past-times and worked out that the number of fatalities per 1,000,000 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. In other words, they found that the hazards of pedalling were roughly half that related to driving and 15% of that associated purely with being alive. Unfortunately, the exact ways Exponent used are secret, and the whole article isn't available to the public, but rest assured that this is not a fly-by-night bikers’ advocacy organization that is cooking the numbers. As Exponent reasons on its site, it has been trusted to examine high-profile accidents such as the sabotage of the federal building in Oklahoma City. So, for the sake of argument, let us assume that the Failure Associates study is an underestimation and gauge another broad report that measures the dangers using a sparingly different measure—the number of fatalities per billions of kilometres moved rather than per hour of exposure. The Rutgers University researchers who actioned this study concluded that, per kilometre travelled, bicycling fatalities are eleven times as high as automobile occupant fatalities. Seems rather bad for biking until you review what the same work found about walking. Pedestrian fatalities per kilometre travelled were 36 times as high as driving deaths, implying 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. Research shows that riders get into lots of minor accidents that could be prevented. Numerous studies have shown that the failure to wear lights at night or a helmet hugely increases a cyclists risk. Finally, riders starting out have to be especially careful about drivers opening doors and making turns, and about pedalling on the pavements. In the end: It isnt that biking is without danger, but with some consideration is in required, especially when you start to count the many health advantages that biking generates. 2. Distance is too great. The ride might take too long or take too much out of you if you live further than, say, 10 miles from work. But consider ways to grow your potential range. Most commuters, for example, use folding bikes so they can go half way on a morning train. 3. I'll need an expensive bike. Untrue. You should be able to come across a new or used cycle ideal for simple commuting for less than $500. Find a excellent, local bike shop with a experienced staff, discuss the terrain and length of ride youre thinking of, and they'll help you select the correct frame and number of gears youll want. If youre just beginning, you should search for a functional, commuter bike with fenders to protect your pants, a kickstand, and a comfy seat. And, if youre really looking for a relaxed 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 feature pedal brakes called coaster brakes instead of hand brakes and an automatic shifter, and while they’re not built for quickness, theyre a terrific way to get back into the seat, says Doyne. 4. It is impossible to carry the kit I need. If this is what you think, you are carrying far more than the average cyclist to work or you don’t own the correct rucksack or features on your bike. A sturdy basket or touring panniers will mean you can easily carry a computer, change of clothes, snacks, a few books, a stack of binders, and whatever other gadgets you regularly take with you. 5. Theres nowhere to scrub up. Jeff Peel of the League of American Bicyclists states that many riders are concerned about this, but that there are plenty other solutions beyond simply showing up at the office stinky and sweaty. First, check to make sure that your office doesnt have a shower somewhere. If it doesn’t, look for close gyms or fitness clubs. Many offer shower-only memberships for riding or jogging types. 6. Cycling will turn me sterile. This is a charge that has circulated since the mid 1990s, and theres a kernel of truth to it. There is studies that serious bike riders can suffer short-lived and even long-lasting erectile dysfunction if they log lots of hours on a racing seat that isnt fitted properly. But there are now many of seats with specifically designed cutaway grooves that take the pressure off the important blood vessels and nerves. As long as your seat fits properly and you dont ride as much as somebody training for the Tour de France, biking is much more apt to reduce your chances of erectile dysfunction than increase them, since cycling will help keep cardiovascular disease a large creator of erectile dysfunction.
Article Source: http://www.globetrekkerarticles.com
The author cycles to the office with his three year old child on a Safe-T-Seat, the child bicycle carrier and enjoys every minute of it!
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