as the weather turns colder i probably won't be riding my bike as much anymore, but i think i will still ride it until there's snow and ice on the ground. i mean once i get going the cold subsides and i usually break a sweat.
so in honor of my bike i have some wonderful biking tips for you. and some reasons why i think biking is the best form of transportation in the city.
#1 always brake with the back brake first.
i learned this one the hard way. i think it was my first and only bike reck (at least the only one i remember). i just got a new bike and was going on a ride with one of my friends. i broke with the front break first and flipped over the top.
learned my lesson. back first. although my back break is wearing out so i have to pay attention.
#2 try to stay on streets friendly to bikers
some streets have bike lanes. find them and remember them. if possible only use them. so when i'm riding i often pray because i'm scared people will hit me when they're not paying attention so i say 'please please please see me please see me' over and over in my head and sometimes out loud and if i get really scared i squeal. i think of it like my horn.
also certain neighborhoods are better than others at recognizing bikers.
#3 get a little exercise and sun
well the sun statement doesn't really apply anymore. but during the summer when you work all day or are inside all day a little bike ride there gives you a little sun and exercise too!
#4 believe it or not it's faster
when i take my bike i can take any route i want, unlike public transportation. especially when there's a lot of traffic i just go right past it at stop signs and red lights and i get to my destination faster.
#5 get an old bike that no one will want to steal
so when i first brought my bike to chicago junior year of college. it was stolen like the first week i had it here. definitely within the first month. it was a bummer. so mom decided i could use her old bike from her 20s and 30s, which was sitting in the basement. yes, i miss my old bike, but no, i don't miss coming to where it was parked and it not being there.
#6 can't stress this one enough...get a good lock and try to get it around your tire too
that's just a tip so it isn't stolen. i've learned a lot about locking it up correctly.
AND THE #1 REASON to ride my bike
great way to save money
honestly this is probably my #1 reason for riding my bike. i save $5 (what i would have spent on trains/buses) every time i make a round trip!
i can do a lot with $5
WEAR A HELMET!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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