Alternatives to Driving
This blog is for showing how to get around other than driving. Please add your story on how you use alternatives to driving by clicking on the word "comments".
posted by Bob Groff @ 8:51 AM
Monday, July 31, 2006
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Commuting by bike. I have been commuting year round by bicycle for 14 of the last 18 years and really enjoy it. I get to feel the wind and hear the birds, something not easily done in a car. I also find it a lot less stressful than driving as I don’t get caught up in that “grand prix” mentality while riding. About 1/2 of my route has bike lanes and the rest is mostly done on neighborhood streets where I share the road with cars. I find most drivers realize the rules but there are some that are clueless as to the California vehicle code. Staying alert is the watchword. On the flip side, there are some bicyclists that are clueless as well so both sides need to be sure what they are doing.
If you are considering commuting by bicycle, you need to do more than just get the old bike out, pump up the tires, and start riding. What follows are just some of the things you need to consider. But before going there, our Transportation Chair is getting his certification as an instructor and will be happy to work with anyone considering taking up riding or getting back into it. If you are interested, let us know.
One of the first things you need to do is a safety check. How are the cables? Are the brakes in good shape and working? Are the tires in good shape – no cracks and good tread – and the rims in good shape? Is the chain in good shape? Do the gears work properly? Is the bike adjusted properly for you? Is everything in good working order? Unless you are well versed in bike maintenance, it would be a good investment to have your bike tuned up by a good bike shop. And while at the shop, if your helmet (you do have one, right?) is more than a couple of years old you might want to consider getting a new one. Also, make sure you can be seen. Reflectors, lights, and bright clothing are good to have. And how are you going to carry the items you need? Are you going to use a backpack or a pannier? Do you know how to fix a flat and do you have the tools to do so? Are you carrying water? And just as importantly, do you know the rules of the road?
I know this sounds like a lot but in a very short time you will be enjoying the ride, getting some exercise, and passing by those $3+/gallon money syncs!
Shopping without a car. We are lucky enough to live within a 5 minute walk of two different VTA bus lines, the 82 and the 26. We catch the 82 to go grocery shopping because after a 10 minute ride it passes within about 100 yards of the grocery store we use. The bus we take allows us to get there about 20 minutes before the main store opens, which is perfect because the bakery is open and we are able to enjoy a fresh muffin and a cup of coffee. Not having to rush around and taking a few minutes to relax is a part of the day we look forward to. We then leisurely wander through the store picking up the items we need, check out, and stroll the 100 yards back to where we catch the bus back. We also bring our own bags, a backpack, soft sided cooler, and a small carry bag, so as not to need ‘paper or plastic’. Shopping this way also encourages us to make a list and not make a lot of wild purchases. We always have enough room to get the items we need. Take some of the stress out of your life. Give shopping this way a try. It’s easy and relaxing.
Farmers’ Markets. Have you ever been to a Farmers’ Market? If not, you should give it a try. You would be surprised at the variety of items you can pick up, and they are grown within 100 miles of where you live! Most of the items in a standard dinner have traveled an average of 1500 miles from where they were grown to your plate. That’s a lot of miles, a lot of fuel, and a lot of traffic. We are lucky enough to have a Farmers’ Market within a mile and a half from home. On pleasant days, we walk or ride bikes to the market and on other days we can catch the #26 VTA bus that drops us off right next to the market. We shop for organic items and have been able to find several items available. You also get to meet the people who grow what you are eating. I have always found these folks to be friendly and knowledgeable. You can find the nearest Farmers’ Market at:
http://www.urbanvillageonline.com/index.html
or
http://www.cafarmersmkts.com/index.html
Why not try one out this weekend? And don’t forget to bring your own bags. And if you have small bills, it would be a good idea to bring them as well.
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