Are you part of the problem? "Motor vehicles are the largest single source of U.S. air pollution, spewing smog-forming gases, microscopic particles, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide into the skies. The manufacture of automobiles and trucks, as well as the refining and distribution of gasoline and oil products, also pollute the air." (San Francisco Chronicle article, 04/20/2007)

Want to be part of the solution? "Bicycling can be a fun, dependable and virtually free mode of transportation. Bicycling also burns about 500 calories an hour, so you can commute and stay fit at the same time. Once you discover the freedom, convenience and fitness benefits of biking to work, you'll wonder why you didn't start riding sooner." (http://bicycling.511.org/ ...)

What’s your excuse? Veteran bike commuters Susan and Alexis give these responses:

"Bicycling would take too long" It’s estimated that for trips of under 2-3 miles, it takes the same amount of time to bike as to drive. Bicyclists get to use short cuts, don’t have to search or pay for parking, and get faster the more they ride!

"I live too far from work" Then don’t start by commuting to work. Pick other destinations, such as church or errands, and get in shape by bicycling to them. Then plan ahead and pick a day that you don’t have off-site meetings or tight schedules and try the commute. Try riding to transit stations or Park & Ride lots. CalTrain and VTA allow you to bring bicycles on their trains and buses.

"How would I carry my briefcase?" or "What gear do I need?" Find a local bike shop, get your bike tuned up, and have them set you up with proper equipment, such as a helmet, baskets, lights and gloves for hand protection and comfort. Get a flexible cable lock as well as a U-lock so you can lock your bike to objects of varying shapes and sizes. Alexis carries a multi-course lunch in her backpack in a Mr. Bento! http://www.zojirushi.com/ or http://www.homeclick.com/shop/

"I don’t like riding when there’s a lot of traffic or after dark" Safe cycling tips and classes are available from local bicycle coalitions: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (http://svbcbikes.org/), Peninsula Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition (http://www.penbiped.net/), and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (http://www.sfbike.org/). At night, wear bright clothing and have bright rear (red) and front (white) lights.

"What if I were to get a flat tire?" Ask at your bike store or go to the web sites listed above for basic maintenance courses so you can fix common problems. Carry a spare inner tube and small toolkit.

"I’m not sure what is the best route" The VTA Bikeways Map shows which roads have bike lanes . It’s online at http://www.vta.org/schedules/VTA_Bike_Map.pdf , in print from the VTA for $1.50 or free with a bike packet on Bike to Work Day (May 17, 2007). Ride your route on a weekend first so you get to know the route without traffic. If your direct route is on main roads with heavy traffic, try a more scenic route on smaller roads. See also http://bicycling.511.org/ for maps and tips.

"What would I wear?" or "I don’t want to be sweaty at work" If you ride at a comfortable pace then you will not need to change clothes. Use metal clips or reflective strips with Velcro closures to protect your pants legs from the chain. Women can easily ride bikes in longer, flared skirts.

"I don’t like ‘helmet hair’!" Susan recommends using three small combs or barrettes to fasten your hair back at each side and on top before donning your helmet. Alexis recommends a buff, which also is a good winter head warmer (http://www.buffusa.com/)

Need one more incentive? Both Susan and Alexis spoke of how much they enjoy arriving at work feeling energized after their morning ride. Try it, maybe you’ll like it too! More transportation tips next month...

from The Cool Planet Working Group

First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto

www.fprespa.org