9 Steps for bicycle happiness

Whether it's to save the environment or to save gas money, everyone's getting on a bike -- and you should to. 9 steps to get you on your bikerly way --

1. Get a bike. I just popped over to a local bike shop to pick up my pink townie, but if you're the type who likes to do your research first, check out this comprehensive two-part guide on how to pick out and purchase a bike. Need a visualization? The Clif Bar 2 Mile Challenge has a cute Bike Builder.

2. Pick a bike path. Lotsa bike route mapping tools can help get you moving. Use those while we wait on Google Transit to add a “Bike There” option.

3. Register your bike. Check with your local government to see if bike registration's required in your city. It is in mine! Go legal to avoid getting cited.

4. Make friends at a group bike ride! Find a Critical Mass ride near you. I have!

5. Take a bike safety class. Think biking in the city's only for the fearless? Check with the League of American Bicyclists to find a biking org offering safety classes near you -- so you can stay safe and avoid unnecessary hassles on the road. Of course, your getting on a bike in itself will make the roads safer -- More cyclists means fewer accidents!

6. Fix it yourself! Tired of forking over your hard-earned money to the bike shop for minor issues? Look for a bike co-op in your city that gives you hands-on fix-it lessons! I take my bike to Bikerowave in Santa Monica.

7. Volunteer for a bike organization. Grassroots bike orgs are always hungry for volunteers!

8. Get political! Want more bike racks? Ask for it! I did, and now the Santa Monica Public Library has more bike racks. And putting your two cents in at community meetings for the city or transit organizations will help not just you, but all the bicyclists in your 'hood.

9. Read bike blogs for inspiration! I read the Bike Girl Blog for my two-wheeling inspiration. Got a fave girly bike blog? Share it in the comments!
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BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs at greenLAgirl.com.

Submitted by greenlagirl (view blog

) on Mon, 09/22/2008 - 19:28

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Need to get on my bike!

My plan is to get back on my bike tomorrow, thanks for the added push! I need to learn to change a tire, just in case. I'd like to train for a tri but know if I don't learn some vital bike-keeping skills, and start going, I'm never going to do it. I think my biggest fear is being hit by a car. I know it could happen when I run, but when I run I run into the traffic. On my bike, I never know what is coming . . . wish there were better bike paths to explore!

The co-op is a great idea; I'll have to look into that when we get moved. Thanks again!

Kathy

Mama Marathoner

Allbusiness:Working Mothers

Submitted by Kathy333 on Mon, 09/22/2008 - 16:44

I highly recommend looking

I highly recommend looking into taking a bike safety class! It'll keep you safer as well as give you more confidence on the road :)

green LA girl

Submitted by greenlagirl on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 12:02

Bike path etiquette

Greetings from a fellow Santa Monican. I recently did a post on etiquette for multi-use paths (http://funfit40something.com/2008/09/08/7-etiquette-rules-for-multi-use-...). If you any additional "rules of the road," I'd love to hear them!

Submitted by funfit40something on Mon, 09/22/2008 - 17:18

Thanks for the link,

Thanks for the link, neighbor! Hope people learn to be more considerate when sharing the road :)

green LA girl

Submitted by greenlagirl on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 12:05

Good tips.

Your tips sound good.

I'm from the Netherlands - where biking is normal. You might be inspired by the pictures and tips on this page: http://www.squidoo.com/dutchbikes

Submitted by spirituality on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 01:18

2 Years and Going

Thank you for the Tips. I have been riding my bike for 2 years now, these are definately good tips to put into practice for everyone including myself. I encourage everyone to get on a bike instead of driving a car (if they can). You will be helping the enviroment and helping yourself. I have lost over 10 pounds since I started riding. Thanks

Dana H

www.iopticsvisual.com

Submitted by ioptics on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 07:56

Hmmm... I haven't lost an

Hmmm... I haven't lost an ounce since I started biking, but I guess I've compensated by just eating more :P

green LA girl

Submitted by greenlagirl on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 12:06

Love the pink Townie! I'm

Love the pink Townie! I'm a bike-commuting mama myself -- still getting used to it and working out the kinks.

Kathleen

http://www.technoearthmama.com

Submitted by kmcdade on Tue, 09/23/2008 - 20:20

Biking in 100+ Degrees

I am really ready to get on my bike and start running my errands on the bike. In Phoenix, it's still reaching 100 degrees and I have only met one person who enjoys riding in the heat. Any suggestions or cool products you know of to help with riding in the extreme heat?

Submitted by Emtnester on Wed, 09/24/2008 - 11:29

Small town, narrow roads

I have a bike. It has two flat tires. :-)

I really do want to ride, and have been gearing up (sorry!) my courage to hit the roads in this small town. We just got our FIRST ever painted bike lane stripe. Maybe good things are yet to come.

Thanks for the nudge.

Grace at http://www.facetothesun.com

"You will never fear the shadows if you keep your face to the sun-shine."~~Helen Keller

Submitted by HighGrace on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 19:11