Not too many of us can say that we really do like the old twice-a-day traffic hassle. But Franko thoroughly enjoys his commutes to and from work. That's because when most of us are sticking our keys in the ignition, he is straddling a bicycle, fastening his helmet and getting set to put out some leg power. While most of us commute in our fossil fuel-powered vehicles of convenience, he runs his ultra-efficient, fun machine on bread and fruit.
Now after thousands of round trips between home and work, Franko has racked up tens of thousands of miles of bicycle commuting fun! For those who may be intrigued by bicycling as transportation, Franko provides some insight and advice on the subject:
Q: Franko, when did you start riding?
A: Some people think its something new, but I really started riding when my dad let go of the seat in 1958, and I've never stopped.
Q: Why do you ride to work?
A: Driving is sucky! Bicycling is fun. Easy choice. Next question.
Q: Okay, okay, good summary, but what are the benefits?
A: Well, my heart and lungs are healthy. I guess I could claim to be physically fit. In fact, my doctor asked if I was a P.E. teacher and solicited me for exercise advice. Of course, I do save money and energy, reduce smog, and all of that, but these things are not why I ride. These are just the benefits of riding. The real reason Franko rides a bike to work is the fun. It's impossible for a bicyclist to explain to a non-bicyclist how good it feels to be this lively. It's challenging and refreshing. It's even meditative. How could I justify going down hill on a 35 degree morning? B-r-r-r! How could I justify riding home uphill, into the wind on a 100 degree day? You'd think I have no sense, but I find it enjoyable in almost all conditions. I have many routes ranging from 8 to 13 miles. I use either of two road racing bikes or a mountain bike, depending on what I feel like that day. My routes are seldom pre-planned. I just go. No radio to listen to. No traffic to fight. No stress. On a beautiful morning I'm tempted to just keep on riding. I'll never get tired of seeing beautiful sunrises, or riding through a field of knee-deep fog early in the morning. Sometimes I take the long route home. How many auto commuters want to keep on driving just for the sake of driving? Yes, I love to ride a bicycle to and from work. I'd hate to have to drive.
Q: Okay, Franko, we believe you! What advice do you have for us would-be commuters?
A: I'll give you a few words and them some rules of the road. First, start within your abilities. It's not easy to go from casual, once in a while weekend riding or non-riding to daily bike commuting all at once, so don't torture yourself. You'll have to figure out where to change clothes (if you do), plus where to put your bike, how to maintain it, and so forth. You've got to have a safe route. I have several route options myself, but I always choose the safest ones, even if they're longer. On the road there are some cardinal rules. These are critically important for your safety, so I'll list them:
- Pretend you are invisible! I really mean it. Don't ever assume a motorist sees you.
- Wear a helmet! Even I, the so-called expert, have done my version of the human dart maneuver a couple of times. I've known of many people who have been saved by their helmet. Unfortunately, I know of some cases where a helmet might have prevented brain damage. The joy of riding is best done from beneath a helmet. It amazes me that people will buy a pair of $100 sneakers to protect their feet, yet don't think it is worth it to have any helmet at all, let alone a good one. I also wear bike gloves for safety. The one and only time in years of riding that I forgot my gloves was the one and only time I had a huge crash and got the palms of my hands torn up. With the gloves I could have saved some nasty cuts and skin loss.
- Ride defensively! Be wary on the road. Keep your eyes and ears wide open. Don't wear a headset that keeps you from hearing what's going on around you. There is no telling how many times my good vision and acute awareness has kept me safe. Its second nature by now, but my riding defensively never lapses.
- Be prepared! The Boy Scout motto is good for you and you bike as well. Don't try to ride downhill on a 35 degree morning without gloves! Just the same, don't ride on a piece of junk bicycle with bad brakes and wobbly wheels. I've seen so many of your bicycles and your children's bicycles to know that most people's ideals must be pretty low when it comes to bicycles. Generally speaking, good bikes are not that cheap, and all bikes require some attention. If you and your bike are prepared, you can begin to enjoy bicycle commuting. If not, FORGET IT!
Q: Thank-you, Franko. I hope you keep safe! Any last words of advice?
A: Yes. If you live reasonably close to work or school, give bicycle commuting a try. Even when I used to live far from work, I still commuted part of the way on a bicycle. Funny thing - I didn't lose any time. Of all the reasons for commuting on a bike, do it because it's fun. The exercise, gas savings and all of that will be nice side effects to your fun ride. If anyone wants to contact me about bicycle commuting, I can be reached at:
franknielsen53@hotmail.com.
Copyright © 1999 Frank M. Nielsen
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