Ideal Bite: Cycle-path

May 08, 2009 Trouble viewing this email? Read it online... BIKING TO WORK Cycle-path If 10,000 Biters bike once a week (to the store, to work, to the bar...one way), in a year we'll save enough gas to drive from SF to NYC 537 times, round-trip. Think peeps who bike to work are crazy? Maybe - helmet hair and dried sweat don't make for the best postwork date. Luckily, we've got tips to assuage your top five cycling reservations, just in time for National Bike to Work Week (May 11-15). It's gonna be insane. Losing it (pollution, that is). Every gallon of gasoline we burn creates about 20 pounds of climate-change-causing CO2, making commuting by bike way eco-friendly. A crazy physique. Casual biking burns about 173 calories per hour. Saving up for therapy. A typical U.S. family spends nearly $8,000 per year operating a car, while a bike might cost $50 for an annual tune-up. Toshio bikes to work most days, but he's been lagging on replacing the helmet he lost a few months ago, leading Hanah to threaten that if he doesn't, she's not gonna come visit him in the hospital when he crashes. Our top tips Get a "Trunk." Need to bring stuff with you? Backpacks and messenger bags do the trick, but if you need more space, consider a bike basket (we like Jorg & Olif's wicker version; $60), rack (Topeak has ones you can install yourself; $28), or trailer (Xtracycle has plenty; $264 and up). Wear Layers. You can strip down or layer up depending on how hot you get (and minimize sweating). Hitch a Ride. If you're too far from the office to ride all the way, most buses have easy-to-use bike racks. (And remember: Riding farther distances gets easier with time, since you're getting in better shape.) Get Safe. See if your local bike org offers a biking map showing the best roads to take, always have bike lights handy for night riding, and dress in bright colors. And of course… Get a Cute Helmet. Try Bern's Berkeley Helmet (most models come with a removable knit lining for cold weather; $60) or Jorg & Olif (kinda like an equestrian riding helmet, in a good way, but note: it's toasty; $75). More resources League of American Bicyclists - find National Bike Month events in your area. Wanna get $20 a month for free? As of January, the government will reimburse employers who give bike commuters a $20 per month allowance. Ask your HR department to get vouchers from Accor. Sam Whittingham holds the world record for human-powered bike speed, at 82.33 mph. SPONSOR     SHARE           FORWARD TO A FRIEND           ADD TO MYBITES           BLOG WITH US           COMMENT ON THIS TIP Refrigerator Robbery In our latest cash-saving vid, Hanah teaches us how more is actually more when it comes to stocking up your fridge. EDITORIAL POLICY  |  PRIVACY POLICY  |  TERMS AND CONDITIONS PRESS KIT  |  ADVERTISE  |  CONTACT US Copyright 2009 Ideal Bite, Inc. 340 Brannan St. Ste 402 San Francisco, CA 94107

.