In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, gas shortages and hour waits at the pump are the norm.
And in some parts of New Jersey like Fort Lee, and others that suffered serious destruction and water damage, there are no open gas stations at all.
Studies have shown over and over again that more than 50 percent of all car trips are 3 miles or less. So tell us, you can’t do that on a bicycle?
So the New Jersey Bike Walk Coalition is urging people from New Jersey to use their bicycles.
Using a clever approach to the normal objections New Jerseyans use to forego the bicycle, they’ve met each one with a solution.
Here reprinted for your use, written by NJBWC Executive Director Cyndi Steiner. Get on your bike!
Avoid those long gas lines- ride your bike!
If you have a bicycle, you have a way to combat the long gas lines that many of us are struggling with here in New Jersey. In towns across the state that have been devastated by the hurricane, those on bicycles are getting around easily- to work, to run errands, to visit loved ones- without having to sit in long lines at gas stations.
Perhaps you are a recreational cyclist who hasn’t tried bike commuting yet, or you have a bike in the garage that hasn’t been used in a while. Try using your bike to help you and your family get through this difficult time. Here are some tips on how to get started. Visit your local bike shop also, as they can provide you with the right clothing and gear to help you make this transition to “utilitarian cycling.”
Commuting by bike
It’s easier than you think to commute by bicycle-and there’s never been a better time for it. Cycling is fun and rewarding-a great way to start the day, a fine calorie burner and much less stressful than driving or waiting in gas lines! Here are some common misconceptions about commuting by bicycling and the “real story”:
- It’s too far to bicycle commute. I don’t have the time. This may seem true, but often, if you analyze your situation, you’ll find that pedaling is possible-even practical. For example, we know a commuter who bikes 10 miles each way to work who says that it takes her only fifteen minutes longer each way. Plus, she says, “By combining my workout and commute, I get to exercise 1¼ hours per day and only spend an extra ½ hour to do it!Keep in mind that by avoiding stop-and-go traffic, you can make excellent time on a bicycle. You might also consider driving partway to work, parking, and pedaling the rest of the way. This saves money, gas, and the environment. And, while everyone else is idling in traffic developing road rage, you’re spinning along reducing your stress level.
- I need to wear dress clothes at work. Many bike commuters solve this problem by bringing clothes to the office on the rare days that they drive to work, so that they have a supply of clean clothes. Other bicycle commuters bring their nice clothes and lunches to the office on weekends, so that during the week they can simply dress up once at work. This requires planning, but works great. And, if you drive in on the weekend to drop off your stuff, you at least won’t be dealing with rush-hour traffic. Another option for bringing clothes to work is to drive to work in the morning with two days’ worth of clothes and your bike, pedal home that evening, then pedal to work the next morning and drive home that evening. This not only allows you to have clean clothes available, but it eliminates one round-trip by car every two days and is a good system for those who wish to commute to work over longer distances.
- I don’t have a place to shower. Consider a quick cleanup in the restroom, instead, by packing a washcloth and soap in your bag. Or maybe you can use the showers at a nearby health club (sometimes at a discounted shower-only fee). Be creative and check out the facilities near your office. Chances are pretty good that you can find an arrangement that will work. Also, remember that sweat doesn’t stink. If you’re clean when you leave home and you’re wearing clean clothes, no one will know you biked to work. In fact, if you wear the right clothes and don’t have to climb steep hills on your commute, you may not even sweat at all!
- See the rest at www.njbwc.org
