La Piazza Blog & Stories
It’s National Bike to Work Week!
It’s National Bike to Work Week!
National Bike to Work Week is this week and we want to make sure everyone considers the opportunity. For starters, there are a number of economic/environmental reasons to consider when deciding whether or not to ride your bike. Here is an example of the fuel consumption and emissions over a years time for a commute averaging 10 miles in total per day:
Small Car (35mpg): 68 Gallons / .7 Tons of CO2
Midsize Car (20mpg): 124 Gallons / 1.3 Tons of CO2
SUV/4×4 (14mpg): 170 Gallons / 1.9 Tons of CO2
OK, OK. So, we know it’s a lot to ask to bike to work every, especially if you also live in Boston like us, but even a day or two here and there can add up to big savings for you and the environment. Not to mention, there’s the added benefit of keeping fit and living healthily!
All that aside, if you choose to bike to work, or anytime really, here are some tips to stay safe on the road and make sure you are assimilating well with traffic and not putting yourself in danger!
1. ALWAYS Wear a Helmet
Even if you’re biking across the street, accidents happen and are rarely expected.
2. Proper Lighting
If you are biking at dawn, dusk, or into the night, make sure to use proper lighting (rear and headlight) for your own safety, but also to avoid any unwanted tickets.
3. HAND SIGNALS
Often overlooked by many, hand signals are crucial to staying safe on the road by indicating to drivers and other cyclists what you intend to do.
4. Mirrors
If you have a helmet mirror or the like, use it. They can look a little goofy, but are so handy when navigating on busy roads.
5. Make Yourself Visible
When you are making a left turn off of a road through traffic, sometimes it is best to demand the road by getting in front of the cars, which will not only make yourself more visible to drivers, but also make it easier to turn. Remember, look first!
6. Bike Paths
Use designated bike paths whenever you have the opportunity, and warn pedestrians when you are passing them on shared paths.
7. Tire Inflation
Finally, make sure you have your tires inflated to the right PSI, or else you might find yourself with an unwanted flat halfway to work! I’ve been there and it’s not fun!
Small Car (35mpg): 68 Gallons / .7 Tons of CO2
Midsize Car (20mpg): 124 Gallons / 1.3 Tons of CO2
SUV/4×4 (14mpg): 170 Gallons / 1.9 Tons of CO2
OK, OK. So, we know it’s a lot to ask to bike to work every, especially if you also live in Boston like us, but even a day or two here and there can add up to big savings for you and the environment. Not to mention, there’s the added benefit of keeping fit and living healthily!
All that aside, if you choose to bike to work, or anytime really, here are some tips to stay safe on the road and make sure you are assimilating well with traffic and not putting yourself in danger!
1. ALWAYS Wear a Helmet
Even if you’re biking across the street, accidents happen and are rarely expected.
2. Proper Lighting
If you are biking at dawn, dusk, or into the night, make sure to use proper lighting (rear and headlight) for your own safety, but also to avoid any unwanted tickets.
3. HAND SIGNALS
Often overlooked by many, hand signals are crucial to staying safe on the road by indicating to drivers and other cyclists what you intend to do.
4. Mirrors
If you have a helmet mirror or the like, use it. They can look a little goofy, but are so handy when navigating on busy roads.
5. Make Yourself Visible
When you are making a left turn off of a road through traffic, sometimes it is best to demand the road by getting in front of the cars, which will not only make yourself more visible to drivers, but also make it easier to turn. Remember, look first!
6. Bike Paths
Use designated bike paths whenever you have the opportunity, and warn pedestrians when you are passing them on shared paths.
7. Tire Inflation
Finally, make sure you have your tires inflated to the right PSI, or else you might find yourself with an unwanted flat halfway to work! I’ve been there and it’s not fun!
