[TriLUG] [OT] TriLUGger on the news

[Steve Litt]

Tom Ed,

As someone who started bicycle commuting in 1968, I wholeheartedly endorse 
your advice. I couldn't have said it better myself. 

By the way, some of you might like (and others might hate) my "Steve Litt's 
Guide to Transportational Bicycling" site at 
http://www.troubleshooters.com/bicycles/index.htm.

SteveT

On Wednesday 23 May 2007 07:56, tomed at bellsouth.net wrote:
> With all the talk of blood and guts, I thought I'd propose the following
> for those thinking of trying a bicycle commute.
>
> Don't start with a commute. Start with something less ambitious, but
> just as useful.
>
> I hear from time to time that a huge percentage of all trips taken by
> automobile are with the driver alone, from the driver's home to a
> destination within 2 miles.
>
> So think of your home as the center of a circle with a 2 mile
> radius. What's within the circle? If you live in a gigantic burb,
> maybe only houses. But maybe there are lots of destinations.
>
> Groceries, hardware, dentist, doctor, favorite bar, Trilug
> meetings.
>
> This type of trip can actually be faster and more convenient on a bike,
> especially if parking is an issue.
>
> With a minimal outlay, you can haul groceries and other stuff. I suggest
> using the bike you probably already have. Put a rack on the back, and
> get 2 shopping panniers (basically boxes with hooks on the side.)
> Nashbar.com has nice shopping panniers at about $20.00 each. If you
> need to buy a rack as well, your total outlay will be under $60.00
> Also, perhaps, an inexpensive cable lock that will fit around light
> poles, etc, since most places don't have bike racks.
>
> Plan your routes to your favorite destinations carefully. Don't worry
> about using the most direct route. Go with a longer route if it's more
> comfortable and bike friendly.
>
> Turn it all into a game, a what-can-I-do-with-my-bike sort of game.
> Similar to the what-can-I-do-with-Linux game.
>
> If you start using your bike regularly, and it works for you, that
> would be the time to start planning commute strategies.
>
> Tom Ed