The traffic didn't bother me (I just whizzed merrily past the stopped cars) and the weather was lovely and my little fold-up bike was a dream. I arrived at work feeling energized and refreshed, not worn out by watching green lights turn red and me not moving, as usually happens when I'm in the car.
See our tips:
The best 3 reasons to own a bike.
I need to tell you how to do it safely so you have a great first voyage...
1. Get your bike tuned up and take it to a bike store (my fave is Toga), where you can get fit properly. You should be able to touch the ground with your feet flat without the frame hitting you between the legs; nothing should hurt. Other than that all you need is a helmet, comfy shoes and a pair of sunglasses. (And wear sunscreen, please, since healthy habits go hand in hand). How to pick your ideal wheels for biking.
2. Obey the rules of traffic. Stay off the sidewalks (in NYC it's illegal for adults to ride on the sidewalk) and about an arm's length away from parked cars since at any moment someone could open a door and send you flying. Also stop and go with the lights so other drivers know what you're doing and are less likely to hit you.
3. Use a full pedal stroke, not just up and down. Make a circle with your foot so the bike moves more efficiently and you don't get tired out. Win a new bike or hundreds of other prizes!
4. No music, no phones, no coffee. Trust me. I know. These are recipes for falls, spills and general disaster.
5. Tell your pals and do it together. Every time you double the number of people in the bike group you halve your risk of being hit. More bikers means you look "bigger" and are noticeable at all times. So "bike commute communally" and you'll likely get there safely. Get into gear with these biking essentials
The truth is, that's it. You can refurbish an old bike, or get a new one, or you can buy a new folding bike that slips into the coat check at a restaurant or behind a desk in an office—you might prefer this because it can go in the bottom of a closet at home and not make any trouble or take up too much room.
Bike to work to save gas (which adds up) and your a--! (Biking can burn 500 calories an hour.) If you bike three times a week, you could lose up to 10 pounds in a year, even if you're eating the exact same foods! It also helps save the planet, since you're taking one car off the road and substituting it for a bike.
Ready to try it? Already have? Nice! Now pat yourself on the back, or the backside...which is getting smaller because of all that pedaling!
Related: Check this 24-hour diet makeover!
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