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Biking In The U.S.
Biking is a very popular sport. Last year, a survey by The League of American bicyclists found about 57 million Americans 16 and older ride bikes. More than half of those riders report they would like to spend more time on a bike.There are many reasons for bike riding. Over 40 percent of Americans bike for health reasons. Biking is a great form of exercise. It helps to maintain or lose weight and build strength and cardiovascular endurance. About 37 percent of Americans bike for recreation and relaxation. Other reasons for riding a bike include: running errands, travel to work/school or visiting relatives and friends.Biking has other benefits as well. Motor vehicle emissions increase pollution by releasing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into the air. Thus, as an alternative to driving or riding a bus, biking can help save the environment. Biking can help reduce roadway congestion. The cost of operating a bike (about $120/year) is also much less than that of a car (about $5,170/year).Choosing a Bike
According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 16.6 million bicycles were sold in the U.S. in 2001. There are many different styles and brands of bikes. Choosing the wrong kind or picking a poor quality bike can cause a rider to become tired, frustrated and sore. Therefore, buyers should avoid the temptation to purchase a bike off the rack from a local toy or department store. Instead, seek advice from a reputable bike shop. Employees at bike shops tend to be biking enthusiasts who have good working knowledge and experience with different types of bikes. Bike employees also have more time to help you find the best bike for your needs.Here are some of the basic bike styles:Mountain Bikes. With rugged construction and strong frames, mountain bikes are ideal for rough, off-road riding (although they also can be used on the road). They have fat, knobby tires that help provide traction over different kinds of right terrain and a better ability to absorb shock.Trail Bikes or Light-Duty Mountain Bikes. These are similar to mountain bikes, but are usually heavier, less rugged and less expensive. They can be used on the road or on a trail, but won't hold up well for heavy trail riding. They're a good choice for students, commuters and recreational bikers.Comfort Bikes. These are similar to the trail bikes and light-duty-mountain bikes, but are designed for more comfort. The pedals tend to be wider and the seats are often softer and better able to absorb shock. The front end of the bike also tends to be higher and the distance between the seats and handlebars shorter.Road/Touring Bikes. Road bikes are the modern version of the old "10-speeds." They have smooth, narrow tires, skinny saddles and "turned down" handlebars. They are built for speed and distance on smooth surfaces (roads and pavements). Road models are often lighter in weight and have a short wheelbase for quick response. Touring models have a longer wheelbase, better shock absorbency and places to attach bags and equipment.Hybrid Bikes. Hybrid bikes combine some of the elements of mountain bikes and road bikes. They have the seating, handlebars and wider tires of the mountain bikes and the larger diameter wheels of a road bike. They can be used on both trails and roads, but may not meet the needs of serious riders.Recumbent Bikes. Recumbent bikes are designed for riders who need to sit in a reclined position. The seats are lower to the ground and shaped more like a lounge chair. These bikes are not very common and tend to be expensive. They may be useful for people with back and neck problems and those who are unable to lean forward while riding.Tandem Bikes. Tandem bikes are built for two riders. They have a long wheelbase, two seats and two sets of handlebars and pedals. They may be found in mountain, hybrid, road and recumbent styles. Riders don't necessarily need to have the same level of strength to use a tandem bike.Adult Three-Wheelers. These bikes look like large-sized versions of tricycles. They are best for wide, even pavements or streets. The extra stability of three-wheelers makes them ideal for those who are physically challenged or have difficulty maintaining balance on a two-wheeled bike.Electric-Assist Bikes. Electric bikes are becoming more popular in the U.S. The bikes are powered by pedaling and a rechargeable battery. They come in a wide variety of styles and frames.Hand Bikes. Hand bikes are powered by a set of hand pedals rather than the feet. They usually have low seats with the rider's feet extending toward the front. These bikes are ideal for those with limited or no use of their legs.Folding Bikes. Folding bikes are exactly as the name implies. They tend to be lightweight and small and can fit into a compartment about the size of a large suitcase. They are less cumbersome when not in use (no need to take the bike apart) and ideal for travelers.Once you have chosen the type of bike you want, you need to select the proper size frame. The League of American Bicyclists recommends one to two inches of standover (additional space between the bottom of the foot and the ground) for road bikes and three-to four inches for mountain/hybrid bikes. Personnel at local bike shops can help fit you with the proper size frame. Test ride the bike for comfort. The handlebars and seat should be adjusted into a comfortable position. There are many different styles of seats. Some are narrow and some are wide. Some seats have more padding than others.Next on the list - don't forget about the gear. You should ride with a properly fitting helmet. Wear shoes designed for biking (no sandals or beach shoes!). Glasses can protect the eyes from road debris. Bikers on long trips may benefit from gloves, biking shorts, jerseys and tights. Obey the rules of the road and watch out for animals, pedestrians and other cyclists. Motor vehicles are supposed to share the road with bicyclists. However, bikers still need to be careful. In 2001, there were about 45,000 traffic accidents involving bicycles 728 of them were fatal to the biker.AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For specific advice on choosing a bike, speak with a consultant at your local bike shop. For general information on bikes and biking: BikesRNot Toys, http://www.bikesrnottoys.com
League of American Bicyclists, http://www.bikeleague.org
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, http://www.bicyclinginfo.orgSource: Medstar
According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 16.6 million bicycles were sold in the U.S. in 2001. There are many different styles and brands of bikes. Choosing the wrong kind or picking a poor quality bike can cause a rider to become tired, frustrated and sore. Therefore, buyers should avoid the temptation to purchase a bike off the rack from a local toy or department store. Instead, seek advice from a reputable bike shop. Employees at bike shops tend to be biking enthusiasts who have good working knowledge and experience with different types of bikes. Bike employees also have more time to help you find the best bike for your needs.Here are some of the basic bike styles:Mountain Bikes. With rugged construction and strong frames, mountain bikes are ideal for rough, off-road riding (although they also can be used on the road). They have fat, knobby tires that help provide traction over different kinds of right terrain and a better ability to absorb shock.Trail Bikes or Light-Duty Mountain Bikes. These are similar to mountain bikes, but are usually heavier, less rugged and less expensive. They can be used on the road or on a trail, but won't hold up well for heavy trail riding. They're a good choice for students, commuters and recreational bikers.Comfort Bikes. These are similar to the trail bikes and light-duty-mountain bikes, but are designed for more comfort. The pedals tend to be wider and the seats are often softer and better able to absorb shock. The front end of the bike also tends to be higher and the distance between the seats and handlebars shorter.Road/Touring Bikes. Road bikes are the modern version of the old "10-speeds." They have smooth, narrow tires, skinny saddles and "turned down" handlebars. They are built for speed and distance on smooth surfaces (roads and pavements). Road models are often lighter in weight and have a short wheelbase for quick response. Touring models have a longer wheelbase, better shock absorbency and places to attach bags and equipment.Hybrid Bikes. Hybrid bikes combine some of the elements of mountain bikes and road bikes. They have the seating, handlebars and wider tires of the mountain bikes and the larger diameter wheels of a road bike. They can be used on both trails and roads, but may not meet the needs of serious riders.Recumbent Bikes. Recumbent bikes are designed for riders who need to sit in a reclined position. The seats are lower to the ground and shaped more like a lounge chair. These bikes are not very common and tend to be expensive. They may be useful for people with back and neck problems and those who are unable to lean forward while riding.Tandem Bikes. Tandem bikes are built for two riders. They have a long wheelbase, two seats and two sets of handlebars and pedals. They may be found in mountain, hybrid, road and recumbent styles. Riders don't necessarily need to have the same level of strength to use a tandem bike.Adult Three-Wheelers. These bikes look like large-sized versions of tricycles. They are best for wide, even pavements or streets. The extra stability of three-wheelers makes them ideal for those who are physically challenged or have difficulty maintaining balance on a two-wheeled bike.Electric-Assist Bikes. Electric bikes are becoming more popular in the U.S. The bikes are powered by pedaling and a rechargeable battery. They come in a wide variety of styles and frames.Hand Bikes. Hand bikes are powered by a set of hand pedals rather than the feet. They usually have low seats with the rider's feet extending toward the front. These bikes are ideal for those with limited or no use of their legs.Folding Bikes. Folding bikes are exactly as the name implies. They tend to be lightweight and small and can fit into a compartment about the size of a large suitcase. They are less cumbersome when not in use (no need to take the bike apart) and ideal for travelers.Once you have chosen the type of bike you want, you need to select the proper size frame. The League of American Bicyclists recommends one to two inches of standover (additional space between the bottom of the foot and the ground) for road bikes and three-to four inches for mountain/hybrid bikes. Personnel at local bike shops can help fit you with the proper size frame. Test ride the bike for comfort. The handlebars and seat should be adjusted into a comfortable position. There are many different styles of seats. Some are narrow and some are wide. Some seats have more padding than others.Next on the list - don't forget about the gear. You should ride with a properly fitting helmet. Wear shoes designed for biking (no sandals or beach shoes!). Glasses can protect the eyes from road debris. Bikers on long trips may benefit from gloves, biking shorts, jerseys and tights. Obey the rules of the road and watch out for animals, pedestrians and other cyclists. Motor vehicles are supposed to share the road with bicyclists. However, bikers still need to be careful. In 2001, there were about 45,000 traffic accidents involving bicycles 728 of them were fatal to the biker.AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For specific advice on choosing a bike, speak with a consultant at your local bike shop. For general information on bikes and biking: BikesRNot Toys, http://www.bikesrnottoys.com
League of American Bicyclists, http://www.bikeleague.org
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, http://www.bicyclinginfo.orgSource: Medstar
