bicycles??

For those of you who have the misfortune of living in a large city in either an apartment, co-op or condo where car, motorcycle or even scooter ownership is virtually out of the question and living space is at an absolute premium, I'd like to strongly suggest considering a purchase of a fold-up bicycle for your transportation needs. One of these can fit in a closet or under a desk or a bed.
http://www.bazookasports.com/viewproduct.php?cat=1
http://www.ineed2know.org/folding_bikes.htm
http://www.business.com/directory/retail_and_consumer_services/sporting_goods/cycling_equipment/recumbent_and_specialty_bicycles/
http://www.khsbicycles.com/10_folding_bikes.htm

 

Unfortunately, because of where I live (intersection of two busy highways), I have to go by car. My school is a 15-20 minute drive (depending on the traffic), and my Church is the same distance. It's also very dangerous to go on the main road because it twists and turns all over the place.

Hopefully, though, when I move to Utah in/after college, I'll ride my bike more often. I used to ride my bike everywhere, when my dad lost his license for a year. I prefer bike riding over driving (although I don't know how yet--yes, I'm seventeen and can't drive, no it doesn't bother me at all), even though I haven't done it in years, since we moved out here and my cousins broke my bike (beautiful purple cruiser!).

So my answer: I will start biking very often as soon as I get to a more bike-friendly area. :-D Efficient, good for the environment, saves money, fun, AND healthy!

 

I love my bike. It's this weird purple colour, that fades to blue, almost like tye dye. I've been riding it everywhere, I don't think I've used a car all summer.

 

4 times.. people don't know how to drive. i nearly died. a teenage boy in a brand new van came inches from hitting me. i cussed him out.. then felt a little bad. but maybe that scare will make him a better driver.it's too hot for this. when it's raining they drive crazy.. when it's hot.. they drive crazy. i just need wings on my bike.

 

i love bikes and ride mine everywhere. A bike, a tent and a bag of weed, simple pleasures!

 

dude hell yeah...

bikes are so amazing. i ride that thing everywhere... mmm my bike i love it.

 

simple... EXACTLY!

 

they hurt my crotch :&

 

get a better saddle

 

I've been riding all summer, and telling others they should too. Some of the casheirs at work were riding to work occasionally, which was good to see. I live only a block away so I walk, but for most of my trips around town, I try to take my bike. Being in the suburbs means it's more car convenient than bike convenient, and living in Michigan, when it gets cold, I'm more likely to drive my truck. But I do much prefer biking.

It was interesting to read that thing about efficiency of bikes, it's true, it is one of the most efficient, versatile transportation methods, aside from walking (which isn't as efficient but is more natural). I like the way Thoreau said it (though he referred to train rides). Basically, it costs less to walk (or in our case, bike) than to take a car. All we have to do is buy the bike, a one time cost. The car buyer pays WAY more, then has insurance, registration, gas, maintenance, etc. This all takes time, lots and lots of hours to earn that money. All I need is food and the occasional bit of oil on my chain. And since the bike was a gift, I didn't even pay for that. So, I could get to California from Detroit sooner than someone driving, considering that they have to factor in the time they spent earning money to pay for the car, fuel, and other expenses. Shit...factor in the indirect costs like taxes for highway construction, traffic cops, signs and signals, and we come out WAY the fuck ahead of the driver.

And we'll be healthier in doing so, physically, mentally, and environmentally. (mentally because we burn off pent up energy).

The best thing is, these days, is the gas savings. I have a multi-function bicycle computer which shows milage, rate, avg speed, max speed, an overall odometer, and a clock. As the miles accumulate, I compare it to what I'd be getting milage-wise in my truck (about 17 miles per gallon). It never fails to make me smile.

 

Nice post Trippin

I finally got the puncture on my bike fixed, so it's back in business after a few years in the shed . It feels good zipping from one part of the city to another so quickly.
My sandal fell off my foot when I was cycling past a traffic jam today though (..it's a good thing it wasn't moving traffic, in retrospect) - I had to backtrack a few metres, and slip it back on the foot again. I was a bit embarrased, but it was sort of funny as well.

 

ahaha.. bike barefoot.

i'ma barefooter.. but i admit i usually will wear my flipflops while riding my bike.. or shoes if i'm on my way to work.
i've got a few scars from my bike on my feet.

soft feet + hard metal = not always good

 

I've been riding barefoot lately, feels good. The only sandals I have are thong sandles, and the thong was bugging my foot between my toes (and also chafed the skin on the top of my foot...rubbed it raw). And I hate shoes, so yeah. My pedals are plastic so it isn't too bad, though there are also plastic spikes for grip. They don't bother me too much.

What I really need is a chain guard, I keep getting grimy oil on my right calf.

 

I've got my dad's old Fuji roadbike from way back in the day. It's all tall and awesome and stuff.

 

I would love to bike more but school and work, the only places i really go, are sortof far and go through busy highwayish areas. I also live in nj where I would freeze my ass of in feb.

 

Wow. I had a Fuji Cadenza, thing was a real tank. Heavy and big but damn, that bike ruled. I could not destroy it no matter how hard I tried. I had to replace some rims and of course new fatties but everything else never died. Rock hoppin, street speed, whatever, that thing was a real warhorse.

 

i realy like it alot, my family still says im gonna kill myself one day if i dont start being more carefull

 

Were they messengers? The reason I ask is that messengers cut their bread (and teeth) on how expedient they can be. This often involves ignoring vehicle traffic laws in order to sum up a good days work. On top of the messenger is the anxious buisiness who will quickly remove source of income if the gal or guy on the bike doesn't deliver promptly. It is expected of the messenger to forego traffic laws. Basicly, the one in the monkey suit doesn't give a darn how you get the delivery there, as long as it's PDQ. I know messengers that can hop a high rise duelie king cab and whistle while they're doin it.

 

Whoah, hardcore cyclists in the windy city man. Ever hit mass? There's a good mass group in Chi. Down with new riders, old riders, whatever. As long as you're on a bike. (you can even ride a fuzzy green velvet covered bike in a clown wig and it's great!) Dig, hit the mass.

(sorry Boogabaah for hoggin' your thread, but this : used to be my avatar for a long time, I truly dig the two wheeled wonder. )

Get on a bike and ride it! (ok I'll stfu now

 

I would love to ride my bike everywhere, but its hard around here, because I live way out in the country, and have to drive for about 20 minutes at 65mph on the high way to get anywhere. School is a 10 minute drive but its through a bunch of winding back roads.