Page 63 - Safe Mobility for Life E-book

Bicycling as a Transportation Option

For many, the bike was the only independent
transportation option before getting a driver license.
As we became more dependent on the car, the bicycle
turned into a recreational activity, if not forgotten
completely. Answer the questions below to see if
bicycling would be a possible transportation option for
you to get around in your community.

▶ Do you own a bicycle?

» If you do not have a bike, some communities have
bike-share programs or support services.

▶ Do you feel comfortable riding a bike?

» Many people have not ridden a bike in years, CHAPTER 3
if at all. Learning to ride as an adult should be
no harder than learning as a child. Many bike
shops and communities offer safe biking courses
including the Safe Bicycling for Life workshop
mentioned in Chapter 2.

» Check into modifications that can make a bicycle
more comfortable to ride (pedal assist, recumbent
bikes, or adult three-wheel bikes).

▶ Are there bike lanes or shared use paths between
where you live and places you need to go?

▶ Do you ride a bike for exercise? If so, have you
considered bicycling as a form of transportation?
» Try to combine exercising with simple errands or
outings (picking up a prescription, getting lunch,
light grocery shopping).

Chapter 3: Plan 59