For The Health of It!

No doubt about it, there is a growing interest in bicycling to promote green transportation and to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. The number of people riding bicycles has exploded within the past year or so, in cities and towns all over the country. As wonderful as this is for our environment and our health, the frustration from some is overbearing as we can’t seem to find a way to share the road.

Research shows that bicycling health benefits include reduction in cancer, heart disease and diabetes-which outweigh its risks 20-1. So as great as it sounds to become a cyclist, there are things that raise a few red flags as to why cyclists are at risk sharing the road.

Many people choose to find a solution by pushing for more money to be spent for alternate bike lanes and paths. The money could also be allocated to build and sustain infrastructure that is well suited for cyclists’ safe transportation in and around a town or city.

Many people believe that the future of bicycles is not on the same paths as cars but rather built upon separate paths and lanes, not shared. However, the controversy lies not only on how to make bicycling safer but also how to include them in the normal routes of transportation so they are seen as equal.

With more bikers on the road and more frustrations on the rise how and what do we change so everyone can commute happily and safely? What do you think? Here’s what I have come up with:

If you are a cyclist, ride your bike as you would drive your car. Try and make the road a safe place for everyone, whether they ride on 2 wheels or 4, we are all human, with somewhere to go and more often than not, crunched for time. Be patient, road rage won’t get you anywhere but behind bars.

It goes without saying but every form of transportation necessitates a safety precaution, seat belts and helmets are encouraged and in some places mandated. If you do find yourself becoming increasingly frustrated with cyclists, take a deep breath and remember they are doing something positive for our beautiful planet. If that doesn’t help, just switch lanes.

What are your suggestions and comments?