Shift your thinking - Utility Biking

Utility biking is biking with a purpose. You can bike to the supermarket, you can bike to work, you can bike pretty much anywhere.

Utility biking is good for your health and your emotional well being. A study found that aerobic fitness was boosted by 11% after just six weeks of cycling 'short distances' four times a week. And if you were cycling the equivalent of four miles to and from work in total a day the aerobic benefit increased to 17%.

Utility biking is good for your wallet. If you commute 10 miles to work, 5 days a week and drive 10 additional miles each day, you spend $8,468.75 per year on your car. How much does it really cost you to drive? Use the true cost of driving online calculator to find out. www.commutesolutions.org.

Where to begin? Approach 'using your car less' like a game or a math problem. Buy a bike or get your bike tuned up. Talk to somebody who uses their car less or doesn't have a car. Pick one errand you can do easily by bike. For instance, going to the library, picking up a gallon of milk, or really any trip under 3 miles can be done by bike.

Plan your route because more often than not your driving route may not be the best biking route. Use quiet side streets even if the route is a little longer. Ask other bikers or bike shop people for advice.

Utility biking can heighten your quality of life and get you in touch with your community. It can turn a stressful commute into an enjoyable outdoor workout. Plus it has many health benefits from controlling your weight to controlling your depression. And it saves the environment.

Remember it is the journey, not the destination that counts!

"Shift your thinking, The benefits of utility biking to your health and your wallet"
A presentation by Martina Fahrner, Clever Cycles