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For more information on safe cycling routes, find your local cycling resources.
Google's New "Bike There" Map!
Cycling: For Your Physical Health
Cycling for a few minutes a day, a few times a week will help you live happier, live healthier, and live longer:
• Active commuting that incorporates cycling and walking is associated with an overall 11% reduction in cardiovascular risk.
• Women who walk or bike 30+ minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer.
• 82% of bicycle commuters believe their health has improved since they started bicycle commuting.
• Lifestyle physical activity [like biking for transportation] is as effective as a structured exercise program in improving physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure in previously sedentary healthy adults.
• Men and women who bicycle or walk to work are significantly less likely to be overweight and obese.
• Children who ride a bike two or more times a week are less likely to be overweight.
• Adolescents who participate in bicycling, in-line skating, or skateboarding more than four times a week are 48% less likely to be overweight as adults.
• Youths who regularly bike or walk to leisure-time activities have better low back strength, low back extension, hip flexion, and exension than those who ride a school bus.
Sources:
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Hamer, M., and Y. Chida, 2007, Active commuting and cardiovascular risk: A meta-analytic review, Preventive Medicine, 46, 9-13
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Luoto, R., et al., 2000, The effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk: A cohort study of 30,548 women, European Journal of Epidemiology, 16, 973-80
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Moritz, W., 1997, Survey of North American bicycle commuters: Design and aggregate results, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1578, 91-10
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Dunn, A., et al., 1999, Comparison of lifestyle and structured interventions to increase physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness: a randomized trial, JAMA, 281, 327-34
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Lindstrom, M., 2007, Means of transportation to work and overweight and obesity: A population-based study in southern Sweden, Preventive Medicine, 46, 22-28
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Dudas, R., and M. Crocetti, 2008, Association of bicycling and childhood overweight status, Ambulatory Pediatrics, 8, 392-395
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Menschik, D., et al., 2008, Adolescent physical activities as predictors of young adult weight, Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 162, 23-28
-Sjolie, A., 2000, Access to pedestrian roads, daily activities, and physical performance of adolescents, Spine, 25, 1965-72
Essential Bike-Curious Commuter Gear
When you hit the road make sure you are prepared. Pump those tires up, clean off those reflectors, and make sure you’re carrying this important gear with you:
1. Helmet: It’s the law. A helmet can be the difference between a minor cycling accident and a catastrophic one. You only have one head, so treat it well.
2. Headlight and Taillight: In Earl’s district, cyclists are required to have both a working head and taillight when riding in the dark. Elsewhere they may be optional, but having working lights is a vital part of riding safely at night. Get a white light for your front handlebars so you can see the road ahead, and a red light that clips onto your bag or your seat post so that cars and cyclists coming up behind you know you’re there.
3. Bike rack: If you don’t like carrying your belongings on your back, you can get a rack that sits over the back wheel of your bike. Depending on your preference, you can get a quick-release rack, or something more permanent. The rack allows you to strap down an extra jacket, or your lunch, or even a bag of groceries. Depending on your load, you can also attach extra bags (called “panniers” in the cycling world) to the side of the bike.
4. Fenders: If you plan on riding in all sorts of weather, fenders can be good to have over the tires so that your clothing does not become water and mud-spattered. Even if you don’t plan on riding in inclement weather, you may want fenders; Mother Nature can always take you by surprise.
5. Spare tube and basic bike tools: You never know when you’re going to get a flat, so just like you carry a spare tire in your car, it’s important to carry a spare tube on your bike. Also be sure to carry basic bike tools, including bicycle tire irons and a frame pump. Many local bike shops offer maintenance clinics where you can learn how to change a flat tire.
6. Allen wrench: An allen wrench allows you to adjust your seat and your handlebars on the road, ensuring that you will have a comfortable ride. Many bike stores sell cycling multi-tools that have all of the wrenches you will need.
Still More Bike-Curious?
For More Information:
Rules of the Road
- Follow the Law: You may feel special because you’re on a bike instead of inside a car, but cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws that cars are. So don’t speed through those red lights, and go with the flow of traffic.
- Be Predictable, Be Polite: True, it takes six bicycles to fill in the same space as one car, but that doesn’t mean its ok to ride six-wide down the street. When riding in a group, ride in a straight line. Always signal before making a turn, and don’t make any sudden movements.
- Be Safe: Always wear a helmet. And dress to be seen; fluorescent colors and reflective gear are hip when you’re on a bicycle. When drivers can see you, they’re much less likely to cut you off.
- Be Aware: Even though you are aware of the cars clogging the road, they may not be aware of you. Always keep an eye on the traffic and be sure to ride defensively.
- Ride Ready: Make sure your tires are pumped up, and make sure your breaks are in working order. If you choose to adapt a Bike-Curious lifestyle, then you may want to take a class at a local bike shop to learn how to maintain your bicycle.
What kind of Bike-Curious Are You?
If you’re just starting to experiment with your Bike-Curiousness, you may be curious as to which bike is right for you. Depending on your budget and what you want to use your bicycle for, there are different bike you might be interested in.
Read more ...Oregon's Grassroots at the White House
by Congressman Earl Blumenauer
The Oregon political grassroots spread deep and far beyond the borders of our state. It's great fun encountering people who had been part of the Obama campaign popping up in the new administration in Washington DC or people that are taking higher profile leadership roles in their communities around the country. But nothing gives me greater satisfaction than watching the effects of the network in Oregon. I recently had a delightful illustration of the impact of one dedicated, concerned, and focused individual who is committed to grassroots change: Sue Stinson.
Read more ...Are You Bike-Curious?
A Health Care Town Hall with Gov. Howard Dean
Congressman Earl Blumenauer and former Vermonth Governor Dr. Howard Dean, M.D. discussed health care reform with Portland residents at a Town Hall meeting on June 5, 2009. The two explained the different health reform options on the table. They also talked about why they, as well as President Barack Obama, support a public health option. The public health option, Dean said, was vital to ensuring that every American had access to affordable health insurance.
Video of the event will be available in the coming days.
Earl on KINK FM's Les Arnoff
Earl on the passing of KINK FM's Les Arnoff.
In almost four decades of public service, Earl Blumenauer's innovative accomplishments in transportation, planning, environmental programs and public participation have helped Portland, Oregon earn an international reputation as one of America's most livable cities.