May
15
2007
15
2007
Bike Culture
Filed under: Bikes, Activism, Exercise, Environmentalism, Green Living
I have always loved bicycles. This love started out with the brand new blue and white Schwinn from my grandparents when I was 7 years old. Then it was the pink ten- speed Huffy. In my pre-teenage years, my friends and I used to ride around on my vintage tandem Schwinn. That was crazy stuff. Life was good. And then cars entered into the scene and stole my bicycle love. Somehow, riding around town in my 1977 White Toronado was more fun than a bike. But never fear, my bicycle love has returned full force.
Why do I love to ride? There is just something about arriving at my destination by pedaling that excites me. I love the wind in my face when I go down hills and the bugs that get stuck in my eyes when I ride too late at night. Nothing gives me greater joy than transporting my groceries via bicycle (our coop gives $5.00 off for every 10 times you ride/walk there 
). Bella really likes riding in her Burley. Getting exercise without even thinking about it is a plus…and not having to find a parking spot is one of the best things in life.
I think that I could live and thrive without a car. Even in the winter? Yes! Many people continue to bike throughout the winter…installing “snow tires” and dressing for the cold. Bikes are everywhere in Bozeman. It’s so fun to ride around on a Friday night and see bikes parked everywhere, even at the “fancier” restaurants. The only thing that is lacking are completely separate bike lanes, which would be helpful. Bozeman is not quite as “bike friendly” as a town like Boulder, CO , but they’re coming around. The town is still small and slow enough where I feel relatively safe sharing the road with cars on city streets. Most drivers are respectful of your right to ride on the road.
Those of you that live in the suburbs, I feel for ya. We are visiting my family back in Des Moines right now and everything is so far away! I rode my bike to the Farmer’s Market with Bella and it took 40 minutes one way. Wow! There are many things within biking distance (malls, restaurants, etc), but it’s just not “bike friendly”. When I ride my bike up to a store, people look at me like a have something growing from my head. As I was walking up to unlock my bike from the rack one day, I overheard a little girl say to her mom…”Why would someone ride their bike to the store?!”. It was also a strange dichotomy to ride my bike alongside the Hummers (please don’t run me over! ). Overall, Des Moines is a great city to bike in…and they have a lot of great events happening this week for “Bike to Work Week“. This week, across the nation, thousands of people are riding instead of driving. Wheeeee!
With gas prices as they are right now ($3+ a gallon!) and the greater focus on green living, I suspect you will see more and more cities becoming “bicycle friendly“. Large metropolitan cities have always been more focused on bikes than the suburbs…by necessity. In the suburbs, you find trails that take you around in circles for a pretty ride (which is fun too), but in the city, you actually go places on your bike. I’ve always had the secret dream of being a bicycle messenger (like Puck on the Real World..but with less falling down). If I ever did start my little bike business…I would definitely be getting one of these sweet rides:
Aren’t those amazing!? I love the “Pedal Pick-Up“. It just goes to show that you CAN move some big stuff with a bike! If you don’t want to spend quite as much, you can make your own trailer. Cruisers are gaining popularity…I love the colors and designs on this one. I’m trying not to be jealous of Aimee who got this cruiser for her birthday…and Andrea who got one for Mother’s Day. Beautiful bikes!
This week, I challenge you to CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Ride your bike! Ride for fun. Ride to the store. Ride for exercise. Ride to remind people that cars aren’t the only option.
Resources:
CarFree World
How to Live Well Without a Car
Why I Ride: The Art of Bicycling in New York (download the catalog for some fun reading)
Posted by Sara @ 6:34 pm | Leave a Comment
15
2007
My wife and i recently downsized to one car. We both commute by bike almost exclusively (her to the store and errands, me to work). Almost every month we put more miles on the bikes than we do on the car. Really it’s a practical form of transportation and I never have to designate time to exercise.
15
2007
I had to chuckle at the little girl’s puzzlement… “why would anyone want to ride their bike to the store?” I suppose you refrained from shouting out, “Why not?!”
Surely, I would’ve been tempted…
15
2007
ha ha…yes. I had to restrain myself from explaining my reasoning to her. I wish I could have recorded her tone of voice…that was the best part.
15
2007
Hey, mama!:)
Then we could ride together and get bugs in our eyes. 
And Aimee could come, too. 
I only *wish* I lived in a more bikeable town like your Bozeman.
I have always loved biking, too. Not mountain biking, but cruisin’. Great post!
15
2007
While I do like bikes, my old knees will not let me ride them any more. And since I’m roughly 30 miles to work and 17 to the nearest grocery store, I probably wouldn’t have much reason to ride. At least I now live where I wouldn’t have to be worried about cars when I ride
15
2007
Sara, you’re in trouble. I am afraid my husband (sans auto) is now in love with you!
I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about how I walk or ride my bike (with two kids in the trailer) pretty much everywhere and she commented, “Please tell me you drive to the store, at least, to do your grocery shopping, or I’ll think you’re really crazy.”
Why would I drive to the store that is only 5 blocks away? It takes me just as long to get a preschooler and a toddler into carseats, drive to the store, get them out of carseats, and into the cart as it does to ride there. Maybe we are crazy, but I’m healthy, happy, and trying to do my part for the environment!
15
2007
*sigh* The Toronado. What a car that was.
You are in Des Moines??!!! Call me.
16
2007
Ooh, how I wish I could do more bike-riding. We are out in the country, so any bike riding we’d do would be for fun, it’d be an awfully long bike ride to get to the store. (and dangerous)
16
2007
Sarah, you would love Germany at least for all the biking :). Most towns are very bike-friendly with separate bike lanes (I love those). Often their are also extra street signs for tours taken by bike, e.g. from Bonn to Cologne or down the Rhine. Many families go on one day to a week bike trips for vacation.
The cruisers look really nice. Most bikes here though seem to be a lot lighter and therefore easier to paddle. I had the chance to buy a cruiser from an American family at my church, but I opted for the “regular” bike in the end.
16
2007
I love riding my bike, but unfortunatley I live in a very unfriendly area for bikers. There are no bicycle lanes and the few times I’ve seen someone on a main road on a bike ppl were getting right up behind them or beside them and yelling at them to get off of the road. I guess to most people the only reason to be on a bike is for a fun scenic ride or a race, they don’t think you are actually going somewhere on it (so they act as though you’re holding them up by being on the road). I frequently ride mine down to the local produce market (which is a good 35 min. ride one way), but the farmers market and the HFS are way on the other side of town and I would have to go over at least one large bridge and through the middle of town (high traffic area) to get there.
I really hope to live in a more cycle friendly town one day - or even better one where I can walk almost anywhere!
Melanie
P.S. I love that you are posting so much now! Thanks!
16
2007
Hey, Sarah! I’m a long-time lurker here and since I have once again linked to your blog, I thought I should let you know I keep doing that. I love reading your thoughts and appreciate the fact that you put my ideals into words so eloquently.
Thank you for, well, being an inspiration!
Your sister in Christ,
Tracie
aka benzismama on xanga and boobs on mdc
16
2007
I moved from a *very* bike friendly town to a very bike unfriendly town, and I MISS my old town! They had bike lanes on all the major roads, there were bike racks everywhere, and people watched for bikers, since there were so many of them! Now I’m in the unfriendly town, I often ride on the sidewalk because I’ve nearly been hit more than once. I’ve also been yelled at, and my roommate has had things thrown at him. What’s up with that?
16
2007
My church used to collect bicycles for Pedals for Progress. We shipped donated used bikes to third world countries so people would have a mode of transportation. You would be amazed at the amount of stuff these industrious people would pack onto a bike!
16
2007
We live in a city in England and try to cycle as much as possible. My hubby cycles to work and our son has a trailer to be towed, but cycle lanes are rubbish here and it is so scarey to be on the road. DRivers are not careful - we have even had abuse shouted at us for having our son in the trailer. Our council wants more people to ride bikes but won’t provide parking facilities or cycle lanes - and also to walk - but the traffic is so heavy and noisy and the paths so dirty. We cycle and walk because we don’t have the money to drive around, but I have to say if we could afford I would drive more just to be safe and able to communicate with our son as we travel. I wish the council would help make walking/cycling a better experience that could actually be enjoyed. Your home town sounds so nice!
16
2007
Check out super cool http://www.xtracycle.com/
I have a street cruiser capable of 25+ mph with an electric motor. Who needs a car?
16
2007
How do you transport your groceries back home?
I have considered but have yet to actually do it. Making baby steps riding to more and more places. Our area is getting more bike friendly every year.
16
2007
Girl!! Lovin’ this post!!!
We are in the market for a Burley these days (after seeing how great yours is!) since we are now becoming a biking family. I really want to find one used so I am on the serious hunt! Our church is 1/2 mile away and last night I jumped in the van to go to a weekly Bible study on Tuesday nights…immediately I thought “next week, the bike!!” I am going to put my Bible/journal in my basket and bike to Bible study! 
What a thrill that will be. I look forward to all the great exercise this will be…I hate boring exercise but biking with my babies will be a cardio thrill! 
16
2007
I just started thinking about biking to the grocery store; it’s only 1 1/2 miles.. but what kind of rack do you think is good for transporting, and how do you keep cold things cold enough in the summer?
16
2007
Regarding groceries…we load ours into the back of the Burley and put some in with Bella too. I would like to get some cool saddlebags for my bike as well. I’ve been trying to shop a couple times a week, that way I don’t have such a huge load to bring home each time (like I did when I would shop every 2 weeks).
As far as keeping it cool in the summer…that short of a distance won’t matter. I would just put all of your cold stuff together and it will be fine. If you’re worried about it, you could always get some reusable ice packs to throw in the bag on the way home.
17
2007
Hi Sara. You should definitely get saddlebags. They are the best. Our dutch bikes are closer to the cruiser ones, but they are very different from mountain bikes. They have thinner tires and are made to be ridden in an upright position, as opposed to hunching over a mountain bike. They are really comfortable.
I tagged you with a thinking blogger award
Don’t forget to post 5 blogs that make you think 
17
2007
I love that, Sara! We enjoy riding our bikes SO much when we live in China. Frankly I’ve missed that culture while being back in the US of A. With everything so spread out, it’s just not a possibility around here. Not to mention we don’t OWN any bikes here and won’t be around long enough to make a purchase worthwhile.
All that to say… can’t wait to get back to ride my bike in China! 
17
2007
Fellow biker chick here, too - not of the Harley kind, but the Schwinn Cruiser kind. We get groceries by bike too. Yes, more frequent trips are necessary, but WAY more fun!
The old Burley I bought for my girls, used,about 9 1/2 years ago has not retired, but is just doing a new job as our grocery/library book/picnic supply/sometimes dog/everything else carrier.
We don’t have co-ops where we live, and though we do have healthy food stores, they are not safe to get to by bike. But the regular grocery is, so that’s where we by bike when we’re not making a big Whole Foods run.
Girl, your co-op ROCKS! That is so cool that they give discounts for riding. So great of them for steeping up like that!!
17
2007
Umm, that was STEPPING up… not “steeping.”
17
2007
Great entry, with lots of food for thought.
When we lived in Ames, there was a man who rode his bike everywhere, he had a cargo that he pulled, and would get groceries, run errands, everything. He didn’t even own a car. And one of my husband’s coworkers rides his bike, snow and all, year round. He also doesn’t own a car. So I can see that here in the Cedar Valley it can be done, he does say that the roads aren’t very bike friendly, which is always my concern with the three kids.
17
2007
Oh I wanted to add that how your dream is with bikes… mine was always horses. Now if I could just take a horse everywhere like in the western days… that would be cool!
17
2007
Lynds…come to Bozeman and you CAN take your horse
ha.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sethward/318212267/
18
2007
Sara, I haven’t stopped by in awhile so I haven’t seen the new look till today. I LOVE it! By the way, are you planning to do an update on your dreadlocks soon? I’m very interested in that aspect of your “journey”.
19
2007
Thank you so much for this, Sara. I’ve actually been thinking that I need to ride my bike more often. I want to get a hurley for the kids soon. We live in the country and the closest anything is about 15 miles away so we’re still very dependent on our vehicle. Hopefully someday we can live a car free life.
20
2007
Hey Sara,
I found your website, a while back and have enjoyed reading. Though we haven’t taken the plunge to Cloth Diapers, or Cloth TP, we did go out and purchase some cloth grocery bags. Thank you for the inspiration, and the God Bless.
John Mark
20
2007
Love it! I just got a new bike and am re-discovering my love for biking! My youngest is in a trailer as well, I love the verstility the trailer gives and she loves riding in it!
Now, if only my local grocery would install a bike rack so I wouldn’t have to worry about my bike riding away without me….
22
2007
Sara I’m curious if you are travelling or still in Bozeman. Is dh with you? Do you guys ever stay home??? LOL! I’m jealous!
22
2007
We’re traveling until mid-June…and then we will probabaly be back for awhile!
22
2007
Hey! It’s a good time of year to visit Iowa
I grew up in Des Moines and understand what you mean about it being less than bike-friendly. There are plenty of trails for recreational bikers, but bike commuting is completely unheard of there. I say fight the power and show them a thing or two, sister! We just got our first bike trailer (three kids, so two in the trailer and my oldest goes along on her bike) and are loving it -we live in a small town in Wisconsin and I can get about everywhere I need to go by bike. It’s a great way to get around!
22
2007
I just found your website. It is so nice to know there are other vegetarian, tree huggin, family bed, breastfeeding, homeschooling, Jesus freaks! HOORAY!
We live out in the subarbs, boo-hiss! I grew up in a small town though and walked everywhere. I didn’t get my first car until right before I graduated college. Wish I could still walk or bike everywhere!
22
2007
My hubby is considering to bike to work. He’ll love this post.
TFS.
23
2007
I saw in your Flickr file the three wheel trike. My daunt had one of these while living in Florida. They are very popular with the senior set. She never got her driver’s license and use this as her transportation through her neigborhood (post office, convenience store, bank). She rode it all through her 70’s.
23
2007
Sara — I need all of your encouragement to step away from my car and start getting around a little greener. I am so close; I really just need someone to shove me! This post is definitely a nudge.
23
2007
Charity…you can do it! I can understand how hard it is to make the change though. I am still not 100% car free by any means. It really takes a lot more planning time wise, weather wise, etc. I like to just pretend that I don’t have an option
It’s easier that way. Can you set a little goal? Like using your bike to replace 2 trips a week or something similar? I want to do that…challenge myself to X number of miles a week. Hang in there…just knowing there is an option is the first step 
Next, just fall in love with your bike. Trick it out so you WANT to ride it! Add a basket or saddlebags. Add a speedometer/odometer and head out.
24
2007
First I love your blog’s colors, so pretty!
Next, I’ve been dreaming of a bike lately. Ever since my oldest got up on 2 wheels and took off I’ve found myself looking at the bikes and the attachable baby seats. I’d love to get one, but intil then I’m find with walking.
24
2007
Sara, I miss your posts! I can’t wait to hear more about your awesome life!
24
2007
I love your blog… absolutely wonderful! And you have me inspired to go dust off my bike in the garage. How I used to love riding bikes as a child… the wind in my hair! Thank you for bringing me back!
Check out my blog -
http://www.pinksandbluesgirls.wordpress.com
- Audrey
www.pinksandblues.com
25
2007
have you seen New Belgium Brewing’s ‘Team Wonderbike?’ check it out here- http://www.newbelgium.com/wonderbike.php
26
2007
Thanks for drawing so much attention to bikes and alternative transport! We drive a hybrid for commuting, but one car in a family of four drivers isn’t always enough. When we can’t bike or walk the difference, we use the Zip Car we’ve signed up for. It’s been a great option for us - it’s parked only a couple blocks away, is almost always available, and relieves the stress of wondering how we’ll all be able to be where we need to be when mass transit or the bikes or our one car can’t accommodate our needs.
29
2007
Okay, okay! I caved! We bought me a bike, and I am SO enjoying the wind in my hair.
15
2007
My mother use to have a bike just like that one. I purchased my parents a set of bikes a few years ago. I am not certain they have been around the block.
2
2007
People think I am crazy when I say I aspire to be a bike messenger but what could be better than riding your bike around all day?
Leave a Reply
Wisdom
– Henry David Thoreau
Recent Posts
Blogroll
Happy Places
Inspiration
Categories
Archives
Meta
About
Delight Photo & Design
Come check out our adventures on the road!
The Live Lightly Tour
Happy Foody
...because I like to eat!
Contact
Passions
Family
Friends
Photography
Design
Traveling
Vegetarianism
Raw Foodism
Whole & Organic Foods
Thai Food
Tea
Coffee
Anti-Consumerism
Homemaking
Simplicity
Breastfeeding
Child-Led Weaning
Babywearing
Homebirth
Family Bed
Cloth Diapering
Vaccination Awareness
Attachment Parenting
Holistic Medicine
Unschooling
Homeschooling
Living Lightly
Living Smaller
Thrifting & Recycling
Camping
Singing
Living
Subscribe
Twitter Updates
Good Reads
Graphics and Content © WalkSlowlyLiveWildly.com | Layout and Development by Swank | Powered by Wordpress 2.2.2