My Green Family. ramblings of one family's journey to green living

Well ok, maybe riding a pedal bike isn’t as sexy as riding a ducati, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look just as good. I’ll be the first one to admit that I was really, really nervous about relying on a bike to get me everywhere. I mean two kids and no car? How are we going to get anything done? After just a week or so of riding the initial shock of hauling my butt everywhere on pedal power wore off and I felt much more comfortable on my new wheels. So I’d like to share these five tips that I had the unfortunate experience of learning the hard way.

1. Wear a helmet

I know, I know the hair. But how great will your hair look on a cracked head? The key is a hairstyle that works with the helmet. If I know I’m going riding I’ll wear my hair down, or just bangs back. A ponytail is not comfortable. And have fun with it, I have a pink helmet because it’s my favorite colour.

2. Keep your mouth closed (or open as little as possible)

Open mouth + big June bug = extreme grossness. Please trust me on this!

3. Wear sunglasses

First of all it will take some attention off the helmet if you’re wearing those big Jackie O style glasses. People will understand that not only are you smart for wearing a helmet but you have style. It will also protect your eyes from any stray pebbles and other various debris.

4. Ride on the road, not the sidewalk

Odum had a bit of trouble convincing me of this one, especially if I’m towing the kids. It just seems safer to be as far away from the cars as possible when I have the kids. But if you ride on the road cars treat you as a vehicle, if you’re on the sidewalk they may not see you until you’re eating bumper. Think about it, when you’re making a right turn in the car how often do you look to the right for pedestrians crossing the road? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost been smoked when I’ve been walking across the road. When you’re on the road you’re part of the traffic flow.

5. Get a pair of bike shorts

Now I really should follow my own advice on this one. I still have yet to get a pair of bike shorts. I’m just having a hard time with the thought of spending around $80 on spandex shorts. But after our first long ride (and now even after a quickie) my butt and my lower back were just killing me. Odum definitely got the last laugh on this one (I was quick to tease him on his tighty tights!).