Let's celebrate! May 18 is National Bike to Work Day, which is part of Bike to Work Week, which happens to coincide with National Bike to Work Month.
It's all part of the healthy-lifestyle revolution, of which I am a tireless spokesperson.
From 2000 to 2013, the number of bike commuters in the U.S. grew by more than 62 percent. Bike-sharing programs are up and rolling in more than 80 U.S. cities, and bike sales are up, too, especially electric bicycles, which give you a little power boost when your legs get tired and you start inhaling the road gravel.
So here's a question for you, assuming you're not cycling to work already:
What's stopping you from biking more and driving less? If it's those ridiculous latex outfits advertising gear shifters and butt butter, they're optional. Riding your two- or three-wheeler to work, to school, to buy your lottery tickets is the upside of the downward slide many folks feel these days.
Going by bicycle instead of car saves money and — a blissful boost to mental fitness — helps calm our frazzled brains in ways that even a leggy pinot noir never will.
And that's not all. Bike riding gifts you with invigorating exercise and a way to get to work without polluting the air. It offsets your carbon footprint while making your thighs stronger and firmer.
I hope to inspire you conscious consumers to go out, pronto, and get yourself the strongest, lightest, most reliable bike you can afford, used or new. And ride it! And be sure to outfit your kids, too. Motivating kids to bike to school and around the neighborhood is a wheelie good way to kick-start their healthiest lifestyle habits.
When I was a kid, my bike was my horse, my palomino, my ticket to freedom, and it still feels like that every time I ride. Many of my best travel adventures include a bicycle — through Italy, in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, across the farmlands of southern France. I can still remember the smell of garlic in the field. (Or was that my T-shirt?)
How often do you ride? What would it look like if you decided to ride your bike to work? May is the month that invites you to shift gears and give it a go. Experiment! If you're not having fun after trying three times, you never have to do it again. Be content that you gave it your best.
But for some of you, riding your bike to work will become a joyful habit, even if it's just on casual Fridays or moody Mondays. Here are some ride-to-work biking tips to get you started:
—Before you jump on your bike to ride to work, use your car to help you plot the best route — best route meaning one that uses less-traveled streets.
—Experiment with different routes. The shortest route isn't necessarily the quickest or most comfortable. There are many websites for mapping bike routes (www.mapmyride.com is one), and good local bike shops should be able to help guide you, too.
—If you work farther away than you can pedal, don't give up! Consider combining your bike ride with a train, bus or subway ride. Enjoy the admiring stares.
—Take it easy! You don't have to work up a sweat on the ride in. If you crave speed, high-tail it home.
—If you do get aromatic or mussed up riding in, keep a spare change of clothes at work. A handy box of baby wipes is useful, as are soap, water and a small quick-dry towel.
—Ask your employer about a safe place to park your bike, and if there isn't one, campaign to make it happen — for everyone.
—Network with the other bike commuters at your workplace. Share tips. Motivate others. Become a cog in the wheel of change, waking up others to the fun and challenge of bike commuting.
—Always wear a properly fitting helmet. Obey all traffic laws. Make sure your bike fits your body and your seat isn't too high or too low.
Have your best time! And if bike commuting isn't sparking joy, don't despair. I'm pretty sure Motorized Scooter Month will happen in our lifetime.
ENERGY EXPRESS-O! BIKING IN THE TIME OF TRUMP
"When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race." — Attributed to H.G. Wells
Marilynn Preston is the author of Energy Express, America's longest-running healthy lifestyle column. Her new book "All Is Well: The Art {and Science} of Personal Well-Being" is available now on Amazon and elsewhere. Visit Creators Publishing at creators.com/books/all-is-well to learn more. For more on personal well-being, visit www.MarilynnPreston.com.
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