eco tip
Biking During the COVID-19 Crisis Regular Tips Apply to Pedaling
During the coronavirus crisis, biking is especially recommended, as it pro- vides exceptional aerobic and cardio exercise, relaxation and because it maintains social distancing. Keeping in mind proper equipment, fitness, safety and other factors can make it even more fulfilling during this difficult period.
Choose the right bike. Those designed for roads and pavement are generally lighter and have more gears than mountain bikes, which have more shock-absorbing fea- tures, plus more lower gears to help traverse inclined terrain. Urban and commuting bikes feature a slightly more upright riding position that al- lows better sightlines and improved visibility by motorists.
Use a bike shop with me-
chanics that test and adjust the bikes they sell, including determining the proper seat height—which facili- tates proper alignment of hips and a full rotation—and the ideal distance from the handlebars to the seat tube. Back, knee or hip pain may develop if a cyclist has to stretch his or her legs to get to the pedals, according to the League of American Bicyclists. A bik- er doesn’t get proper leg extension if the seat is too low. The legs should
be almost, but not totally extended at the lowest point in pedaling.
Safety takes many forms. Even well-marked bike lanes don’t guar- antee safety, so use caution. Some motorists are careless about entering bike lanes and don’t cor- rectly stop at crosswalks or look behind before opening doors. Keep at least five feet from the sides of cars to avoid being hit. Don’t weave in and out of traffic, always don a helmet, signal turns and watch out for runners and walk- ers. Use the stop signal
(left arm extended downward) to alert bikers that may be traveling behind.
Proper pedaling can help prevent strains. In addition to ensuring they’re employing proper leg extension, it’s advised that bikers pedal a little faster in a lower gear; ideally, 75 to 90 revolutions per min- ute, which is easier on the knees with less muscle fatigue than traveling slower in a higher gear.
Routine maintenanceincludes “cleaning and lubing the chain, replac- ing brake pads, and changing and fixing a flat tire,” according to ma- jor bike and outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (
rei.com). The website has helpful tips on tools to obtain, along with basic information on bike mainte- nance, cleaning and fixing a flat tire.
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June 2020 11
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