You
see gas prices continue to rise and hear all the
warnings about carbon emissions, but you still
need to get places. So what do you do? Hopping
on a bike instead of getting in the car, especially
on shorter trips, can really make a difference.
Who knows? Maybe you'll love it so much you can
go from a 2-car to a 1-car (or even no-car) household!
 Save
gas, save money – Nothing beats
this gas mileage! While your friends bemoan
prices at the pump, surprise them by saying
you're spending less than ever before. With
all the money you save, feel good about reclaiming
your nights out or boost savings for that family
vacation. And when you do drive, continue saving
gas by finding everything you need in one stop
at Fred Meyer. - Zero
emissions – Feel good about your
pollution-free form of transportation.
- Great
exercise – There's no need to
go to the gym when you get all the cardio you
need during your commute. Even those short,
2-mile trips to the store, the park or a friend's
place make it easy to get your daily workout.
- Reduce
stress – Let fresh air and exercise-induced
endorphins melt your worries (how often can
you say that about driving in rush hour?)
- Park
close for free – Bike racks are
often close to the door and rarely cost a dime.
- Feel
connected – Enjoy the scenery
from the other side of the window! You'll be
amazed what you notice about your neighborhood
and community when you slow down and get out
of that steel bubble.
- Have
fun – There's a reason kids love
to ride bikes – it turns transportation
into play!
Biking
can be a safe form of transportation, even in
a big, traffic-congested city – but safe
riding means following all the laws, wearing protective
gear and staying alert.
 Always
wear a helmet – Make sure your
helmet fits properly and protects your forehead.
Replace your helmet if it's had any impact,
even if it looks fine from the outside. Helmets
absorb shock by shattering on the inside, so
they won't work a second time. - Use
lights – A white light in front
(visible for 500 feet) and red light or reflector
in back are required by law. Flashing lights
are highly recommended to be seen even easier.
- Wear
bright/reflective clothing –
Your safety is more important than style –
make yourself as visible as possible with fluorescent
yellow, green, silver or red. Reflective tape
can also be added to clothes, bikes and backpacks
to help you be seen.
- Obey
traffic signs and signals – These
laws are the same for bikes as they are for
cars. The fines for breaking them are the same,
too!
- Use
hand signals – Your arms are
your blinkers that tell drivers, other bikers
and pedestrians when and which direction you're
planning to go.
- Ride
defensively – Don't assume drivers
can see you, even if you have the right of way.
Make eye contact, yield when you're unsure,
always be ready to brake and be a good example
for both drivers and bikers – especially
kids.
- Follow
a bike map – Find out if your
city has a bike map, which marks out the safest,
lowest-traffic routes.
- Use
a strong lock – Your bike needs
protecting, too! Lock it up whenever you park,
securing both the frame and at least one wheel,
if possible. U-locks or heavy chains are best.
You'll
find mountain bikes for both adults and children
at Fred Meyer, along with essentials like helmets,
lights, locks, spare tubes and more.
CityScape
7-Speed Mountain Bike
- Both
men's and women's styles
- Strong
steel frame designed for the streets
- Mountain
bike tires for a smoother ride and better traction,
even on wet or gravely roads
- Multiple
speeds so it's easier to ride up hills
- Large,
padded seat for comfortable riding
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