Pictures/words are from bikefortcollins.org and their “You Know Me, I Ride a Bike” campaign. 

You Know Me…

The joy of riding a bike changed for me.   My close friend and I were struck by a drunk driver.  She was killed and I walked away with minor injuries and a broken heart.  All at once riding a bike requires not only physical strength, but mental as well.  I have a new awareness about the dangers of biking.

 

Unfortunately there are some bike/car accidents that can only be prevented if there is a shift in the mindset of people who are willing to take the risk of operating a vehicle while under the influence.  We need to make better choices and start being mindful of how our actions could potentially affect other people.  I think if we increase bike awareness, amazing things can happen.  People who ride tend to be healthier, use less petroleum, and are able to slow down a bit and enjoy life.  If cyclists obey the rules of the road, they will keep themselves safe and will be doing their part to weaken the divide between cyclists and motorists.  There seem to be just as many clowns out there pedaling their Iron Horses around as there are surrounded by steel and Pleather.  I think everyone should do their part to keep our roads safe.

 

I ride every day – to work, to the grocery store, or wherever I need to go.  On the weekends My partner Bill and I sometimes take the bike path for seven miles to get lunch at Vern’s.  I don’t drive a car at all.

On a bike, you really see and hear the scenery – birds chirping, a river rushing, or the wind in the trees. I never hear those sounds in a car.

Increasing bike awareness is important for the environment, but as a Sports Medicine physician I would focus on the health benefits.  I think Fort Collins people are more fit and live a longer life with a better quality of life because of their active lifestyles.  If cycling fits your particular skill set (and it really isn’t that hard riding the extensive town trail system) it might help you live better, longer.   If not, there is probably an activity out there for you that will.  Personally, I know every day I ride I am a happier person.

One of the greatest events in my life was doing a week-long tour-ride, eat and sleep and spent a week with wonderful people.  Great sense of accomplishment.    Biking could be so great for all kinds of people, and so many more would ride if they felt safer and more comfortable riding.

Bike awareness means many different things.  Bike awareness is about being a safe, and law-abiding rider and sharing the road with its many users.  Bike awareness is also knowing that cycling is a fantastic form of exercise, a great way to commute to work, and is a lifestyle option that makes living in Colorado and Fort Collins extra special. 

Ride hard and respect the rules of the road!

I truly believe cycling has been one of the most positive influences on my life.  One simple transportation choice can improve your physical and mental health and it is far cheaper and safer than other forms of transportation.  But even if you don’t choose to ride, an increased awareness of bicycling reduces the chance that you may injure or kill a bicyclist.  It is astonishing how casually we treat auto related deaths these days.  More people in the US die from cars than guns but we don’t treat them with the same caution.  We in Fort Collins are very lucky to have so much support for more sensible forms of transportation.  I’ve ridden in many cities across the country and I am very proud of the conditions here.  There are still many things we need to do to improve our bicycle infrastructure but we have some great people working on it, they just need everyone’s continued support.