December ~ Active Shopping Trips

If you're having trouble finding time to get in a good workout during the busy holiday season, consider using active transportation for some of your shopping trips!

If there are shops near your home or workplace, walking can be a great substitute for short driving trips. For slightly longer trips, bicycling can be a good alternative.

Tips for Bicycle Shopping

• Buy less on each trip and shop more often - this tip works best for groceries. As an added benefit, with smaller, more frequent trips to the store, it's easier to keep fresh fruits, vegetables and breads around!
• Shop locally - you keep trips short and also support local businesses, which is great for the community.
• Speak up - ask store managers or your local government to install bike racks at nearby shopping centers. These improvements will make bicycling more conveneint for you and maybe even encourage others to use active transportation.

Storage

• Saddlebags are small bags that fit directly under your bike seat. They provide quick access to small items such as tools, money, and keys.
• Backpacks and Messenger Bags are familiar and easy to load and carry.
• Panniers attach to a front or rear rack, allowing you to spread the load of packages more evenly. These versatile bags are very useful for carrying food, work clothes or other gear.
• Racks fit over the font or back wheel and hold bags
• Bicycle trailers allow you to carry big, heavy or awkward loads and attach to almost any bike.

Choosing the Right Bag - a few things to consider

• Capacity ~ how much space do you need?
• Adjustability ~ expandable pockets and straps make bags more versatile
• Accessibility ~ number and size of openings, dividers, pockets, and compartments
• Balance ~ think low and centered
• Water-resistance ~ look for coated fabrics, secure closings, and rain flaps
• Extras ~ extra pockets and removable components

~ Adapted from Shopping by Bicycle, The League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling and REI's Guide