Bicycling

Bicycling is an excellent way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. In the United States, 40 percent of all trips are two miles or less, which is an easily bikeable distance. This segment of relatively short trips represents a great opportunity for increasing the share of trips made by bicycle. Consider bicycling short daily trips to work, school or for errands.

The National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors found that most individuals who did not bicycle in 2002 cited "no access to a bicycle" or "too busy/no opportunity" as reasons, but only 6.5 percent said they didn't enjoy bicycling.

Some people may be concerned that bicycling is unsafe or infeasible in their community; however, with the right information, skills and gear you can make bicycling a practical and enjoyable mode of transportation and form of physical activity. Check out the How section of this site or answers to the FAQ's for ways to address specific barriers and concerns.

With the right tips and information you will soon come to realize that "the bicycle offers an enormous range of practical benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole" (League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling).

Visit the Pedaling through the Past website to read about the History of Bikes or see A Quick History of Bicycles.