Tip #12 Alternative Transportation (Part 2)

Green Living: a series in which we provide tips to help you implement practices, habits, and products into your life which respect and work towards the redemption of God’s creation.

We have been looking at how we can reduce our oil consumption in the wake of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Not only have we offered a prayer for the oil spill but have also launched Oil Spill Prayer, an initiative to unite Christians in prayer for the effects of the oil spill. We believe that it is of the utmost importance to have the Creator and Redeemer working in this situation.

However, it is important that we change as well. So we have been looking at practical ways we can change our consumption as well. The most obvious place for us to do this is by our transportation methods. So, we have begun a mini-series to look at means of alternative transportation. In part 1, we took a look at walking- a healthy, impact-free method of transportation. Now we turn to part 2, biking.

Biking is another great alternative to traveling by vehicle. In addition to being healthy, it is an option that allows you to cover good distances quickly. It has often been hailed as the most efficient means of transportation. Biking is a great way to travel to work, school, the store, and so much more. I personally began biking regularly a couple years ago and have found it to be a great way to travel. It is relatively inexpensive to begin and then comes at virtually no cost per mile after that. While the savings aren’t incredible when looked at from an individual level, the become massive when multiplied across the nation and the world. Each mile you bike means a little bit less oil drilled, and each spin of the wheel demonstrates your care for God’s creation.

It is timely that we had this post planned. You see, May is Bike to Work Month, last week was bike to work week, and last Friday was Bike to work day. Last week Jon wrote about LA bike week and being intentional about riding your bike. Also, Flourish posted last week about Bike to Church Day (a post which offered some great information for those looking to bike to church or elsewhere). Perhaps it is time that you give biking a try as an additional means of transportation.

Resources

As I mentioned, I just began to get into biking a couple of years ago. While an adjustment, it is a much easier transition than you think. Like so many other things it really comes down to intentionality and commitment. That said, I understand that the idea of beginning to commute by bike can be a bit overwhelming. I know that I was a little unsure when I began. So, in addition to the links found above, the resources below should help you as you seek to work in biking into your commuting.

• Commute by Bike – Find tips, review, gear, and more
• League of American Bicyclists – Find tips; a search tool to find classes, events, shops, and more; and a variety of other resources
• Google Maps – Find bike-specific directions to help you get to your destination by bike

*Bike lane image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/897803699/

Also consider:

Green Adventures: All Aboard (Part 1 & Part 2)

Going Beyond Technology

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