Biking is Back! Hitting the Street in Seattle to Save on Gas

$4.50 a gallon? HELL NO! These days, paying for gas can cause a sharp and intense pain in the wallet vicinity. So why not switch to the kind of burn that guarantees some sexy legs instead? Many residents are taking on Seattle’s seven hills this summer with helmets on. It’s always been popular, but bicycling has become even more of a viable transportation option for commuters.

Washington’s expansive bike lanes and relatively friendly motorists make cycling to work both safe and easy. It’s trendy, too! A recent bicycling article in the fashion-forward daily The Seattle Times identified bike shops prospering despite the lousy state of the economy (look, dubya, I typed it), as people are buying shiny new bikes, used bikes with lots of “character,” or pulling the dusty old bikes out of storage for repair and upgrades (like bells and bicycle baskets - yes, you need some of these!).

Here at TeachStreet world headquarters, we have some dedicated and not so dedicated bicycle commuters, but in the beautiful weather of late, all of us long for weekend rides on the islands or mountain bike excursions in the picturesque sound region.

For commuters, the ride home can really make you wish that you already had those Lance Armstrong-esque thighs, but any bike commuter will assure you that being outside and active in the fresh morning and the peaceful dusk provides for quality time to reflect, enjoy the city, and get a bit of that groovy “OH YEAH” endorphin high that comes from honest exercise.

If you’re interested in getting started with bike commuting or expanding your bicycle knowledge and experiences, the TeachStreet blog is, as usual, the singular most informative resource for you on these subjects! For FREE bicycle maps, 24/7 bike storage downtown, and well priced bike repair, check out Bikestation Seattle in Pioneer Square.

Bikestation is a non-profit storefront sponsored by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to promote ” travel trips that improve air quality, reduce traffic and parking congestion, and enhance the community’s livability.” It’s also super close to what I’ve heard are the best sandwiches in Seattle, and that is enough reason for many of the more “recreational” bike commuters at TeachStreet to go pick up those bike maps.

For those looking to learn bicycle repair and maintenance, check out some of our TeachStreet bicycle resources. There are a number of local Seattle bike repair classes for all levels of repair-(wo)man, which will ensure you have a dependable car-alternative for your commute. If you’re not in Seattle, or just looking for a quick DIY fix, try the BicycleTutor for handy videos and articles for repairing every part of your bike.

Safety is also important, especially when riding at night, so be sure to incorporate some of these safety features into your commute, as our strapping male model demonstrates:

Jay, a bike safety enthusiast.

So, dear friend, this beautiful summer, go on a gas diet, and feel the freedom and self-sufficency of the very open road. You’ll be saving money, saving baby seals, and improving your health. Really, you can do it! And, one of the best things about Seattle is that if you wimp out on the hills, city buses have built in bike racks. But remember, pain is weakness leaving the body. And that midday “summer” frappawhatnot was like, 5000 calories. So ride on Seattle, ride on!