COLUMN: Get a new set of wheels
Wind whistles through my weather-chilled ears as the two black tires of my bike rush over pebbled asphalt. Slight drops of rain sputter down from a darkening sky as thin shoes push pedals up a small incline. Bumps in the road induce standing up from the hard, black seat — my butt is cushioned, but not after riding a bike every day for a few weeks.
Finding level ground to glance behind, I check for cars before turning right, coasting quickly down 500 East past Adam’s Park. Wind pushes seats of a swingset, rocking them slightly. Houses turn into brick blurs as I glance back again and swerve to the middle lane, holding my left arm out straight to indicate the turn onto 100 North. Pedaling through the light, I swing another right and another left before finding Main St.
Going south on Main St., cars whip past my small bikes metal and flesh frame, inching to the left as to avoid a human-car collision. Father Winter’s closing hand put the sun down an hour ago. Not all of the streetlights reach over the green and yellow fading trees, so in order to stay within sight of passing cars I try to stay in the orange light, occasionally riding upon the sidewalk when the road becomes too narrow. The sidewalk ends and I pedal back onto the crowded street, until I reach the 1100 South traffic light where I regain my white safety net.
Though I’ve become more brave making left turns in town, a highway is more crowded and being the novice biker I am, I don’t want to risk a collision with a driver that doesn’t see me. Because of this, I take the cowardly way out and wait for that white flashing guy to appear on the opposing light to bike across the “pedestrians crossing” area. I then regain the road, biking to my cozy apartment. I lock up my blue bike, unlock my door, stroll to the green-colored living room and turn on a movie, feeling the accomplishment sink with my body into the chair as the muscles in my legs groan.
This year I have had the privilege of relearning how to ride a bike. The convenience of a motorized vehicle was taken away from me, but I actually enjoy not paying for the insurance, oil changes, dead batteries, cracked windshields and registration fees. Oh, and how could I forget the the impeding prices of gas? It’s not like we’re paying $4 a gallon … yet.
As your outdoor columnist, I often encourage you to go outside. Finding that 20 minutes of exercise your dietitian keeps bugging you about becomes a difficult task the more you relax on your couch with “Modern Family” flashing before your dazed eyes. Keeping in mind the money you save may perk your motivation to substitute a bike for your gas-guzzling car. Bicycles can give people some of the best exercise possible because it combines cardio for the heart, it builds endurance and strengthens fitness. I made it from my house on 1000 North down to the Highway 89 fork within fifteen minutes. The trip back added another 25 minutes, but there is your 40-minute work-out for the day.
Some of you may be thinking, “What if I don’t have a bike? They’re expensive and I can’t afford one right now.”
Fear not. Your student fees go to a plethora of things, and one of those conveniences is Aggie Blue Bikes, located between the Field House and Military Science building on campus. They do have a limited amount of bikes to rent out, but have both a three-month rental or a single-day rental, if that’s all you want.
Aggie Blue Bike employees are holding an event every Friday called “Car-Free Friday,” which is exactly what it sounds like. Don’t use your car. With the amazing transportation system that Logan City has created none of us should be driving anyway. If you don’t want to ride the bus, take advantage of what our school has to offer. Hop on a bike, save your money and our air, and let the wind caress your face as you pedal away.
–Allyn Bernkopf is a senior majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing. She writes, reads and hangs out with Mother Nature. She can be reached at ally.bernkopf@aggiemail.usu.edu.