You're kidding! Right?!
I started thinking about winter cycling this year. The more my car sits while I bicycle around town (most trips under 3 miles) the more it seems reasonable. Will I need studded tires? Am I crazy? Well, they cycle year round in other cold places: Minneapolis, Canada, Finland....
People drive miles for alpine skiing and often less to a x-country trail. Snow shoe travel can be just outside the door after a snowfall. We go ice skating and sledding at White Park and dress for the cold. Often I just grab snow pants and a jacket over every day clothes and go. For walks it's often just a jacket, hat and gloves or mittens. It can be the same for transportation cycling.
Why store the bike in winter? It is still the most efficient transportation choice for trips in town. What's the big deal? Well, the infrastructure is limited and our city is not as developed as a place like ... say ... Oulu, Finland...
Winter Cycling for Everyone:
It's not about the bike ... it's not about the gear ... it's not about the weather ...
Filmed during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Oulu, Finland to attend the first ever International Winter Cycling congress.
By Anders Swanson
This is a film about a place and a people that embraces winter. Its about how to create a city where getting anywhere under your own power, "even in winter" is not just possible, but likely. Its about breaking down the myths and biases that many people (reasonably) bring to the idea of winter cycling and helps makes the case that, with a little effort and vision, it can, in fact, be "for everyone". More importantly, its meant to inspire us all by simply showing how beautiful and wonderful it can be when its winter cycling for everyone.
Health and well being
The Concord, NH based HNH Foundation is funding, and The Capital Area Wellness Coalition is hosting a screening of THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION: CONFRONTING AMERICA'S OBESITY EPIDEMIC (HBO link) Tonight at Red Rivers Theatre.
Transportation plays a role
Transportation cycling can help us all become healthier. We need to create a safer environment so people can choose to participate in active transportation. Cycling can improve our health and well being and it is accessible.This year I've taken on cycling for most every trip in town with the addition of a cargo bicycle. Today my kid rode on the bicycle with me and Yesterday she rode her bike to school and home with me at her side. It's challenging with the infrastructure we have now. We can improve infrastructure for a safer Concord so all can consider cycling.
No. I'm not kidding!
Winter cycling on select residential streets with travel at pedestrian friendly speeds is possible in Concord. Emphasis on identifying routes and focused snow removal can make it practical. Safe routes to school which are flat could be a natural starting point. Improved infrastructure can follow the brave. We northerners are hardy folk. Where is that New England can do attitude? We can do this!
I'm looking forward to riding this winter. I don't think I need studded tires or anything special except for reflective gear and a better light. Perhaps some kevlar tires to limit any winter flats will do. I know others who will be cycling this winter. Join us for a ride and watch for us. We'll share the road.
Everyday cycling doesn't have to be seasonal!
Everyday cycling doesn't have to be seasonal!