One of the things we most love about getting around on bicycles is that it exposes us to nature on a daily basis and enables us to observe the changes in our local environment up-close-and-personal as the year progresses from one season to the next.

Something we look forward to every year are the eruptions of wildflowers that take place when the vernal pools finally dry up in late spring. These ephemeral pools are little more than mud puddles in the winter, but this time of year they wow us with their exuberance as they get ready to go into hibernation for the long, hot summer.

The beautiful wildflowers in the photo are just off of a bike trail that runs through a greenbelt in the middle of a densely populated, suburban development. When we rode that trail today there were no other bicyclists or pedestrians to be seen. The flowers were not visible from the nearest road, so we were the only ones around to enjoy the gift. It was a little sad to think of all the people driving by in their cars, isolated and unaware of what nature was doing right in their own backyards. This is one of the best reasons we can think of to ride a bicycle every day.

Please note: No flowers were harmed in the process of capturing this photo. —Alan ;-)

The cardinal rule: Michael doesn’t do anything in the morning before her cup of coffee. There are rarely exceptions to the rule and it pretty much takes extraordinary circumstances to circumvent the morning routine of French press and green smoothie. So this morning, when I wanted to get out on the bikes at dawn before the heat set in (we’re in the midst of an early heat wave), it took the promise of a muffin and coffee at her favorite cafe to entice the sleepy one. Funny thing: I had to soft pedal all the way to the coffee shop, but on the way home I could hardly keep up, even with me on my Civia and her on the boat anchor Pashley Princess. The Pashley is a lovely bike, but it usually goes one speed — slow. But, add two cups of the potent rocket fuel that is French Roast, and watch out. It made me wonder, who needs EPO when you have espresso?

…since I gave up the car. Does yours? If so, visit the new “My Commute Sucks” website from Transportation for America and let it all out (and let Congress know about it while you’re at it).

My Commute Sucks →

According to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, San Francisco has seen a 43% increase in bicycle ridership since 2006 and 6% of all in-city trips are now made on a bicycle. And according to Transportation Alternatives, bicycling is the fastest growing mode of transportation in New York City with an increase of 35% from 2007 to 2008. No matter where you look, bike commuting is on the rise.

With this growing interest in bike commuting, more and more employers are offering incentives to those who give up the car and ride their bike to work. Yahoo, for example, provides company-owned loaner bikes, lockers, showers, onsite bicycle care, and free tune-ups to all of their employees. Discovery Communications (parent to the Discovery Channel) reimburses employees up to $350 toward the purchase of a new bicycle, while also providing secure bike parking.

The League of American Bicyclists has added a “Bicycle Friendly Business” program to accompany their more well-known “Bicycle Friendly Community” program. (You can view the full list of Bicycle Friendly Businesses by clicking here.) Following is an overview of how award recipients are chosen:

What types of incentives does your employer offer bike commuters at your workplace? Do you have access to showers and secure bike parking? Are you offered reimbursements for purchasing bicycles and accessories? Do your company’s commuter benefits extend to include bicyclists? In general, do you feel as if your employer is doing enough or would you like to see more incentives and support? Let us know in the comment section below.

LAB Bicycle Friendly Business Program →

A normal day, bicycling to work.

Wow, the weather has been beautiful for bike commuting in NorCal and the timing couldn’t be better with “Bike to Work Day” festivities taking place this week and next. If you’re new to bicycle commuting, we hope you have an awesome experience that motivates you to stick with it after the festivities die down. As much as we support the idea of a special day to bring attention to bike commuting, we believe that the many personal and societal benefits of riding a bicycle for transportation make every day a good day to leave the car at home.

Adventure Cycling is hosting a regional gathering at Mike’s Bikes in Sacramento this weekend. Jim Sayer will be there, and among other things, he’ll be talking about the U.S. Bicycle Route System:

U.S. Bicycle Route System →
Adventure Cycling →
Mike’s Bikes →