The Case For Commuting

Minimize the risk, then beat the traffic by working out on a bike

COMMUTING BY bicycle is ultimate multitasking: you get a workout as you get out to work. You rev your heart rate, wake up, think, burn fat, build muscle, go easy on your knees, save money and get lathered in fresh air.

So why don't we all do it?

It can be a hassle, especially if you live far from work or must change into a work costume, known as a suit, upon your arrival. But the greatest obstacle for most comes down to the unease of being in the flow of SUVs and other two-ton monsters in a hurry. About three-quarters of the 1,000 people who responded to a recent national survey, commissioned by Bell Sports, said they would ride their bikes more if they felt safer doing it. This concerns bicycle vendors because national sales have wobbled since 2000.

Seattle, with its miles and miles of bicycle lanes and strong advocacy groups, seems an exception. It consistently is ranked among the bicycle-friendliest of cities, and the number of riders registered for this weekend's annual Seattle-to-Portland race is higher than ever. May's Bike to Work Day was a success despite spotty weather. Anywhere from 4,000 to 8,000 people bicycle commute in Seattle each day, depending on the time of year and weather. A recent study by the Seattle Department of Transportation found that bicycle commuting to and from downtown in peak hours increased 57 percent since 1992.

The most common risk factors in bicycle-related injuries include not wearing a helmet, "involvement with motor vehicles," an unsafe riding environment and, of course, being male. Head injury is by far the greatest risk to bicyclists, comprising one-third of emergency-department visits, two-thirds of hospital admissions and three-fourths of deaths.

Dr. Fred Rivara of Harborview Medical Center co-authored an extensive study on the use and effectiveness of bicycle helmets several years ago. Statistics show that over the past decade, head injuries have accounted for one-third of the bicycling accidents that led to Harborview emergency-room visits and three-quarters of the deaths. Rivara says his research showed that wearing a helmet could reduce by 88 percent the risk of suffering a traumatic head injury. Adults and young children in this area are relatively good about compliance (it is a law), but teens and young adults are notoriously lax about it.

Helmets are a no-brainer, because they protect, among other things, your brain. But here are some basics on the other things that will help you stay safer as you head out into traffic:

• Follow the rules of the road. Obey traffic signs and signals. Use hand signals when you turn.

• Follow lane markings. Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked "right-turn only."

• Don't pass on the right; motorists may not look for or see you and your bicycle.

• Learn to look over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Also think about employing rear-view mirrors.

• Keep both hands ready to brake. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain.

• Never wear headphones while riding; your ears could save you.

• Dress with the weather. Think layers, and wear bright clothes so motorists can see you.

• Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you.

• Lights at night. The law requires a white headlight and a rear reflector or taillight.

• Keep your bike working properly, from brakes to tires.

Craig Undem, who operates a school he calls Cycle University for a wide range of riders, says one of the most common mistakes he sees among intermediate riders is inattention while going a bit too fast.

"You wouldn't think it, but the average cyclist in pretty good shape can run into trouble on riding trails," he says. "They are moving along at a good speed, maybe they're chatting pretty good with a friend and suddenly they come upon a mom and a stroller, and a dog darts across. Sometimes there isn't room to change course quickly."

To help riders learn, among other things, how to deal with urban traffic, the Cascade Bicycling Club offers a four-hour course called Urban Cycling Techniques.

Richard Seven is a Pacific Northwest magazine staff writer. He can be reached at rseven@seattletimes.com.