seattleDIRT

[REPOST from A Fresh Squeeze - Seattle]
Summertime, and the Biking’s Easy
Bike Maintenance Tips

Summer is here in Seattle (finally)–it’s the perfect time for bicycling. And with gas at over $4 a gallon, more and more people are taking to the streets on two wheels instead of four.

Not only does bicycling help us save money, it also reduces our carbon footprint.

In fact, according to a nifty little book called Seven Wonders for a Cool Planet, just published by Sierra Club Books and Sightline Institute, the bicycle is THE most energy-efficient form of transportation around–even more efficient than walking! And bicycles outnumber cars two to one worldwide.

With a lot of new bicyclists hitting the road this summer, the time is ripe for a review of basic bike maintenance tips.

Jordi at Recycled Cycles in the U-District of Seattle had the following advice:

• * If you’ve just purchased a new bike, get a tune-up after 90 days. For older bikes, a tune-up’s in order every six months to a year, depending on how much you’ve ridden.
• * Gear–everyone, of course, needs a helmet. And lights are a necessity, too, if you’ll be riding at night. A light out front is legally required, but Jordi thinks a light in the back is more important in helping cars see you.
• * Bring a lock to secure your bike when you’re not riding.

It’s also a good idea to prepare for flat tires by carrying an extra inner tube, tire levers, a pump, and a patch kit with patches, sandpaper, and glue. Beginning riders might also like to take a bike maintenance course at REI or at one of the places listed in this handy Cascade Bicycle Club guide.

Haven’t gotten a bike yet? Buying used can be a great way to save money and resources. While summer demand keeps the stock of used bikes at Recycled Cycles pretty low, you can also find a used bike on Craig’s List. (Visit a bike store first to get your ideal bike measurements–having a bike that’s a good fit ensures you’ll keep riding!) Or visit Bike Works in Columbia City, where you can find used bikes and gear or volunteer to refurbish a bike for someone in the community who really needs one!

Also see Cascade Bicycle Club’s Bike Ads/Classifieds Board to buy or sell bikes or locate other used gear.

Editor’s Note: Last week, we published an article on PERC’s use in dry cleaning. It has come to our attention that the dry cleaner we mentioned does in fact use PERC. For a greener, alternative dry cleaner, check out Blue Sky Cleaners, which do not use PERC in their process.

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