Put the Pedal to the Metal!

by Emily Syer
Algonquin College Library Technician Program
SIRC Intern

The car is at the shop, the buses are on strike and you’re late for work! The solution? Cycling! Whether you cycle regularly or want to start, below are some great tips for cycling to work, road safety, and links to bike trails across Canada. Put the pedal to metal to become more environmentally friendly and fit!

There are many benefits of cycling; increases physical fitness, improves cardiovascular health, boosts your energy and saves gas money. It can also be used for spending quality time with family and friends, helps you sleep better, and increases your brain power.

Tips for biking to work:

• To prevent sweat from a backpack, use a pannier/saddle bag – they easily attach to your bike.
• Buy an extra lock for the back wheel and secure it to the frame, then lock the frame of your bike to the bike rack. 
• Bring a change of clothes or keep a week’s set of clothes at work. 
• Perform a warm up and stretches before you begin cycling to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). 

Safety: 

1. Learn proper hand signals 
2. Make sure you have enough time when switching lanes. 
3. Wear a helmet, especially if you are among traffic. 
4. Be sure to have the proper reflection/light devices if you are biking at night. Use bike lanes and keep off of the sidewalk
5. Attach a bell/horn to your bike to warn other cyclists/pedestrians of your approach.

Best of lists: 

• Best places in Canada to bike 
• Bike trails in Canada, searchable by province 

Bicycling can be a nice alternative to driving, good for the environment and great for your health. So bring out the bike and take a roll with exercise.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Asplund C, Ross M. Core Stability and Bicycling. Current Sports Medicine Reports (American College Of Sports Medicine). May 2010;9(3):155-160. 
2. Clarke, A. Smart Cycling. Champaign, Il: Human Kinetics; 2011. 
3. Reid-St. John S. the right fit: helmet shopping 101. Health (Time Inc. Health) May 2004;18(4):94. 
4. RIDE TO WORK, LIVE LONGER. Bicycling. October 2007;48(9):103. 
5. Safe Routes to School & Work. American Bicyclist. January 2011;:32-33.