>U Mom Knows Best: Bike Riding For Exercise And Errands

Monday, March 6, 2017

Bike Riding For Exercise And Errands

The weather is getting warmer so time to get out bike riding.



  The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Soon spring will be here! I just love when the weather gets warmer as that means I can start using my bicycle to run errands like grocery shopping. That means I get some great exercise while saving money on gas. Biking also is great for the environment. I mainly use my bike to run errands as it is a great way to get my exercise in while doing my chores. I am thankful this is a grocery store one mile from my home so biking there is so easy. When I feel like getting more exercise in, I will bike to the grocery store that is three miles away. When I want even more exercise, I will bike to the store that is eight miles away. I am lucky that all three of these grocery stores can be reached by nearby bike trails so I don't have to bike in the street with cars. If I do need to bike in the street, the streets do have bike lanes. Biking to the store is easy, even at night, when you have the right equipment like a bike light. I always keep my bike light in my bike bag so it is ready to use. There have been many times when I head to the store when it is light out and it is dark when I finish shopping. A bike light is just smart for anyone who bikes. I really like this new one that I just bought as it needs no batteries as I am able to charge it on my computer.
                   

Get a Bike
 The first thing that you need to be able to get some great exercise on your bike, is, of course, a bicycle. You don't need anything fancy, you just need a bike that you can attach some bike accessories that will allow you to carry your groceries. I have had my bike for quite some time, it is a classic according to the bike shop guy, and I was able to attach many items on it to carry my groceries.


Get some baskets
Once you have your bike, head to the bike store or online to see what is available to carry items. Most baskets, bags. and panniers will require a rack on the back of your bike to be able to attach them. I wanted to carry a lot of groceries on my bike so I bought a rack and attached a bag and 2 panniers. The ones I bought are like baskets and not only fold up when not in use but they can be easily removed. Mine even have carry handles so I can carry them into the store. I place my panniers in the cart and fill them up as I shop so I don't buy more than I can carry. These panniers hold a lot of groceries, even two gallons of milk. One would think that all that weight of the groceries would make it hard to bike but I don't even notice. It is smart to put a basket on each side of the bike to balance the weight.


Get a lock
 Since you will be leaving your bike outside while you are shopping, you will need a good bike lock. I highly recommend a U-shaped lock to keep your bike safe. A long cable lock is also good to lock up the tires if your neighborhood has a lot of bike thefts. I also recommend locking your bike in an area that has a lot of people traffic.





Get a light

   Even though you plan to only bike in daylight, a bike light is good to have. You might head to the store when it is light out and spend more time in the store than planned and it might be a little dark out when you head back home. A bike light not only allows you to see but makes you visible to other people/cars on the road. A bike light also gives you the freedom to ride at night time for quick trips to the store.




Get a Helmet  
  Be wise and protect your head with a bike helmet. Put your looks aside, although helmets look cool, and wear that helmet. Just like you would never go for a car trip without a seatbelt, why risk a head injury. You don't expect to get in a bike accident but it happens, I know from experience. When I was in college, I was hit by a car and sadly did not have a helmet on. I had a head injury and I had to drop out of school. Thankfully I healed from my injury. You could also have a bike injury from running over something on a bike path. A helmet is meant to protect your head so wear one.



Other nice items to buy
  Other nice items to equip your bicycle with are a water bottle & holder, a rearview mirror, and bike gloves. These are nice items to have to make your bike ride more enjoyable. I like having my water close by so I have a water bottle holder but you could also carry some water in your basket. If you are going to be riding in the street, then a view mirror will help you see the cars. Bike gloves will make your hands more comfortable.


So I hope I inspired you to start using your bike for running errands. It is a fun way to get some exercise in while doing things like shopping. You don't need a fancy expensive bike either to go bike riding. I find that bike riding is easier than walking and better on your knees.



22 comments:

Masshole Mommy said...

My hubby and I go for bike rides on weekends. It's a great workout.

Patricia said...

I have to get my mountain bike into the shop for a tune up.

AiringMyLaundry said...

I need to start bike riding. I actually don't even own a bike right now.

Sarah Bailey said...

Biking torches calories, tones your legs and a lot more benefits for our body. There is a lot more things we need to know before and after riding to prevent accidents and having the best everyday ride and exercise.

Lisa Rios said...

I love riding my bike. It's so much fun feeling the wind in your hair, and the rush of adrenaline and pure joy as you have fun and get a good work out.

Shirely said...

I love bike riding, have put on weight and now as summers are near i think it is the perfect time to start exercise and bike riding is the best way to reduce weight and at the same time do some daily errands.

Unknown said...

I love this idea but i hate riding a bike on roads or anywhere near - my area is so busy and dangerous! Would love to get out more with the kids though!

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

I have a bike but it's currently locked up at my old apartment complex because I cannot find my bike lock key! LOL That being said, I never really used it because well, riding a bike on the streets of LA is scary.... I had a wonderful idea of using it to do errands but I am way too scared of cars potentially hitting me!

Chei said...

Wow your bike looks awesome! Wish my bike looks the same as yours.

Unknown said...

I love riding a bike. I also love that you never really forget how to do it as its been ages since I have been on one!

Ron Leyba said...

Love your bike! Mine is still broken, which reminds me to fix it ASAP!

Anna Nuttall said...

I like your bike. i haven't rode a bike for so long. xx

Toni Jones said...

My husband and I use to bike ride every weekend. We actually got up to 12 miles. After we moved, we could not find a bike trail in our area. Seeing this makes me want to dust off our bikes and try to find a trail again.

Unknown said...

I need to get back into riding a bike. My kids love to do it, and I need to get back into it with them.

Jay Simms said...

I haven't been on a bike in years! Your new ride looks like a ton of fun.

SveetesKapes said...

Biking around has so many benefits and is also environment friendly! Love the one you own, its so stylish too.

xx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com

Elizabeth O. said...

Biking is awesome! I love that you can exercise as you go and run some errands! These are great tips!

Buzz4Mommies said...

Thank you for all the tips! We are getting excited for the warmer weather so we can ride our bikes. Our town just got a new bike trail and we want to try it out!

Unknown said...

I really missed my biking exercise, it's really fun, right? I'm hoping for a better weather here in my area.

tinagleisner said...

Definitely miss my biking days in Tokyo ... where everyone had a bike, but no car. It was a bit odd lugging all the groceries home so we finally started letting them deliver, LOL.

Fatima D Torres said...

Riding a bike is a great way to not only stay fit, but explore neighboring towns. This brought me back to my childhood when I'd ride my bike with my brother throughout our neighborhood. It also reminded me of how fit I used to be. Sigh*

Maria Han said...

I miss our Biking exercise It's so much fun but when I become a full time mom I don't have a time on our biking

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