Biking to work

If you live close to work, biking to the office may be a great way to incorporate exercise into your day. I know a former self-professed couch potato who now rides 20 miles round trip to work. He walks into the office full of energy and ready to go. And, he's lost 30 lbs. But biking poses safety challenges for beginners, as well as more experienced riders. We spoke to Dr. Ian Greenwald, an emergency room physician at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, about the benefits of biking, and the best ways to ensure you have a safe commute.

1) Seeing is believing. According to Dr. Greenwald, one of the biggest problems for bikers is – no surprise - drivers. To put it simply, drivers often don't see people on bicycles. Cyclists don't register. So what can you do about it? Make yourself as visible as possible: Get a light for your bike, another for your helmet and wear a reflective vest. I've even seen a guy with what looks like a small kite trailing behind him as he cycles. The key is to jar drivers into comprehending that they are sharing the road with more than just motorized vehicles.

2) Don't be a speed demon. It may be fun to go fast on a bike, but speed is not your friend when riding through traffic. It fact, it can be downright dangerous, especially when going through an intersection. Stopping at a moment's notice can mean the difference between staying on your bike or landing on pavement. Going slowly also enables you to make eye contact with drivers as you approach and then enter an intersection. The smartest way to bike is to always be on the defensive.

3) Planning is everything. It may take you a little longer to get to work, but traveling on the least congested roads is the best way to get to the office safely. This may mean cutting through neighborhoods and perhaps climbing a few more hills, but it's worth it in the end.

Biking offers tremendous health benefits to those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to get out and ride. It's good for the heart and easy on the joints. The aerobic workout helps us feel refreshed and ready to focus on the problems at hand, and makes sleeping easier when we call it a day.

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