Earlier in the week, I excitedly emailed my oldest sister (and fellow fan of sustainable living) an article about “Bike to Work Day 2009″. Little did I realise that it is an annual nationwide awareness campaign - and an excellent one!  Commuting by bicycle is a great way to reduce traffic, get exercise, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather.  However, my sister made a point regarding her participation in the campaign: it simply isn’t safe for her to commute via bicycle in downtown Richmond, Virginia.  With no bike lanes and distracted drivers (chatting on the mobile phone, putting on makeup, eating/drinking, shaving, reading the newspaper, etc.), even a cyclist with the best intentions and safest habits is at risk.

Rus and I have been car-free since the beginning of the year, commuting mainly by bicycle, and I have a confession to make:  it is easier to be car-free in Christchurch.  Nearly every road in the metro area has a dedicated bicycle lane, and at night, overhead street lights keep the paths well-lit.  Cyclists can also legally ride on the sidewalks, which is helpful on particularly busy roads when crossing multiple lanes of traffic can be difficult.  In addition, cyclists are not bound by the same traffic laws as motor vehicles; if the light is red, and the intersection is clear, the cyclist can proceed through.  It helps that the terrain in Christchurch is completely flat.

The best part about cycling in the city is that it is often faster to ride than to drive.  Most traffic congestion in Christchurch happens during a literal “rush hour” from about 4:30-5:30PM (in Auckland, apparently, their traffic situation is similar to any large American city, with congested highways and traffic jams) - and basically involves a handful of intersections that are backed up a few light cycles.  There is nothing better than smoothly riding past all of the cars waiting for the light to change to “green”.  Furthermore, it is always entertaining to see the same cars you saw in traffic pull into the same locale you arrived at just moments before.

Of course, that does not mean that it is always a breeze riding around town.  For example, drivers are unforgiving of a cushion of space when going around cyclists, and so “buzz” by at 55-70kmph (35-45mph) or more.  It took me a couple of months (once I learned how to “ride” on the left side of the road!) before getting buzzed by busses didn’t give me a near-heart attack…it has evolved into more of a cheap thrill. Also, many of the bike lanes run alongside street parking…Rus and I have had our fair share of near-misses with opening driver’s side doors.  We have noticed that eating and drinking in the car, as well as talking on the phone, are less prominent here in general; so, theoretically, drivers here are less distracted than their American counterparts.

That being said, I am a big proponent of “Safety first!”; I wear a fluorescent yellow, full-length jacket and have blinking head and tail lights when travelling at night (again, the lighted streets help a lot in this regard).  Obviously, I wear a helmet (it is illegal not to do so - and it is enforced!).  Still, my biggest safety feature is being aware of my surroundings.  Similar to defensive driving, I try to anticipate what the cars (and numerous pedestrians and other cyclists) are going to do next. It has helped, I have learned, to figure out the best routes to get from Point A to Point B - and avoid complicated intersections when possible.  We happen to live mere metres from one of the busiest intersections in Christchurch, and it’s a hassle turning onto our street during the day when traffic is heavier.  Often, I will take another road that gets me in “the back way”.  Of course, nothing teaches you faster than a near-death experience, of which I had a few month ago when I pulled out in front of a car.  I managed to get myself out of the way in time, but it gave me (and the driver of the car) a good shake-up that I do not want to repeat.

In conclusion,  I love that “Bike to Work Day” is being promoted nationwide in the United States, especially since European cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam enjoy, respectively, 36% and 60%+ ridership!  Several U.S. cities, including Portland, OR, have fantastic bike-friendly cultures and infrastructure.  I have a friend at the Greater Philadelphia Bike Coalition who is working tirelessly to create the same there.  BikeShares in Washington, D.C. have been launched, with several other major cities implementing pilot programs.  Americans everywhere are craving an end to the stop-an-go commuting horrors, a corner-turn in the obesity epidemic, relief from the “credit crunch”, and a cure for the overall blues.  Hopefully, promotions like these will be the impetus to get more people out on their bicycles - and supporting cycling infrastructure in their cities.  This way, citizens like my sister, who want to do something good for themselves and society, can ride confidently and safely.