We could make great strides in reducing dependency on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions if we all just hopped on bicycles each day instead of getting into our cars.  More cities than ever are creating bicycle lanes, installing public-use bicycle racks, and passing legislation that makes it safer than ever to bike.  DC, where I live, is a prime example of this new trend.  Under DC’s current master plan, the city is supposed to have 40 miles of new bike lanes striped by the end of 2007 (of course, there are some problems with implementing this master plan). 

As someone who has used just about every bike lane in the city and surrounding suburbs, I can attest to the benefits of bike lanes.  Bike lanes and sharrows (see pictures) are essential for safe cycling.  Contact your local legislators and city council members and tell them that bike lanes and sharrows are critical infrastructure that will help reduce traffic, obesity, and pollution. 

 If you’ve never cycled before and want to start, begin by visiting your local bike store and finding a bike that’s right for you.  Be sure to purchase a bike that matches the kind of riding you’ll be doing.  There are plenty of stores that carry used bikes.  Some of my favorite local bike stores include

• College Park Bikes (College Park, MD)
• Proteus Bicycles (College Park, MD)
  
• Silver Cycles (Silver Spring, MD)
• The Bicycle Place (Silver Spring, MD)
• City Bikes (Chevy Chase, Adams Morgan)
• Capitol Hill Bikes
  

 Finally, check out your local bicycling advocacy group.  The Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) is a great source of information for cyclists in the DC-metro region
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