Residents should try bicycling to work

May 20, 2008 10:14 am

— With gas prices rising along with the temperatures, bicycling enthusiasts are urging Michiana residents to consider biking to work.
A special week has been established by the Michiana Bike Coalition for Bike to Work Week, set June 2 to 6. National and Indiana Bike to Work Week was held May 12 to 16, but a later event is set for areas farther north.

There are many reasons for biking rather than motoring to work. According to the Coalition, most Americans live within five miles of their place of employment. This is a manageable commute on a bicycle, taking an estimated 37 minutes if riders pedal a leisurely 8 mph.
There also are obvious health advantages associated with the ride, not to mention the benefits of not buying gas or emitting vehicular pollution.

The Goshen area is conducive for bicycling, with government officials taking advantage of federal funds to construct linear bike trails.
The city of Goshen has had the Maple City Greenway series of trails, while the Elkhart County officials constructed a trail along C.R. 45 between Elkhart and Goshen. This will eventually connect with a planned trail in the city of Goshen.
Elkhart County Park Department officials are also planning the development of another segment of the Pumpkinvine Trail, the former railroad line extending from Goshen to Shipshewana. Goshen park officials currently maintain a section of the trail to C.R. 28.

So the routes for bicyclists are improving, although motorists must still learn to be alert to those pedaling along roadways.
Biking to work should at least be tried as a viable option to commuting. While it may not be practical for some in snowy weather, spring has provided an opportunity to bikers to test it out.