Ideal Bite

If our old tip on granola could drive, what would be its vehicle of choice?

04.06.2007

Submitted by tmeronek on Fri, 04/06/2007 - 1:01am.

The Bite:

A bike. When we started The Bite, we said there were certain tips that, while good for the earth, were just too crunchy for us "light greenies." But your tip submissions prove some of you've got a taste for Lance Armstrong. (We mean his mode of transport, not just his legs.)

The Benefits:

Saves the earth. Biking's pollution-free, but every gallon of gasoline burned creates about 20 lbs of climate change-causing CO2.
Saves cash. A typical US family spends nearly $8,000 per year operating a car, while a bike might cost $50 for an annual tuneup.
Shapes you up. Casual biking burns about 173 calories per hour.
Score some hippier-than-thou points.

Personally Speaking:

Jen once told the Sierra Club in an interview that she'd never tell anyone to bike to work, but she maintains that she has NO objections whatsoever to the great calves on the Bozeman boy bikers.

Wanna Try:

Check out second-hand sporting goods shops - they are usually replete with oldies-but-goodies.

Jorg & Olif - for the cuteness factor, these Dutch-inspired bikes outshine the competition. Also: baskets, hats and messenger bags ($50-$1,295).
Xtracycle - "sport utility" bikes with space for lugging a briefcase or groceries ($599-$1,249).
Community Bike Programs - more and more cities are introducing bike-sharing programs. Check this map of current ones in the US.

a few thousand Biters (happy, now?)

Cocktail Fact

BUI? In February, a TN woman was arrested for biking under the influence - on a stationary bike at her gym.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters bike once a week (to the store, to work, to the bar...one way), in a year we'll save enough gas to drive from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 92 times roundtrip.

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