Get in Shape Without Spending Hours at the Gym!

Do you want to get in shape, but just don't have the time? The truth is you don't need to spend hours at the gym in order to get yourself a healthy body. Take advantage of your local parks and bike paths! If your town is lacking in the park and recreation department, it may be time to look for new fundraising opportunities!

As we get older we begin to see the effects of spending 8 hours a day sitting behind a desk, staring into a computer screen.

Here are a few activities you can squeeze into your day to help you lose that 'desk' weight!

Biking
Of course this is our favorite activity! If you have small errands to run after work, drop off the car and take the bike! This way you are multitasking, and you're body will thank you!  

Jumping Jacks
Remember these? Jump up, clap those hands above your head, while you spread your feet below you! Adding jumping jacks into your routine is a great way to lose weight quickly. You can even make this the part of your morning routine!  

Jumping Rope
Maybe you loved jumping rope as a kid, why did you stop? We tend to think of jumping rope as child's play, but it's actually a really great activity to help you lose weight!

Running
We've got to suggest this one, as it's one of the most effective exercises. Running makes you sweat, and is a great cardio workout. The more you sweat, the more calories you burn! Head to the local high school and run a quick mile on the track. Build up from there, maybe you'll be doing a 5k in no time!  

Walking
If you aren't quite up for running, try taking a brisk walk. At a brisk pace, you can walk a mile in about 20 minutes. This will get your heart rate up, and you'll also break a sweat. Maybe you could even squeeze in a walk during your lunch break?

Check out Bikepath Country for more great tools and tips to improve your workouts! 

Get In Shape by Way of Bicycle! - Tips on Buying a Bike, and Bike Safety!

Cycling is not only fun, but it's also a great way to build muscle, and one of the most efficient ways to burn those extra calories!! Instead of getting in your car to run the simple errands, you can get some exercise while you get those errands done! Find the best bike route to getting your errands done, and start multitasking!

If you don't have a bicycle, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of buying one. However, it doesn't have to be as overwhelming as it seems.

What Type of Bike do you Need?

• Think about what you will be using your bicycle for. Be realistic. Will you be racing? Mountain biking? Commuting? etc...
• FInd out about the riding terrain in your area. Does your town have paved bike paths? Dirt, gravel, rocky paths? Mountain Bike trails?

How do you know if a bike is the right fit?

• Try it out! Get on the bike, and make sure it feels right. Is it comfortable? If you will be riding long distance, you may want a narrow seat (to prevent your legs from rubbing). If you are going to be cruising around, you'll probably want a softer/wider seat!
• Seat height is also important. Make sure your legs are about 90 percent straight while your feet are at the bottom of a pedal stroke. Your knees should never lock!
• When it comes to handlebars, the fit will depend on the type of bike you are selecting. However, you don't want to be overextending in order to reach the handlebars. Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow and your shoulders in a relaxed position.

What you should know about bike safety?

• Of course wearing a helmet is just one aspect of bicycle safety, but it's also the easiest! Make sure your helmet is not too loose. Adjust the chin strap until the helmet fits snug and is not bouncing around.
• Make sure your bike is properly maintained. Check air pressure, the chain, brakes, and also make sure handlebars and seats are tightened!
• Know the rules of the road! Use hand signals, make sure your bike has reflectors, and also make sure you are wearing bright clothing in order to help your visibility. If you are riding at dawn/dusk, make sure you have a light!

If you'd like more bike safety tips, check out our past blog, The Bike Safety Short List & Cycling Navigation.

No matter what bike you end up with, you will be on your way to a happier, healthier you! We wish you happy rides! If you have tips for bike buying, or even insight on some great trails/paths to try, share them with us!

4 Tips to Maximize Your Workout

There never seems to be enough time in a day, especially when trying to squeeze in time for exercise! But, we all know that there are a ton of health benefits from exercising and who doesn't want to be healthy? We've put together 4 tips to help you maximize your workout. This way, you can make the daunting task of exercising fit into your schedule. (No matter how many minutes you think you don't have!)

Q: Do you spend the majority of your day in a chair, behind a desk? 
A: Make it a habit to get up and out of that chair every 20 minutes or so. Exercising in small bursts can be beneficial. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to the farthest printer or bathroom. There are plenty of little tricks you can find to integrate exercise into your work day.

Q: Do you dread exercising alone? 
A: Why not find a workout buddy! You can help motivate each other to stick with your workout regiment! You can also venture away from the run/walk/bike ride, and try some fun activities that require more than one person like tennis, frisbee, etc. (Maybe you'll feel like you are simply hanging out with a friend and you might even find your workout time getting longer and longer!!)

Q: Do you spend more time walking then you think?
A: Remember that every step counts! Buy a pedometer, and have some fun. Set goals for how many steps you'll take in a day/week, and see if you can reach those goals!! Why not start with a goal of 10,000 steps per week. If nothing else it'll be interesting to see how many steps you take right in your very own house!!

Q: Are you getting the most out of your current workout?
A: Try to incorporate multi-joint moves into your workout such as squats, lunges, rows and presses. These are more efficient than a single joint moves because they save time as well as maximize energy expenditure! Simple terms...more calorie burn!



The time is now! Take control of your health, and challenge yourself to 'make time' for exercise! Of course another great idea is to leave the car keys at home and take the bike on all your short errands and commutes! You can use the handy Bikepath Country Navigation App to get yourself around town! Checkout out more great exercise and workout tips from Bikepath Country!

The Bike Safety Short List & Cycling Navigation

You can find pages and pages of tips on how to safely ride your bike. We decided to compile a Bike Safety Short List for quick viewing! We'll start by saying, know where you are going! Check out our online bike route planning tool, or download our free bike map app for iTunes and Android!

Follow the Rules of the Road:

• Bike on the road in the same direction as traffic.
• Stop at red lights, stop signs, and obey traffic signs (one-way, yield, etc)
• If there's a dedicated bike lane, use it!
• Look up your state's laws, in some states children under 18 MUST legally wear a helmet.

Safety Gear:

• Wear a helmet (even if you are over 18!!). It can help protect that brain of yours!
• Make sure your bike has a bell/horn
• Riding at night (or dawn/dusk)? Be sure you have a headlight or tail light.
• Make sure your brakes are in working condition (front and back)
• Reflectors should be on both the front and back of bicycle, so you can be noticed from all directions!

Riding Habits:

• Ride in a straight line
• Ride on the right side of the lane. If you are riding with others, stay in a single-file line.
• When making a left turn, move towards the left of the lane
• Be aware of blind spots for drivers, and stay out of them! (especially at traffic lights)
• Signal well. Use the proper hand signals (click here for a refresher). Make eye contact with drivers before making turns.
• Travel with a toolkit. Be prepared for that surprise flat tire!

Bike Safety Tips for Kids and Adults - The helmet!

2013 Bike Month has arrived - Happy Bike Month to you!

It's a beautiful warm spring day. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the temperature is just right...what better than a family bike ride! You've gotten the bikes out of the shed, filled the water bottles, and mapped out your route (using the Bikepath Country App of course). But, before you take that ride, let's talk a little bit about bike safety!

There are multiple levels of bike safety, like developing the proper riding skills and bike maintenance!

Today we'll take some time to focus on one of the simple, yet incredibly important aspects of bike safety, the helmet!

When you get in a car, the first thing you do is put on your seat belt. Think of your helmet as the seat belt of your bike!

Make sure your helmet fits properly:
- Your helmet should not be too tight, or too loose, but sit comfortably on your head.
- Stay away from wearing a hat under your helmet as this can mess with the fit.
- Make sure your helmet is snug, and that it doesn't bounce around while you ride.

Helmet Positioning:
- The helmet should sit level on your head
- The helmet should cover your forehead and sit just above your eyebrows.
- Make sure the buckle is fastened under your chin (we don't want a flyway helmet!!)

Helmet Replacement:
You should consider replacing your helmet if -
- It hits the ground, or becomes dented or chipped;
- If the foam begins to harden, tear, or crumble;
- or if the fit is no longer correct (maybe your head grew?)

Stay tuned for more safety tips, and bike route ideas from Bikepath Country as Bike Month continues! Happy, Safe Riding to you!

Cycling Tips for Urban Riders

Cycling in urban areas can be incredibly intimidating to a new rider. But, with some basic bike safety riding tips maybe it doesn't have to be!

Where to ride?
Not all cities ban riding on the sidewalk, but sidewalks are for pedestrians. Instead you should ride on the right side of the road, with traffic. (Never ride on the left side - against traffic).

What to do at an Intersection?
First ask yourself where you are headed. If you are making a right turn, be sure to position yourself on the right side of the lane and near the curb. If you are planning on turning left, position yourself near the center line.

How do you use Hand Signals?
Make hand signals well in advance!! Turning on a bike is quite similar to turning in your car. First look over your shoulder, then signal, then give one last check, and turn!
For a left turn: Extend your left arm straight out to your left.
For a right turn: You can either use your left arm bent at the elbow with your fingers pointed to the sky; OR, you can extend your right arm straight out to your right.
Stopping: Bend your left arm at the elbow and point your fingers toward the ground.


Shifting Gears 101
Simply put, low gears are for slow speeds, and high gears are for high speeds. Be sure to shift into a lower gear before stopping to ensure for a smooth start up once you start riding again!

Think Ahead!
Just like driving a car, it's smart and safe riding to anticipate behavior and movements of the others sharing the road. Keep your eyes open, and stay aware!

Know Where You're Going!
Plan your route! Get the best cycling directions to get you safely from point a to point b! Use our handy map your ride web app before you leave for your ride! And, take the directions on the road with the Bikepath Country Mobile App (available for Android and iPhone)!

All in all, ride defensively! Remain alert and prepared for the unpredictable! 

Bicycling Your Way into Shape: Fun Fitness Tips!

Did you make a New Year's Resolution to get in shape? Did you already give up on that resolution? Did you say yes to both of those questions? Ok, now all three?....

Maybe you just needed spring! Getting in shape is always easier when it isn't a chore! Packing the gym bag, stopping off after work, just doesn't always fit in your routine. But, now the sun is out longer, the temperature is getting warmer. How bout jumping back on that get in shape spirit!!

Start slow:

• Head down to the local park, or walking/bike path and take a stroll. Bring along a friend and talk out the stresses of your day under some sunshine! You can increase the speed and length of your walk, as time goes on. (I'm sure you can find plenty to talk about!!)
• The snow covered mountains are thawing. Perfect time to get out in the woods for a nice family hike!
• Of course there's also our favorite activity...take a bike ride!! Bicycling is a fantastic way to take in the sun and fresh air. Not to mention it's an excellent day to get around town. The motion of cycling, is a great way to burn fat!

So instead of driving down the road to the post office, take the bike, or walk (of course terrain permitting). Try out the Bikepath Country app to help you find bike friendly routes all around your town! It's available for both Android and iPhone!

You can also try out the web version to map your route before you leave the house! Visit www.bikepathcountry.com for routes, health tips, and fundraising opportunities to help your town raise money for bike path improvements!

No matter what way you choose to slowly transition in to your Spring exercise routine, have fun with it!

Tips on a Healthy New Year!

res-o-lu-tion / noun
1. The act or process of resolving

• the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones
• the act of answering
• the act of determining

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

New Year's resolution
1. A commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. Made in anticipation of the New Year and new beginnings.
(Wikipedia)

Resolution season is among us!  So what will your resolution be? Here are some ideas to help boost your health!

Resolution 1: Reduce Stress Levels
Of course we know this is sometimes easier said then done, but here are some tips to help:

• Start by identifying the aspects in your life causing you the most stress.
• Next, try to take control. See what changes you can make to help reduce and maybe even prevent some of the stress from the previous year.
• Exercise, yoga, meditation are all great and proven stress-reducers. 

Resolution 2: More Exercise
This is probably one of the most common resolutions. We all know about the famous boost in gym goers at the top of the New Year! 

• Start small: 30 minutes a day, for 5 days a week.
• Find activities you enjoy. Exercise doesn't mean you have to go to the gym and lift weights or run on the treadmill. Maybe you prefer swimming or walking or even cycling! It's all about getting that heart beating!! Doesn't mean you can't have fun while doing it!
• Try and exercise at the same time every day, to help make it part of your routine.

Resolution 3: Eat Healthy
Food is delicious, and sometimes bad food is really delicious! But now that the Holiday season is coming to an end, life will get back to its normal routine, and eating healthily can go back to being a priority!

• Try to substitute red meat with other proteins like fish or chicken. http://ow.ly/gmliS
• Pay attention to that food pyramid. Be sure to have both fruits and vegetables every day!
• Drink water! Sugary drinks can be the biggest culprit for weight gain in your diet! 
• Read the labels. Look for whole grains as opposed to refined grains. High fiber foods will tend to be more filling, and also generally are lower in calories! Conscious eating! 

Whatever your New Year's Resolution may be this year, we wish you well on your journey! Of course as always we'd love to hear your tips on following through on your resolutions! And, if you've got a unique resolution for this year, share it with us!

B is for...bike!

Sure the letter B could be for bananas, but for me it has always been for bike. The lack of bike paths in towns across this country, now that's bananas!

2013 is just around the corner. It should be priority for towns to start realizing that 'if you build it, they will come'. Ok, so in the context of this conversation it might be more like, 'if you build it, they will ride...', but you get my gist. Of course, the issue of 'who will pay for it' generally finds it's way into infrastructure conversation. Sure, building bike paths and dedicated bike lanes is costly, not to mention the signage and other maintenance involved in keeping the paths rideable.

But, that's what we do. Bikepath Country is working directly with municipalities and businesses to take a new approach on raising funds for bike path creation, as well as to help pay for the costs related to maintaining parks and recreation facilities.

Do you know of a bike path in your town that needs some repairs? Or maybe you just really wish your town had a paved bike path? Let us know how your town/city is doing!

The St. Mark’s Trail: Half Marathon Training Central

Guest Blog written by Paula Kiger

We have a popular trail here in North Florida. The “St. Mark’s Trail” starts at the southern edge of Tallahassee and goes south to the point where the St. Mark’s and Apalachicola Rivers merge, at the tiny town of St. Mark’s. In the past, the railroad shuttled cotton from the plantation belt to the coast, to be shipped to textile mills in England and New England. Now the former railroad bed shuttles runners, bikers, inline skaters, walkers -- anyone (canine or human) wanting to put one foot (or paw, hoof, or wheel) in front of the other. Even today, a horse trail runs parallel to the paved trail).

I have visited the trail on and off during my 30 years living here in Tallahassee. There were a few inline skating expeditions in college; one (just one!) cycling attempt pulling a toddler carrier when my teenager was little; a bit of recreational running; a few 5K’s; and an 8K. The most memorable 5K was the one where I won the “snail” trophy (it was literally a snail) for coming in last. My family laughed at me, but honestly I treasured the little ceramic snail for years, until one of its antennae broke off and it eventually disappeared during a move.

While training for my September 2012 half marathon in Massachusetts, I visited the trail as many times in two months as I had in the past 30 years! After one disastrous run here in Tallahassee that was hot, hilly and miserable, I adopted the St. Mark’s trail as my home ground for half-marathon training.

I woke up as early as possible on the Saturday mornings when my coach had assigned a long run, trying to get out of the house in time to be at the trail at sunrise. That part never quite worked out, but I was still a member of what I would consider “the early crew.”

What a boon to my training it was to have a course that was:

• A. equipped with restrooms
• B. shady
• C. flat
• D. easy to measure (because of the mile markers)
• E. populated by familiar faces (I never ran the trail that I didn’t get a “way to go” or other encouragement from a fellow local runner)
• F. traffic-free (except for a few road crossings)
• G. interesting. I will never stop wondering what would happen if I actually patronized the home that has a sign saying “Willkillyacounty Merchandise Sold Here.” (Willkillya is a take-off on the county’s name, Wakulla)
• H. conducive to losing myself in an audiobook or awesome playlist

Once race day arrived on September 16, the road through Boston, MA, was devoid of anything southern. The Atlantic Ocean conjured up thoughts of sailors and sea salt; bands played, crowds cheered, and impatient motorists lined up waiting to get “their” road back.

I was up north geographically, but this runner’s half marathon foundation had started down south, on a trail thousands of miles away. A trail where even a snail could find a comfortable pace.

Do You Consider Your Town to be Bike Friendly?

As more and more people are leaving their cars at home, we'd like to do a quick survey of our readers to see how many of you consider yourselves bike commuters! More importantly we wonder what may prevent more of you from choosing the bike over the car.

Maybe you work way too far away? Or, the route to work doesn't leave you feeling safe? Maybe there are no bike racks to lock your bike up when you get there? Maybe it's just entirely too hilly? Whatever your reasons, we would love to hear them.

You probably aren't the only one in your town who wishes there was a bike lane, or at least a shared roadway sign! So let's hear it!

Thanks for participating! We will report back our results. Be sure to share with your friends. If you know of paths that are in need of repairs, or signs that need to be put up, visit Bikepath Country for more info on how we can help your town raise funding for bike paths, signage, parks and recreation areas!

The Great Outdoors - a Hudson Valley Fall

The air is cool, the leaves are turning vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Yup…
fall is here! And what follows fall, the dark, cold, and sometimes white season called winter! While some parts of the country are lucky enough to not have that frigidly cold winter season, we in the Hudson Valley are not. Which, is more of a reason to take advantage of the great fall season we are lucky enough to have.

Fall for us means apple picking, pumpkin picking, pumpkin lattes, fall foliage, and of course Oktoberfest. Fall is also an amazing time to get out and enjoy nature! Here's your fall reminder to take advantage of the outdoors! It won't be long before that frigid winter air comes blowing in.

Take a hike and enjoy a mountain top view of a Hudson Valley fall. Get out on your bike and enjoy the fall views along the Hudson! And remember if you're in need of a new suggested ride check out the Bikepath Country App, which is filled with local rides no matter where you are! Available for free download on Android and iPhone!

What's your favorite part about fall? Show us in pictures. Send photos to bikepathcountry [at] gmail [dot] com or share on Facebook, Twitter!

Bike Path Funding For Your Town

As the great article on Politico, "Cities Forge Own (bike) Paths" begins, "It's a familiar path: As demand for bike and pedestrian projects skyrockets, federal funding shrinks."

NY, NJ, CT all did choose to keep their recreation trails funding whole, which is of course great news for the the folks who use these paths!

What if we also take fundraising into our own hands? Bikepath Country helps to raise money for municipalities in order to maintain, restore and expand the current bike path infrastructure. Not only does this funding go to support repair and expansion of bike paths, but also to adding water fountains, park benches, restroom and maintenance of local parks and other community spaces.

Bikepath Country was established to help preserve and expand this country's bike path system, as well as to promote a clean and healthy environment for the community. Through the use of socially responsible advertising, municipalities are able to raise money specifically for their parks and recreation department.

Although demand is on the rise, we can't just rely on government funding to ensure we are providing safe bike paths, walkways, and parks to our communities! Get involved in your community, email municipalities (at) bikepathcountry.com or call 855.4.BIKEPATH (855.424.5372) for more info!

On bikepathcountry.com you can also find health and fitness tips. And, before you leave your house for a ride log on to map your ride, and get accurate cycling directions. Oh, and if you'd rather take those directions with you, we got an App for that! Try out our free Bikepath Country App available for iPhone, iPad and Android users. Take it for a spin, and let us know what you think!

Stay Active This School Year

The unofficial end of summer is here. The kids are back to school, which may mean more sitting at desks for them, and more sitting on the couch for you? But, back to school doesn't have to mean back to the couch.

Bike To School
Not everyone lives in an area where biking to school is an option. But, if you do, and you have the opportunity, why not make it part of the routine to ride with your kids to school. Then you can either ride on to take care of some minor errands, or head back home, hop in the car and off to work you go.

Before/After Dinner Ride
Summer might be winding down, but the sun is still shining. Plan to take a family ride after school (after all the homework is done of course!). Or plan for an early dinner and take an after dinner ride. Of course your kids may want to 'ride with their friends'. Well, maybe their friends parents ride too! The more the merrier!

Weekend Fun
Of course not everyone lives in a bike friendly environment. Maybe rides during the week are hard to squeeze in. Why not start a Saturday or Sunday morning family bike ride tradition. Throw the bikes on a bike rack and go explore your local parks and paths. More and more safe cycling routes and bike paths are popping up all over the country. It's up to us to use them! Find a local ride near you!

Share your tips for keeping the family active during the school year!

Too Close For Comfort: Can Cars and Bikes Share the Roadway?

As cities and counties across this country work to become bike friendly, the issue (concern) of bike safety makes headline after headline. In some instances we see a 'battle' between the drivers and the bikers. Well, today I had quite the ironic 'near accident' experience while out for a ride.

It was a beautiful morning, and I decided today was a perfect day to take a ride to Nyack. So I got ready for the trek and off I went. Of course I wasn't the only one with this idea, it was cycle city on 9w!!! I was quite impressed with how well cars were sharing the road. I usually get quite nervous as the big trucks go flying by. I didn't even get honked at! Side Note: I know there is also a big debate whether or not beeping is helpful, and for matters of disclosure, my opinion is, PLEASE DON'T BEEP AT ME (or yell out your window).

As I neared an intersection by Rockland Lake, I saw an oncoming car waiting in the left turn lane. The light was still green so I pedaled on. I was moving at a pretty fast pace, at least a fast pace for me (I'm no super cyclist. In fact I get passed by all of them!! Slower than most and steady is my style). As I got even closer to the light (close enough for the driver of the car to look me in the eyes), the light turned yellow. This car hesitated, but then at the last second decided it was going to go. I of course was forced to immediately brake in the intersection to avoid being flattened into the pavement.

As the car drove past, I noticed his bike rack. A sigh, a head shake, and a chuckle. Of all the cars on the road, I thought, the one that almost hits me is a 'fellow' cyclist. Ironic, or probably a rather common occurrence. The best part was that after making his turn, he slowed down, and turned his head. Probably looking to see if I survived his stupidity.

That lovely driver decided he didn't want to get stuck at the light, so regardless of how safe it was, he was making that left hand turn. We all make decisions, and it just proves that when behind the wheel, even a cyclist can forget what it's like to be on a bike.

P.S. If you've never taken a ride on 9w, I'd suggest trying it! It's a gorgeous ride, with plenty of views of the Hudson. Hilly, yes, quite! But a really enjoyable ride! Map Your Ride before you go!

A Healthy September: Tips on Staying Healthy and Getting in Shape

There's no better time to 'get healthy' than today! So many of us tack on 'getting healthy' to our summer plans, and then we spend all of summer complaining it's too hot. Well, as August comes to an end (rather quickly, just a few days remain), and the humidity has seemingly left the area, why not make September your 'get healthy' month?

Start with a goal!

Your goal doesn't have to be something extravagant like, I want to be able to run a marathon by the end of the month. Although setting our sights high is sometimes motivating, it can also be quite the daunting task. Start small. I'm going to take a hike every Saturday! The sights are quite fantastic from atop a mountain! Or, how about I'm going to ride my bike at least once a day! Put it on your to do list, and make sure you check it off! (Even if nothing else on the list gets a check!! wink wink)

Have Fun!
When we give ourselves something to work towards, we feel like we have something to accomplish. Sometimes we let our minds view exercise as a chore, which causes us to run the other way! But if we pick activities that we enjoy, you might even find that you start looking forward it!! Leave the car behind. Not everyone lives in a bike/walk friendly area. But, if you do, try leaving the car home for your errands! You'll even save money! Take a look at some helpful navigation tools to map your route before you go.

Eat Healthy!
It's funny that when we think of 'eating healthy' we immediately associate this with bland, boring food. Exploring new and healthy recipes can actually be rather rewarding to your taste buds! Find the inner chef in you this September. Remember, your local farmer's markets are probably open through November! If you live nearby, leave the car home. Take your bike, or walk.

And if nothing else, remember portions! Instead of taking the entire bag of chips with you to the couch, fill a small bowl. Of course you can always get up for seconds, but you'll question whether or not you REALLY want to!

Maybe you've got a great secret that could help others! Share your 'get healthy' tips with us!

Westchester Farmer's Market

Bronxville
Saturdays 8:30 - 1:00pm through 11/17
Stone Pl at Paxton Ave

Croton-on-Hudson
Wednesdays 1:30 - 6:30pm 5/30 - 11/21
Lot on Municipal Place - off Rt 9 exit

Dobbs Ferry
Fridays 10:00 - 4:00pm through Thanksgiving
Corner of Cedar and Main St

Larchmont
Saturdays 8:30 - 1:00pm 5/26 - 12/15
Parking lot off Chatsworth Ave

Mahopac
Sundays 9:00 - 3:00pm
Temple Beth Shalom

Mahopac
Wednesdays 1:00 - 6:00pm
Saturdays 9:00 - 3:00pm
1085 Rt 6

New Rochelle
Fridays 8:00 - 3:00pm 5/22 - 11/16
Library Green - Huguenot & Lawton Streets

Ossining
Saturdays 8:30 - 1:00pm 5/26 - 12/15
Parking Lot corner of Spring & Main Streets

Peekskill
Saturdays 8:30 - 2:00pm through November
Bank St/Downtown Peekskill between Main St and Park St

Pleasantville
Saturdays 8:30 - 1:00pm 5/26 - 12/15
Memorial Plaza off Manville Rd

Rye
Sundays 8:30 - 2:00pm 5/27 - 12/16
Parking lot behind Purchase St stores

Tarrytown
Saturdays 8:30 - 1:00pm 5/26 - 11/17
Patriot's Park on N. Broadway (rt. 9)

White Plains
Wednesdays 8:00 - 4:00pm through 11/21
Court St between Martine Ave & Main St

What Does A Cyclist Really Look Like?

Yesterday I met a nice young cyclist from NYC (we'll call him BikerNY). It was a beautiful day here in the Hudson Valley, and he was out taking advantage of the nice end of August weather! I asked what made him ride up to Nyack. He said he mentioned to his city friends that he wanted to cross the George Washington Bridge, and they all suggested taking the ride up to Nyack, NY. So, he did. I met him outside The Nyack Village Theatre on Main St, where he stood with his running sneakers, button up, and gym shorts. The only thing that gave away he was traveling by bike was the helmet I saw dangling off his backpack.

Conversation continued and there was mention of a certain local coffee shop, where all the bikers gather. BikerNY chuckled while saying his friends told him he HAD to stop in there once he got to Nyack, and so he took their advice. He however said he wasn't wearing enough spandex to enter and continued on his way. I of course had to laugh at this comment, as it brings up a common question, "What does a cyclist look like?"

I'll answer a question with another question. Do you ride a bike? What do you look like?

BikerNY didn't have on any fancy bells and whistles of a 'cycling' outfit, and he rode his bike all the way from the West Village to Nyack NY. So, don't worry if you don't have some fancy bike, with clip on pedals, and a super cool spandex racing suit. The important part is that you are out there riding, and enjoying your ride!

Send us your photos, and show us What A Cyclist Looks Like to you!

Wanna Go Ride Bikes?

Remember when you were a kid, and you'd call up your friends to "go ride bikes"? Remember when you were an adult, and you did the same thing?!?!

What's the hardest part of exercising? For me it's the 'getting started' part! I, like many of us, sit for 8 hours a day at a desk job. And then, like many of us, I get home only to sit some more thinking, "It's too hot out for exercise...", or "I'm too tired...". Of course I'm exaggerating (or at least I like to tell myself that...).

Just yesterday, I was cleaning out the closet (which can be considered exercise to me!), and at the very bottom of the boxes and clutter, I found my old basketball. I knew what my next move was. Drop the boxes, grab the ball and head to the courts!!

It was that simple. An hour later I returned home feeling GREAT! That's when it hit me, exercise doesn't just mean running, walking, cycling, or going to the gym. It could also mean shooting some hoops, throwing a frisbee, throwing a baseball, dancing...etc. The key here is, you can get your exercise and enjoy it to. If running isn't your thing, then don't run! We tend to consider exercising, work. It doesn't have to be.

Now if you've read this far, you're thinking, yes, tell me something I don't know. And, honestly that's what I was thinking too. But, the truth is, we shouldn't look at exercise as a chore. We should focus in on activities that we enjoy. If you don't know what you enjoy, now is the perfect time to find out! It's summer, there are lots of groups you can join. Find a local hiking group, kayaking group, cycling group. Call up some friends and see who wants to throw a frisbee around. As we get older, we don't think to call up our friends and ask if they want to "come out and play" as we used to. But the question is, why not?

Biking in New York City: The Dirty Facts

So I was going to this party with my friend in Brooklyn on the Fourth of July, and walking from the Prospect Park subway station I noticed these-

Bike paths. 

Actual, explicitly segregated bike paths alongside a two-lane road. I couldn't help myself- I stopped in my tracks to snap that pic. I needed proof. This was the kind of bike path I thought only existed in places like... like Disneyworld. Or, at least, hipster neighborhoods in Colorado. Based on where I live in Queens and where I work in Manhattan, I assumed biking was a fend-for-yourself kind of operation anywhere but an actual park, regardless of whether you were biking to work or in a large loop right back to where you started. I didn't realize that in a major metropolis, biking could be anything but a very dangerous game of survival-of-the-fittest with contestants battling erratic SUV's and randomly opening driver's doors, but here was the evidence- at least in this borough, bikers have rights. 

Of course, seeing the gorgeous paths winding through South Brooklyn is nice, but it doesn't help me much. Walking home that night, I glanced at my own street. It's big enough for me to bike with no problem, but I couldn't help but pout at the definitive absence of missing green paint and medians. After seeing the luxury of an actual bike lane, I became a little concerned. If actual bike lanes exist, what does that mean for areas without the lanes within the same city? This seems like it might be an issue. 

According to public record, NYC had about 170 miles of painted bike lanes in 2009, with other lanes either in progress or under planning. That's only a small fraction of the total mileage of roads in NYC overall, though- so for anyone biking on the regular roads, I checked. You can still bike anywhere, you just have to follow basic traffic laws. You're considered a vehicle, which means you don't have any particular right of way over traffic. This is less of an issue for a commuter, but that can make recreational biking less... well, recreational. 

Uhmmm... okay.

As someone who used to run, this is new to me. I'm used to getting the right of way, not to mention use of the sidewalks. I almost trashed the idea of getting a bike altogether- if I have to use the roads, I might as well just get a car and call it a night. It's not like I can bring my bike on the subway, right?

False. While looking up some of the bike path stats for the city, I came across some interesting information for recreational bikers and commuters alike-

First, some of the laws I found to make biking easier. In 2004, the city limited the number of cars that could drive through Central Park, then went on to limit the speed limit of said cars to 25 mph and grant the park an additional hour of car-free time in 2007. There's currently a movement to make Central Park completely car-free as well, and some people are pushing to allocate road funds specifically for speeding up the extension of bike lanes throughout the city. 

Then, for commuters. Here's what the city does to make your life easier, and what you need to know- according to a study done by the city, the number of people in New York commuting on bikes has almost doubled in the past decade. This makes sense, since roughly 40% of NYC residents live less than a dozen miles from where they work. The city has bike racks in most Metro North and LIRR stations, and is working on adding bike racks to regular city lines, but for now you can bring your bike onto the train with you with a permit, obtainable for no cost at Grand Central Station. In 2009, the city also added a law requiring buildings with freight elevators to permit employees to bring bikes into the office with them. 

Whether you're a commuter or a recreational biker, though, this caught my eye: Every May, NYC holds the 40-mile Five Boro Bike Tour for over 40,000 riders. It's the largest recreational cycling event in the United States, spanning all five borough and ending across the Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry. I think... I think I've found my new New York Marathon. 

This whole biking thing is still kind of a maze to me- it seems the more research I do about cycling, the more information I end up needing to find. It's kind of cool, though- my city's doing it's best to make biking a bigger thing. It's nice to see a road with more bikes than cars, as impractical as it is to imagine that might become the next big thing. I'm done rambling, though. Until next time... ride on! Catch ya on the flipside. 

Making Your Town More Bike Friendly: Bike Safety Tips and the Discussion of Infrastructure

With gas prices remaining at an uncomfortable over $3 and closer to $4 dollar price, commuters are continuously looking for alternatives to driving! The number of bike commuters is on the rise across the country which raises the topic of bike safety. The discussion tends to find its way to the battle between the driver and the cyclist, and who 'owns' the road. But, the problem also opens the less wanted discussion of infrastructure. Creating a safe cycling and driving relationship doesn't end at enforcement of laws (such as Merrill's Law - which states motorists must pass cyclists with a safe distance: recommended 3 feet).

So, let's think for a minute about these other, less discussed, and sometimes seemingly forgotten ways to help create and promote a safer bike community for everyone using the 'shared' roadways!

One thing many forget is that the condition of the road might dictate where a cyclist rides. So, we need to also consider things like road maintenance (paving roads frequented by cyclists and drivers). Other options include wider shoulders, dedicated bike lanes, improved bike path systems, and offering bike safety education for both cyclists and drivers.

Bike Safety Tips (for cyclists):

• Obey Traffic Signs/Signals (stop at red lights, and stop signs); Ride in a straight line;
• Make sure you are visible! Wear bright colored clothing, use reflectors and/or blinking headlights/tailights.
• Don't wear earphones;
• Use signals and thoroughly look before turning or changing lanes;
• Watch for car doors opening
• When you can, make eye contact with drivers;
• Use marked bike lanes when possible

 Bike Safety Tips (for drivers):

• Be mindful of cyclists (especially at intersections); Be mindful of poor road conditions and potential for a cyclist to swerve; Be alert;
• Pass to the left and at a safe distance (3 feet or more);
• Be patient. A cyclist is moving at a much slower speed (and using their own power)
• Check for cyclists before opening car doors or pulling over to parallel park;
• Familiarize yourself with both bike and driving safety tips; and Obey the Laws of the road;

Everyone has a right to use the roadways! And, we all have the responsibility of ensuring the roadways are safe for all. Be sure to also check your state's rules and regulations on cycling and driver safety.

Join the conversation! Share your experiences. Let us know of the dangerous intersections in your towns. Let us know of roadways in need of repair.

Bikepath Country's goal is to help preserve and expand the country's bike path system, as well as to promote a clean and healthy environment for the community. Contact us today to help your municipality raise money for their parks and recreation department.