by Worldchanging Los Angeles local blogger, Anna Cummins
About now, your New Year's resolution wheels are beginning to spin. And like countless other Angelenos, one of yours may be to lose a few pounds in ’07.....
I’m talking carbon pounds.
You read Worldchanging, you’re well aware that we’re cooking in our own carbon emissions, and you’re ready to watch your fuel intake.
Fortunately, there’s a tried and tested, low stress plan to shed some unsightly emissions: bike commuting.
An average four-mile bike commute jaunt prevents nearly 15 pounds of polluting emissions from entering your breathing-sphere!
If saving the planet's not your thing, how about your bank account? By NOT driving just a few days each week, you’re spending less $ at the pump, extending the lifespan of your car, and avoiding annoying extra costs like parking fees and tickets.
Just in time for the holidays, the LA County Bicycle Coalition has produced a new, step-by-step guide to help you wean yourself from unhealthy petroleum and gridlock addictions. The 46-page handbook is free with membership, and includes everything you need to know to get you up and rolling.
I FINALLY joined after 2 years of admiring the LACBC from afar, and am quite impressed with the guide. Detailed info on how to select, care for, and fix your vehicle, the lowdown on bike/traffic related laws, key safety tips, where to go for workshops/clinics, how to wear your helmet without looking like a tool, and much more.
So get a jump on your resolutions. Dust off your beater bike, join the Coalition, and start counting your petro-calories for a (c)leaner, greener you in ’07!
