As the summer officially gets underway, many people will be looking for outdoor activities that are family friendly and health conscious. While there are many popular outdoor activities, there are few that are as accessible for all ages and fitness levels as cycling.
The popularity of cycling has grown in recent years for a variety of reasons including low environmental impact, low physical impact on the participants and myriad health benefits associated with the sport.
"The amount of people coming to cycling is much more than when I started," said Jeff Kopp, owner of Trek Bicycle Store Jacksonville which has two locations and opened six years ago. "A lot of runners, golfers and tennis players are coming to cycling. People get to a point that they can’t run or do impact sports anymore and then they come to biking."
The health benefits of cycling attract many people to the sport, which has continued to grow despite the current economic condition. Improvements in strength, muscle tone, cardio-vascular fitness, stamina, coordination and weight loss are among the benefits that many people see after a relatively short time on a bike. People find that for the price of a yearly gym membership they can purchase a bike and continue to get their exercise anytime and nearly anywhere.
Along with the health benefits, there are many social aspects of cycling that attract and keep people riding.
"Riding with a group can also be a big help. The social aspect of riding can be a great motivator, we have more people cycling and more organized riding events," said Bike Fitters owner, Drew Kallio, who has been in the cycling business since 1988 and opened his Ponte Vedra store in 2007.
Several local bike shops and riding groups organize rides that allow everyone from a beginner to a seasoned rider to participate and enjoy a sense of community.
For those who live close to work, commuting by bicycle is quickly becoming more and more popular. Many who live and work downtown or in Riverside, Avondale or San Marco find that commuting by bike can help ease their parking woes as these areas all have very limited parking.
"I get a lot of younger people who work in the service industry and are commuting less than 10 miles. Here in Jacksonville, commutes less than 10 miles are very doable," said Garfield Cooper, who opened Zen Cog on Stockton Street in February.
Commuting by bicycle has all the usual health benefits as well as allowing you to save money by reducing your fuel costs.
Those considering getting into cycling have many choices to make including road bike, mountain bike or cruiser; geared or single speed; suspension or rigid. These answers and advice to help ensure that you enjoy your cycling experience can be found at your local bike shop.
"First and foremost people should visit their local bike shop. Talk to the employees and let them know what your interest is. Talk to the people who do this for a living," Kopp said.
This sentiment is shared by most avid cyclists. Getting a bike that fits you and suits your riding needs has a major impact on how much you will enjoy riding and your comfort level.
"Getting with the right shop that can help them get fitted properly is a big deal. Bike fitting is our forte," Kallio said.
For those who haven’t been on a bike in years or are not sure what kind of riding they want to do, Zen Cog can help.
"People who want to ride but don’t know what they want, I tell them to buy a beach cruiser or a single speed bike to just get back into it," said Cooper. "Then if they find that they really like it, the cruiser or single speed can be their loaner bike for friends to ride. Cruisers and single speeds are super comfortable, low maintenance and can be accessorized to fit their owners. A single speed bike or cruiser can be great experience. It can make you feel like a kid again."
After you choose the bike and type of riding you want to do, familiarize yourself with the rules of the road or trail and make sure that you take the appropriate safety precautions.
"If you are going out on the roads or trails, wear your helmet. You get second chances with most other body parts after an accident. You don’t often get second chances with your head," said Kopp.
Florida law requires that bicycle riders or passengers 16-years-old and younger wear an approved helmet. Passengers include children riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle.
For those who are riding on the road, knowing and complying with state laws will contribute to a safe and fun cycling experience.
"Think like a car driver thinks. All the same rules and laws apply. If you can’t do it in a car you can’t do it on a bike. Running stop signs or illegal turns can get you a ticket just like in a car," said Kopp. "When approaching intersections make sure to make eye contact with drivers, don’t assume that they see you."
For those who choose to ride off-road or on multi-use paths, it is important to get familiar with the rules pertaining to the trails and paths you are riding.
Important things to keep in mind are always respect and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, stay on designated trails to avoid damaging native vegetation and minimize your impact on nature by avoiding muddy trails or shortcutting switchbacks, as these actions can cause erosion.
Cycling can be the perfect way for families and individuals on the First Coast to get out and take advantage of the scenery and soak up the sun.
Local Bike Shops
Bike Fitters: www.bikefitters.com
Bicycles Etc.: www.bicyclesetc.net
Champion Cycling & Fitness: www.championcycling.net
City Cycle: www.worldfamouscitycycle.com
Open Road Bicycles: www.openroadcycles.com
Trek Bicycles Jacksonville: www.trekjax.com
Zen Cog: www.zencog.com
Local Riding Groups and Organizations
Bike Jax: www.bikejax.org
Florida Bicycle Association: www.floridabicycle.org
North Florida Bicycle Club: www.nfbc.us
VeloBrew: www.velobrew.com
