Bike to Work
Participated in Bike to Work month for the first time. Definite changes due to biking most days of the week, rather than just two or three days: no bus time to read, though biking to work faster than bussing. Biking to work good, as the ride wakes me up, though biking home much harder (perhaps need to snack more in the afternoon, or use a longer route that avoids the initial uphill climb through downtown Seattle). However, energy spent (plus biking out to Ballard for rock climbing) makes me less liable to do housework. A cleaning service and a dishwasher could help there. Need gloves with thick padding, as road bike none too kind on the wrists. A recliner bike may be in order for later years, or commuter bike that keeps weight off the arms.
Downtown Seattle is a toxic wasteland: too many vehicles, too much noise, and a bad stench most days of the week. Anecdotal evidence (myself) links increased biking to increased sneezing, either due to allergy triggering Diesel particles, or perhaps something else. The Winter rains help keep pollution down and pavement dust to a minimum, but these largely vanish during the summer months in Seattle.
In related news:
Automakers Summer Prescription For American Drivers: Higher Gas Prices, More Pollution - advertising campaign in 10 light truck and SUV infested states to oppose fuel efficient vehicles.
Seattle Bicycle Master Plan - City plans to improve bicycling throughout the area.
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