How to transport your pet on a bicycle

Bicycles provide a wonderful and freeing mode of transportation. The bicycle was first invented in Europe in the nineteenth century. Today it is the world’s most popular vehicle. Bicycles allowed for easy travel — they are 3 times more energy efficient than walking, and 3-4 times as fast as walking. Bicycles and horse buggies were the two biggest modes of private transportation just before the automobile was invented. Bicycles are pragmatic, functional, and efficient. They are a big component of a healthy urban transportation system. The bicycle is a simple and elegant machine, attracting kids of all ages and adults. Bicycling offers many health benefits, and it does not directly contribute to global warming or environmental pollution. It is a wonderful, freeing sport that brings health and joy to millions of people everywhere.

Have you wanted to travel with your dog but find the whole thing too overwhelming? There are several ways of enjoying your bike and your pet at the same time — some are more safe than others.

With large dogs, you could do a fast version of walking the dog — you on your bicycle and your dog on a leash. Yes, this method gives both you and your dog exercise, but at what risk? You’ve increased the width that automobile drivers need to avoid, which may be fine on low speed, less travelled roads. But this is not advised on busier streets. Also your safety is now in your hands as well as the paws of your dog. Are you prepared for your dog quickly veering off track after a stray cat? What about your dog’s safety? Be careful not to run your pet too long on a hard surface. This can not only cause joint problems, but also bleeding of the paws. There is a lot at stake and a lot of uncertainties when you bike-jog with your pet.

You could allow your dog to run ahead of your bicycle without a leash. Your safety is no longer in the paws of your pet, but not only are there safety issues with regard to your pet, but also there are leash laws in many parts of this country. No matter how well trained your dog is, there are so many things that could go wrong if you let your dog run unleashed.

For small to medium dogs try a pet bicycle trailer — a much safer method of bicycling with your pet. Actually, some pet bicycle trailers can accommodate larger pets up to 115 pounds. With one of these attached to your bicycle, you can maintain your active lifestyle and get your pet outside, too. When you go to the park to give your pet a little fun and exercise, why not take him there in a bicycle trailer — you get some exercise on the trip there and back, without tiring your dog out along the way. You can put any small to medium pet in a pet bicycle trailer. It might take some getting used to though, and it might take some training for your pet to be sure he doesn’t go nuts while you’re trying to bike. Two high quality bicycle trailers are the Trek’R and the Burley Tail Wagon.

There are precautions when using a pet bicycle trailer. When riding, your pet should always be secured with the safety leash adjusted to the correct length. Do not exceed the weight capacity of your pet bicycle trailer. Check the inflation of your bicycle and trailer tires before every ride. Check the connection of the trailer to your bicycle before your bicycle ride. Riding with the pet bicycle trailer increases your braking distance and may affect your ability to control your bicycle. Practice in a safe area before riding with the trailer in high-traffic areas. Always wear a safety helmet when riding.

Another way to enjoy your bike rides and your small pets is a pet carrier that fits on your bicycle’s handle bars — only recommended for small pets up to maybe 15 pounds; your specific pet bicycle carrier will specify the exact weight limit. With a pet bicycle carrier you can have your small pet share in the fun of your bike ride. You can bike ride with your pet in front of you with a bicycle pet carrier. You are closer to your pet and can better enjoy his company. Two high quality pet bicycle carriers are the Pet Cruiser Sport Carrier and the Pet Cruiser Wicker Cruiser.

There are precautions when using handlebar mounted pet carriers. Never leave your pet unattended or alone in the basket. Never leave your animal confined or unattended in direct sunlight or anytime there is a risk of overheating. Be sure to secure your pet with the harness. Do NOT speed while riding with your pet. You must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Do not ride when it the roads are wet. Do not ride in the dark. Check everything over before riding. Do not exceed weight capacity limit specified by your bicycle carrier. Do not install safety straps in any way that might interfere with brake cables, brake levers, or gear control shifters of your bicycle.

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How to bicycle in Moscow traffic

How to work out the calories burned when bicycling

Cycling is the best way to burn calories. It is a form of cardio workout that can shed extra pounds from your body. We have seen many people undergoing low calorie diets, surgeries in order to shed those unwanted fats from their body. They even go to the level of starvation that can be extremely dangerous.

Most people are resorting to cycling nowadays in order to burn calories. Excess indulgence in junk foods, high stress, erratic sleeping habits and aging causes obesity. The percentage of obese people is increasing with each passing day. Everybody is whining about his or her extra weight. In order to lose weight and discard diseases associated with fats, cycling seems to a better alternative. It not only de-stresses your mind but also offers you a toned body.

The roles of bicycles are increasing with each passing because they are pollution free. Even celebrities are doing this cardio workout in order to lose weight. Gradually the whole process is gaining momentum and in many countries it is becoming a style statement too.

How Many Calories Are Burned During Bicycling?

Calories burnt during cycling may vary with the level of intensity used. A very slow bicycling can burn around 380-530 calories while a moderate speed can burn 500-700 calories and a very speedy cycling can burn up to 1060 calories.

In order to burn more calories, you have to use more energy. It is also a passion for many. Some people enjoy a cycle ride all the way through the city while some like to do mountain cycling, which is regarded as the extreme form bicycling. It burn up to 1400 calories. Try this exercise in order to burn calories.

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A bicycling inspiration - Danny MacAskill

The enjoyable way to save mon fuel money by Bicycling

In the face of the rising cost of gasoline, instead of putting the pedal to the metal, more and more Americans are using a new set of pedals as a means of transportation. Rather than driving around town, commuting via bicycle is becoming more and more in fashion. Twenty-seven-year-old Michael Genovisi, who resides in San Francisco, commented that he prefers riding his bicycle as a means of transportation as opposed to driving his car.

Genovisi stated that he wasn't the only individual who had traded in driving for cycling. "There's a pretty big bike culture here and a lot of people ride," he said. Genovisi did note that not everyone partakes in this cycling trend, but that with the rising costs of gasoline, cycling is economically more feasible.

Living in San Francisco and other warmer regions, biking is seen as a means to enjoy the warm climate and escape rising gas prices. "There are certainly far more cars than bikes, but bikes are very common," Genovisi said. While bikes are still not the de facto means of travel, they are certainly become more pervasive.

On a similar note, Genovisi described that during a visit to an island off the coast of Thailand, the islanders not only rode bikes, but also rode small mopeds and motorcycles. In Thailand, the culture is more conducive to more means of creative traveling and so, people are seen commuting on all forms of transportation.

Holland is another country where cycling is a national phenomenon. According to the official Holland web site, thirteen million out of its sixteen million citizens own a bicycle. In light of this fact, Holland has obligatory separate bicycle lanes. In Holland bicycles are also available for rent in practically every town and city. Of course, Holland's mostly flat country and mild weather also lend a helping hand to the popularity of using bicycles as a primary means of transportation.

Overall, biking is a great way to save money on gasoline and to stay healthy. When the weather is nice, it offers a means to avoid going to the gym, and get to work without waiting in traffic. Killing two birds with one stone, it's hard to deny the advantages of biking.

Molly Callahan is an expert on the field of mental illness. She enjoys reading all styles of literature and actively follows the new releases. During her spare time, she writes for a variety of web sites including biking exercise benefits and gucci cologne.

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Bicycling in Amsterdam

Bicylcing in City of Davis

The City of Davis logo is an old-fashioned 'high-wheeler" bicycle, and with good reason. Davis has always been a place with a lot of bicycles, and with a large University in middle of town, thousands take to the streets on their bicycles each day.

Davis has been a "Bicycle Friendly City" and at the forefront of incorporating bicycle lanes into the City traffic flow since 1966. The City of Davis has won national awards for bikeway planning and design and national Cycling groups and Outdoors magazines have bestowed many honors on Davis including "America's Best Cycling City" in 1995.

Each year an international bike race, the AMGEN Tour of California, runs right through downtown Davis as crowds line the streets and cheer. And, in April of 2009, Davis was designated as the new home of the U.S. Bicycling Hall Of Fame which will move it's headquarters from Somersville, New Jersey to Davis, California.

Today Davis has over 100 miles of Bike Lanes and Bike Paths throughout the City and surrounding area.

A "Bike Lane" is a separate lane for bicycles only, which is built into the city streets, usually between the traffic lane and the gutter or sidewalk.

A "Bike Path", on the other hand, is a concrete or asphalt path for Bicycle and pedestrian use, which is not associated with existing roads or auto traffic. It often winds through greenbelts that connect Davis neighborhoods. Some of these bike paths allow riders to pass under highways and railroad tracks to easily get around town without encountering normal auto traffic congestion.

There are many scenic bike paths that take riders to city parks, along Putah Creek, through the University, and into the downtown area. Once downtown, riders can utilize bike lanes to go anywhere to shop, dine, meet friends, or get to work. Some Bike Paths and Lanes allow riders to explore the countryside around town and help connect Davis to Winters and Woodland.

To see pictures and maps of the Davis Bike Paths, visit my website below. I have included some photos of bike paths around Davis so that you will get an idea of the beautiful areas you can ride through.

Many of the neighborhoods in Davis are designed with Greenbelts and Bike Paths incorporated into them. Many homes can be found that back to a greenbelt or bike path. All the owner need do, is go out their back gate, or down the block, to get on the bike path and start to tour any of the 100+ miles of bike paths and lanes to take them anywhere around town.

Most of the City Parks can be reached via a bike lane or path and have bike paths incorporated into their design. It's easy to ride from one park to another. It is not just a popular mode of transportation for students, as many University employees and townspeople bike to work from their nearby homes. One of the more popular routes is the Davis Bike Loop, a circle path around Davis that is 12 miles in length and takes you through the University and a cross-section of neighborhoods. The path is marked in green with the Davis bike logo and the words "Davis Bike Loop".

As a resource for more information about Davis Bike history, current activities and bicycle projects and news, I recommend the non-profit group, Davis Bicycles!

If you are not a bicycle enthusiast when you move to Davis, you soon will be. The convenient facilities make bicycling a great way to get to work, get around town, or just get out and see the natural beauty of the area. If you are considering a move to Davis, the Bicycle Friendly atmosphere is just another of the many reasons to make this your home.

Vicki Walker is a Realtor in Davis, California. She provides assistance to clients that buy and sell Davis CA Real Estate and real estate in Woodland and all of Yolo County. Visit her website for more information.

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