[Note: I usually devote my blog posts to spirituality in the Christian tradition, and there is deep spirituality within cycling; but today I’m focusing on a few simple aspects of biking in my area. The content will apply, to some degree, to many cities in North America that are slowly building out infrastructure for cycling].
Like most American cities, Grand Rapids has developed since at least the mid-20th century with cars at the center of the transportation grid. Over the past several decades, however, there have been meaningful efforts at integrating cyclists into the flow of city transit.
For an inside look at how the Grand Rapids community is embracing bike culture, check out Greater Grand Rapids Cycling Coalition. For an inside look at my personal experience over my decade of cycling experience in this city, read on!
There are a host of ways to enjoy a safer, healthier, cheaper lifestyle in West Michigan, and for residents of Grand Rapids, bike commuting is somewhere near the very top of the list. Our city is, in many ways, rather bike-able. This of course depends on where one lives. These maps are profoundly helpful in getting an overview.
On to the juicy part : the 5 tips!
1. Enjoy the Journey [and Smile!]
Biking is pure joy. Is it the rush of air, the smell of fresh-fallen leaves on a Fall ride, or the energy of the city that gives the most pleasure? The answer depends on who’s riding! I love the social dimension of cycling, the fun of exchanging a smile or conversation with fellow cyclists and pedestrians – and drivers too. It’s a little more difficult with drivers because of the separation that doors and windows cause, but most of the time my interactions with drivers are positive.
At intersections, especially 4-way stops, there is a routine opportunity to kindly wave a driver on, smile gently, and inject common humanity into the daily commute. According to research, bike commuting is extremely good for our mental, vocational, and financial health too. Just saying.
If American culture has the chance of evolving to genuinely embrace [or even accept] cycling as mainstream, the best advertisement is you and me. Our job is to have fun [getting in shape is the bonus!]. When drivers see us in the open air and sense how much joy is to be found on two wheels, who knows – some might want to join in on the fun.
2. Put Your Head on Swivel
As I share about how drivers are typically positive, let’s be honest: that is not always the case. There is a defensive mindset cyclists must embrace. It’s not assuming people are bad. Instead, it’s assuming people make mistakes [and yes, this includes me].
Putting your head on swivel means just that. When navigating an intersection, it’s wise to use your periphery to scan each lane to be sure you’re safe to proceed. If you’re cruising past a dumpster, crane your neck forward to see if there’s a vehicle waiting behind it. Any moment of an otherwise uneventful ride can become a life-or-death situation, so even if it’s unlikely, it’s wise to err on the side of vigilance.
In my years of experience here in Grand Rapids, I can confidently say most drivers are respectful and give plenty of space for bikes. But every once in a while that proves untrue. So when I ride, I keep my head on swivel.
3. Consider an E-Bike [Especially if you Work, or Need to Carry People or Stuff!]
After years on an analog bike [what was I supposed to call them?], I committed to an e-bike in the summer of 2023. Mine is technically known as a longtail electric cargo bike.
When it comes to electric bikes, if you want a nice workout, turn off – or turn down – the level of electric assistance. If you want to get to work or class without breaking a sweat, turn it up and let the bike do more of the work.
4. Find a Trail [and Revel in it!]
Cycling the city as a regular commuter is fun and engaging, in my experience, but it’s hard to connect with others when you’re navigating the busier corners of town. When I want some time with a friend for a nice ride, I often head to Kent Trails and end up at Millennium Park. Or I’ll take the White Pine Trail north and end up as far as Rockford or Sand Lake.
Trails are the cyclist’s escape from the busyness of the city. I linked it above, but here’s a list of maps in Kent County. On a personal note, I hate the concept of driving somewhere to ride; it defeats the purpose! Accordingly, I typically choose to ride right through the city to nearby trails.
5. Ride the Right Bike – and Care for Your Ride
A well-maintained and rightly-sized bike is not only far safer, but also much more efficient. Soft tires slow a rider down, and too much air makes for a coarse ride, and doesn’t actually add to efficiency. Brakes rubbing also slows a bike down, but they need to be tight enough for quick stops. A mismatched bike frame size can be not only uncomfortable but also hard on joints and inefficient.
Like a lot of cyclists, I do my own maintenance. Bike mechanics are wonderful, yet it’s a tradeoff between money time. For the small stuff, most people can do most fixes: brakes, tires, and chain are the common challenges. I adjust my brakes at least once every week or two to make sure they’re dialed in perfectly. From time to time I add chain oil, and I recently replaced my disc brake pads. That can be expected for most bikes: simple, routine maintenance.
If you care for your ride, your ride will care for you: it’ll stop you faster and get you farther.
Enjoy the streets and trails, and drop a comment if you also find joy when you’re on two wheels!
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