Burn calories, save money on gas, and help keep the planet clean by getting out of your car and onto a bicycle. There are even non-profit groups to help you do it.
Non-profit Hobiken sells donated bicycles for low rates to benefit Symposia bookstore in Hoboken, and the new bike shop Grove Street Bicycles in Jersey City has the latest trends in bikes for the upcoming season. Flo on Wheels in Hoboken is also a popular shop.
“With all the congestion in the city environment,” said co-owner of Grove Street Bicycles Rodney Morweiser last week, “bicycling promotes an alternative form of transportation and a healthier lifestyle.”
Last month, bike lanes were painted onto two Hoboken streets to help slow down cars and give bicyclists a share of the road. Coordinator of Hobiken David Arthur was on hand with Hoboken council members Dawn Zimmer and Terry LaBruno for the opening ride of the new lanes.
“It was a lot of fun,” Arthur said. “Overall it’s a step in the right direction. It’ll help slow traffic down and make people aware that bikes are coming back to town.”
Your perfect fit
For the commuter, a hybrid-style bicycle that combines the comfort of mountain bikes with the style and speed of racing bikes is a huge hit among city dwellers today. The simpler-style bikes have fewer moving parts and less-intricate craftsmanship, causing fewer repair issues for the busy businessman.
“You’re not going to get a boot on your bike.” – Rodney Morweiser
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“You can fold it up and carry it on peak hours on the train,” Morweiser said, “which is something that you can’t do with other bikes. You can put it under your desk and forget about it at work.”
Not only will riding to work burn calories on your commute, “You’re not going to get a boot on your bike,” Morweiser said.
For the environmentally-friendly rider, a new series of bikes called the Globe Series made by Specialized offers an even greener take on bikes.
“A lot of the money the company makes goes back into recycling the products they use to manufacture the bikes,” Morweiser said. In addition to recycling, the company also offers belt-driven bikes, instead of chain-driven bikes that need pollutants like lubricants and detergents to operate.
Whichever bike you choose, Morweiser recommends using a lock at all times.
“Even with lock technology getting better with stronger and thicker locks, thieves are getting smarter,” Morweiser said. Especially with internet outlets like eBay, it’s becoming easier and easier for thieves to sell their stolen merchandise without getting caught.
“A bike is one of the most efficient machines in the world,” Morweiser said. “We’re pushing for people to get back on bikes instead of cars to pick up a newspaper down the street. If it’s under two miles you should be able to pedal.”
For more information on Grove Street Bicycles, 365 Grove St. in Jersey City, call (201) 451-2453.
Bikes for a cause
If you’re not ready to invest in a high-quality, tuned machine, Hobiken, a non-profit organization helping Hudson County residents get back to biking, fixes up donated bikes to sell at low costs.
Since the beginning of spring, Hobiken has sold a dozen bikes and is hoping to receive more donated bikes in the near future.
“The new focus has been providing environmentally friendly ways for people to get around town,” said coordinator David Arthur.
Donated bicycles are normally sold for $20. Operating out of Symposia Bookstore in Hoboken, all proceeds of the bikes benefit the bookstore.
“We’re always looking for donations,” Arthur said, “whether it be bikes, money or time – anything that will help people get back on bikes in Hoboken.” All donations are tax deductible.
For more information on Hobiken visit www.hobiken.com or go down to Symposia Bookstore, 510 Washington St. in Hoboken.
Sean Allocca can be reached at current@hudsonreporter.com