May 08, 2007 - 04:16:35 CDT
Everyone noticed when Mark Liebig walked into the downtown coffeehouse last week, which was exactly the point.A reflective yellow band on his ankle drew attention, the very purpose of its existence. Liebig is a bicyclist. In addition to keeping his pants leg out of the chain, the band helps everyone see where Liebig is.
In the vein of calling attention to things, that's exactly what Liebig and the Bismarck-Mandan Bike Commuters organization is trying to do this month. The new group has made bicycling awareness its first mission. It is sponsoring Bike to Work Week next week in the two cities. It will run Monday to May 18.
The idea is to dust off the old bike and ride it to work or school one day.
If Liebig can do that, so can you. He rides 11 miles to work from his Bismarck home to the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, south of Mandan.
"It's a way to integrate a fitness activity into your day, and many times it doesn't even feel like exercise," Liebig said. "But it goes beyond just what it's doing for me. When you look at what it can do for the community at large, it's one part of the solution."
The solution to issues such as high gas prices, the dependency on foreign oil, greenhouse-gas emissions and a rise in obesity, he said.
"Not everyone is going to go out and buy a Prius - not everyone can, and not everyone wants to,"Liebig said. "This is something almost everyone can do. It's not high impact. Even if it's just one day during the week, that's one step forward."
If you plan to ride to work, remember that bicyclists must follow the same laws as motorists. Ride on the street or a bike path, not the sidewalk. Follow all signs and signals.
If it's been a while since you had the bike out, you'll want to get a tune-up to make sure everything is working properly. Remember to wear a helmet and perhaps a reflective vest or an ankle strap like Liebig's. Lastly, spend some time planning your route before you go. You might want to choose some quieter streets than the ones you typically take to work.
In the end, even if it was just one day, you'll have had a good workout and cut back on pollution.
"We recognize that there are a thousand reasons not to do it," Liebig said.
"No one can stand in judgment of anyone. We're just hoping this energizes people to give it a try."
(Reach reporter Tony Spilde at 250-8260 or tony.spilde@;bismarcktribune.com.)
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