Quote Originally Posted by Kerry1976 View Post
This weekend I ran a half marathon and walk-ran and 5K with my mom (her first!!!!!) in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (home of U of Illinois). I was really impressed with the bike friendliness of the community. First and foremost, there were signs everywhere that said they were bike friendly. Beyond that, they had a great network of bike lanes, good markings for cyclists, etc. And I saw tons of people riding tons of different bikes for tons of different reasons.

It really made me think in terms of my biking. I would like to do more "in town commuting." I need to get a rack and some panniers or basket or something on my Trek Pure, as well as rims. But of course part of me is thinking - would there be better bike options - such as a bike truly meant for that? Such as one that comes with some of those "features" standard (especially a chainguard!)....a steel frame.....etc. Gave me lots to think about as I saw lots of bikes in action.
Oh, and getting a commuting bike is really, really fun and a good idea. It can be a whole lot cheaper and the specific features make more sense. You don't even want to park a bike with all kinds of quick-removal pieces on campus for five minutes. Those pieces and/or the whole bike *will* depart.
On of the best and sweetest aspects of riding my Xtracycle is that people see it and for many of them, it shifts their whole perspective. I'm not a poor soul who can't afford a car -- I'm riding a vehicle *designed* to get me places and haul things. (On the other hand, on my old Schwinn with the big baskets, I get some pity...)