Today is Earth Day. Try Something New!

I did something scary this weekend: I rode my bike to the store.

I just needed a few things and in honor of Earth Day, I decided to try and bike it. So I put on a backpack and my helmet and set off to maneuver through the traffic. That's the scary part-- traffic.

It's not a long trip; I only live about four city blocks from the store. And honestly, all the drivers I encountered left me plenty of room as I peddled along, going a fraction of their speed.

However, I made up time in the parking lot. I could move much more quickly than the big lumbering SUVs most people were driving. I was cautious while passing through the rows of parked cars, knowing most drivers backing out would be looking for cars, not bikes.

I was in/out of the store and back home in no time. An added bonus: I used my backpack to carry the things I bought, saving a grocery bag.

It worked so well I tried it again Sunday night. I needed a cable for my computer. So once again, I hopped on my bike and peddled off to the store.

I could get used to this! The second trip was easier than the first. And I'm sure if I do this more often, I will get accustomed to cars zipping around me. And if more people start biking, the folks driving cars will get accustomed to sharing the road with bicyclists.

What are YOU doing for Earth Day?