For pollution-free pleasure, pedal your way to health

Press, 18 November 1981, Page 22

For pollution-free pleasure, pedal your way to health

More than 140,000 bicycles were sold throughout New Zealand last year, more than three times as many as 10 Eago, according to the ter of the Environment, Dr lan Shearer, in an address to a group of cycle traders recently. “The bicycle is a cheap, energy-efficient, non-pollut-ing form of transport, with strong potential for both saving fuel and blunting the impact of the automobile on our fragile environment and its resources,” he said. Very little metal, rubber and plastic is needed in the manufacture of each bicycle, which then requires only a small amount of oil to keep it running smoothly.

“Besides being quiet and comparatively cheap to buy and run, the bicycle provides a bonus in the form of healthy exercise," he added. Dr Shearer is convinced that a network of cycleways in all New Zealand towns and cities would pay big dividends in saving lives, easing fuel consumption and

reducing pollution and congestion. “The very least we should be able to expect is. that local bodies will make provision for separate cycleways in all new development areas, particularly to and from schools, shopping and community centres, offices and factories,” Dr Shearer told the’ cycle traders.

The ancestor of the modern bicycle was the Rover Safety Cycle of 1885. It had geared-up chain and sprocket drive, ball bearing hubs, tangential spokes and lightweight, tubular construction — and it started a bicycle boom. As a cheap, quick and easy means of travel, the bicycle is used today by the commuter, the sportsman and the pleasure-seeker. For many New Zealanders, cycling has become an important part of life. Many young people are taking to the cycle circuits and the roads to take part in competitive cycle racing, while people of all ages find cycling the ideal leisure activity. To promote the safety of their clients, the Master Cycle Traders’ Federation has launched '‘Mastercover,” a four point plan aimed at reducing cycle accidents and promoting the enjoyment of cycling. It encompasses expert advice, a free, pre-delivery, roadworthiness test, a free, six-weekly, safety check and comprehensive after-sales service by qualified cycle mechanics. “Master cycle traders won’t sell a cycle without it, whether it be a school bike, road bike, 10 speed or BMX,” says the federation’s marketing executive, Mr Graham Carden.

To ensure maximum safety, cycles need to be maintained in the best possible condition. The M.C.T.F. recommends the following checklist: 1, brakes front and rear — check cables, levers and assembly for adjustment; 2, handlebars and handlebar stem — security and height adjustment; 3, head stem bearings and lock nut — ensure stem well adjusted and nuts tight; 4, pedals, chainwheel and crank — check chain ring screws, the free turning of pedals and that the crank is securely locked and the chainwheel true.

5, centre bracket bearings and lockring — must be well adjusted and securely locked, as must 6, front and rear wheel hubs; 7, front and rear rims — check for true. 8 on the 10 speed is gear operation — check cable adjustment and correct operation of front and rear chains. On the. 8.M.X., 8 is chain adjustment — check tension. 9, seat — must be secure — and 10, tyres — check inflation and tread. A new bike’s first check after a few weeks’ use should cover cable stretching, loose nuts, insecure spokes, wheel true and the adjustment of seat, pedals and brakes.

“I was not yet sixteen when I understood a great deal from having ridden a bicycle for so long; about style, speed, grace, purpose, value, form, integrity, health, humour, music, breathing and finally and perhaps the best of all, the relationship between the beginning and the end.”

— William Saroyan.