Originally Posted by damian_
So true.... I hear this all the time as well.
Any ideas about "appropriate responses", especially when trying to encourage others to cycle?
I usually ask people if they can walk for 20 minutes. If they say yes, I tell them that they have plenty enough leg power to do daily errands on a bike.
You are very right, IMO. Moderate cycling takes aout the same effort as walking or a comparable time (not distance). And since moderate cycling is three times faster thazn moderate walking, you can cover a lot more distance.
Actually, for some people who are middle aged and sedentary, walking might be a better first choice for exercise than cycling. Walking doesn't require any new equipment or skills, and they don't have to worry about falling. A novice could work up gradually to being able to walk at least 3.5 miles in one hour. Then they can ride for an hour with little difficulty, and work up from there. This routine worked well for me. I can now ride for 25 miles a day/seven days a week with no problem.