Next Friday, May 20, is National Bike to Work Day. According to Transportation Alternatives, the bike, pedestrian and public transit advocacy group, "Riding your bicycle is simply the most significant advocacy you can do every day.” Especially next Friday, TA continues, “because media outlets and elected officials citywide will be observing the holiday too, National Bike to Work Day is the most important day to be advocating.”
As I recall, biking to work was pretty much as the TA release describes it: “...a time of joy and revelry.” It was so exhilarating it was hard to get off the bike and go to work. Who knew from 59 Street to Times Square was all downhill!
Of course, you’ll need to have your bike in tip-top shape for Friday. One of the best shops for tune-up I’ve found nearby is On The Move. Now going on 20 years of continuous service, it’s a neighborhood bicycle, accessory and repair shop in Park Slope, at 400 Seventh Avenue, between 12 and 13 streets. Tel: (718) 768-4998. And, to me, well worth the walk, with bike, from the bottom of the Greenwood Cemetery hill to its top.
For $75 On the Move’s tune up trues the wheels; adjusts hubs, bottom bracket, head set (which holds fork into frame), brakes, and derailleur. In addition it lubes the chain, checks the bike, including tires, for cracks or breaks, replacing broken parts and charging only for parts, not labor. Then it washes and polishes the bike. Think of it as a visit to a bike hygienist. Should you be one to plan ahead you can get the same thorough tune-up early next spring—in March and April—for just $50.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
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