Bicycle Commuting

To help save on fossil fuels, minimize the impact of automobiles, and promote healthy sustainable living (for both our own bodies and the environment), Abundance Ecovillage encourages bicycle commuting. Human powered vehicles can be considered a very inexpensive, non-polluting alternative form of transportation. Bicycle commuting has gained more respect (as reflected by higher bicycle sales) in these last few years now that higher oil and gas prices are likely here to stay. Abundance Ecovillage is conveniently located such that an average bicycle commuter can easily commute back and forth to work or school. Common destinations are 1.5 miles south to the Maharishi University campus, .8 miles south to the Jefferson County Trail System or 2.5 miles northwest to Maharishi Vedic City. A distance of 3 miles will take you into the center of Fairfield-- town square. Many of these key destinations can be ridden more directly on quieter rural and town roads without the need to ride on main Route 1. Many residents may find that they only need one automobile per couple or can consider taking turns sharing the auto and the bicycle. (see the April, May and June 2006 issues of The Source (www.iowasource.com) for guidelines on commuter bike equipment, important accessories and great places to ride).