If you’re a commuter in Philadelphia, the struggle has been real for you this summer. SEPTA’s Regional Rail was once capable of transporting 132,000 commuters on a daily basis. When a structural defect was discovered amongst the cars of their newest fleet, the Silverliner V, SEPTA was forced to remove 120 of the railcars from service. That’s 13,000 less seats available to the thousands of commuters who have no other method of transportation.Sarah Clark Stuart, who heads the Philadelphia Biking Coalition, is convinced that many people are finding alternative ways of getting where they need to go, be it by trolley, bus, or bike! Cycling is a healthy alternative mode of transportation, ideal for these trying times. With the summer weather in hot pursuit, a lot of days are ideal for riding your bike anywhere around the city. Biking around is a great way to keep yourself in shape without putting excess strain on your muscles and joints. If you find you don’t have the time to get to the gym before or after work, cycling’s an excellent (and free) alternative. Plus, it’s good for the environment, and it’s fun to do. As Sarah Clark Stuart puts it, “It’s the only form of commuting that puts a smile on your face. In addition to all that good stuff, biking is a great way to develop a more intimate relationship with the City of Brotherly Love. Think about how often you look at your surroundings when you’re driving - you’re so focused on the road, other drivers, and where you’re trying to get to that you don’t take the time to enjoy the sites you’re passing. Similarly, when you’re riding the train, you’re probably skimming through a magazine or taking a quick catnap before you have to check back in and march to your destination (unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to snag a window seat). When you bike through the city, you’re exposed to so much more. Fresh air, historic architecture, and the other interesting sights, smells, and sounds of Philly. Commuting on your bike is almost like a cultural awakening. Aside from sightseeing, it’s relatively easy to bike around Philadelphia. The city’s landscape is pretty flat. Plus, it’s quite dense, as Sarah Clark Stuart explained. Businesses are close to residential areas, making it easy to walk, run, or bike to work. A lot of these roads are slow-moving, where cars are restricted to 20-25 MPH speed limits. These streets were practically made for bikers! While the benefits of biking definitely outweigh the cons, there are still those who might be hesitant to mount their bike to get around. Why? Distance, mostly. If you’re 30 miles from work, you’re not likely to grab your bike and pedal to the office, especially if you’re a novice biker. If this is the case in your world, you can still bike around your neighborhood, or combine biking with other modes of transportation. SEPTA busses are equipped with racks, and you can bring your bike onto the subway as long as it’s not during peak hours. Plan your route carefully, working as many trails into the mix as possible so that you can keep out of the heat. So, whether you’re sick and tired of the SEPTA struggle, you want to get in better shape, or you simply just want to get more fresh air and in touch with your city, biking is the way to go! There are a ton of great biking opportunities in Philadelphia, including riding classes. For maps and more information and tips on where to buy bikes and supplies, visit bicyclecoalition.org.