Valentine’s Day may be over but the spring cycling days are still ahead! Here are some tips, courtesy of BikeNYC.org and Transportation Alternatives, to combine everyone’s two favorite things: biking and romance. Thanks to Transportation Alternatives for putting this list together.
1. Carbo-Load, Carbo-Love
If you listen to Lady and the Tramp, pasta is a food for lovers. Luckily, it’s also an energy-boost for bicyclists. Throw your love a pasta party and vigorous bike ride. Or pedal over to Caffe e Vino in Brooklyn, where bicyclists get a special discount (available through 2/23/13). That’s bike amore!
2. Take the Tandem Test
Are you in sync with your love? The best test is pedaling a tandem bicycle. Don’t invest in one of these behemoth bicycles, simply rent a double-seated bicycle for you and your honey. Bike and Roll is a discounted best bet if you think you can pass the ultimate couples’ test.
3. Get Tuned On
Nothing like a smooth ride to inspire affection. Try tuning up your partner’s favorite ride at a local bike shop. Demonstrate DIY initiative by tuning up the bike yourself, or bring a date to a free basic bike maintenance class, like this one.
4. You Love Yielding, Too?
If you’re single on this love-laden holiday, look to your commute. There’s common ground in a shared love of polite bicycling, and bicycling buddies can meet while stopped at the traffic light. If you prefer flirting indoors, visit a bike shop with social space, like Red Lantern Bicycles’ café.
5. Book a “Tour” Date
Even the hottest of love affairs couldn’t steam up this cold winter, but that shouldn’t stop you from planning ahead. Pencil in a “save the date” with your sweetheart for a summertime bike tour, like the Tour de Queens (July 7th), Tour de Brooklyn (June 2nd) or the NYC Century Bike Tour(September 8th).
6. [This one for bike lovers thinking ahead.] Can Your Candidate Feel the Love Tonight? There’s an election coming up, and no better way to bond with your sweetheart than writing a love letter…to your favorite candidate for office. Hold hands while you pen a joint pronouncement about why you love bicycling, and love voting for candidates who want to make New York City safer with more bike lanes, for you and your lover too.