If a new bike is on your list this season, consider the value of purchasing it at your local bike shop. Whether it be a street bike, mountain bike, cruiser or kid’s bike, these bikes will eventually all need a little TLC over the years — and there’s nothing better than to be close to your bike mechanic. The two local bike shops — Bernie’s in OB and Terrarhythm on Voltaire — both offer the resources, as well as the service. If there isn’t a bike on the floor, check out the catalog and order from there. They have wonderful options and offer a wide variety of bike accessories. But more importantly, they offer a great service for the community and will always help you maintain your new bike. After buying and riding a new bike, most of the time it will need to be adjusted, as cables tend to stretch out. How convenient it is that the bike shop is within a few miles and can easily be accessed. Or, possibly there is an unusual noise or the misfortune of a flat tire — again another reason to be close to someone who is willing to help. I have been a regular customer at Terrarhythm since they opened and have bought a kid’s bike, tandem, hybrid and now a custom tour bike. I love them all and they all stay nicely tuned. This is one of the best opportunities to support your local shop. Enjoy the season, and I hope to see more riders in 2011. San Diego is a beautiful area to ride and with the help of your support and The Bicycle Coalition, our streets will become safer for all of us who ride the roads. We are looking forward to the many improvements this next year. Thank you again for sharing the road and keeping an eye out for bikers.