Bicycle Commuting Guide: Bike to work, bike to school, bike this way!
You know it's time to start to bike commute when:
- You want to free yourself from gas dependency.
- You are concerned with pollution caused by motorized vehicles.
- You cannot stand anymore gridlocked traffic (as cyclists and pedestrians pass you by).
- You want to become fitter but lack the time for a traditional workout.
- You don't mind saving money.
- You agree that getting to work should be most enjoyable.
- You believe that you can make the world a better place.
- You bought a car to drive to work and you have a job to pay for that car.
- All of the above.
Now, let us show you how easy bicycle commuting really is.
Getting started...
1. Bicycle
First things first, you need a bicycle. You do not have to get anything recent, flashy or hi-tech, all you want is a bike that is comfortable and in good condition.
Comfort: Have the right sized bike and be well positioned on it. It will make your ride a better one. Local bike retailers can help you finding the riding position that is best suited for you.
Good Condition: Yes, that old bike in the garage could do but you must make sure it can be ridden! Take it to a bicycle shop for its pre-commuting tune-up.
2. Accessories
Once you sorted out the bicycle, you need to accessorize your ride and yourself. Having proper equipment will make your commute safer, faster and more enjoyable.
Helmet: The most important item you need is a helmet. It will protect you in case of fall or collision. A great helmet is well vented and, most importantly, fits your head: it should be tight enough to stay in place without being buckled yet and still be comfortable.
Multi-Tool: Get a multi-tool that has basic repair instruments for quick fixes on-the-go. A good multi-tool contains: tire levers, allen keys, a phillips screwdriver, and a chain break.
Tube, pump, tire lever: Yes, you may have to fix a flat tire one day. Therefore, be prepared! Always carry a tube, a mini-pump and tire levers. Practice fixing a flat at home so you know what to do if it occurs on the road.
Bags: Since you will have to carry various belongings (clothing, laptop, food, etc.), you need the right bag. You can start with a backpack although they will make your back sweat and could be uncomfortable. Nevertheless, there are specifically designed backpacks for cycling. Messenger bags offer easy accessibility and convenience but may become uncomfortable with time due to uneven weight distribution. The cream of the crop remains pannier and trunk bags made specifically for cycling. Those bags notably have the advantage of taking the weight off the rider for a most enjoyable commute. Be sure that your bag choice is waterproof, you will appreciate having dry clothes to put on when rain shows up.
Wrinkle free clothing: When packing, roll your clothes instead of folding them!
Racks: To put your pannier bags on, you will need the right rack for your bicycle. There is a rack design that will fit every bike. Visit your local bike retailer and tell them about your needs. Their expertise is the best asset helping you to select the right product.
Lights: Ensure that reflectors are visible on sides of your bike and consider installing a front and rear light for added safety.
Fenders: When riding in the rain, you will appreciate having fenders on your bike. They will prevent the water from spraying up your back and into your face.
Mirror: A mirror will help you stay focused on the road ahead while knowing what is going on behind and around you. It can either be attached to your helmet or your handlebar.
3. Clothing
Cycling Apparel: Although you don't need to have cycling specific apparel to start commuting, you should aim for clothes that are made of light synthetic fabric. Such garments will be more comfortable since they don't retain moisture. Clothes designed specifically for cycling are your best bet as they will be more comfortable and practical than generic sports wear. Be aware that cycling clothing does not necessary rhyme with Spandex. A lot of cycling apparel offer casual look and feel. Once at destination, if you can store your bike in a secure place, hang your clothes onto your bike in order to let them dry throughout the day.
Getting there...
4. Route
You certainly know your way to work but is it the best option for cycling? Here are some advices to help you layout your bike commuting route.
- Avoid heavy traffic roads, especially highways as well as roads with multiple streetlights and intersections.
- Look for local cycling routes and bike paths. A cycling route map may be available in your area.
- Plan different routes that will give you the opportunity to cut short when in a hurry, have longer rides to decompress after a busy day at work or simply avoid the routine with refreshing sceneries each day!
- Plan mixed commuting options: Work is too far for you to ride from home?
- What about driving half the distance and biking the other half?
- You don't know where to park your car halfway through? Bring your bike when driving to work and ride home at night!
- You can also mix biking with public transit. Often, riding your bike will be faster than waiting for the next bus (and, all the time, cycling beats walking to your bus stop).
Before your first "grand ride to work day"...
- Test ride: On a weekend, before your first ride to work, test your route. That will determine how comfortable you are on the selected roads and will also establish how much time is needed to cover the distance.
- Time: Plan more time than you would need.
5. Safety
Before hitting on the road:Take 2 minutes to double-check that the bolts on your bike are well tightened. Ensure that the brakes function well; verify your tire pressure and put some lube on your chain. Regularly gratify your bike (and yourself) by dropping by your favorite bike shop for routine maintenance.
When riding:Keep in mind that you are sharing the road with others.
- Respect the rules of the road. Think of yourself as another vehicle.
- Either share the lane or take the lane.
- Ride on the side of the road when there is room for you.
- Take the lane when the shoulder is too narrow (if riding in the shoulder only gets cars to squeeze you in between them and the side of the road).
- Beware of the “door clearance zoneâ€: Leave enough room between parked vehicles and you so you don't get surprised (or hit) by any opening doors.
- Use hand signs to communicates with others: When turning, point towards the direction you are going. When stopping, put your hand down behind you to inform those following you.
- Be as visible as possible to others: Wear bright colours and have reflective material on your gear and bike.
- Look ahead and stay alert: Pay attention to what is coming up: vehicles, children, pedestrians, dogs, other cyclists, potholes, drains, gravel, residues, etc. Be aware of your peripherals. Try to maintain focus ahead and be aware of any oncoming obstacles.
- Plan your actions ahead: Think of your next actions before executing them. Change gears before stopping so you have no problems starting when it's time to go.
Once at destination...
6. Storing your bike for the day
If possible, store your bike inside your workplace or school for the day. If you are not sure whether or not such place is available, inquire with your employer or the authorities in charge of the building (something could be arranged for yourself and other cyclists).
If the building your work in does not allow bicycles in, ask around; you may find someone who is willing to keep your bike during the day. You could also rent a spot in another building, in a secured parking lot or even rent a bike locker. Also check with area bike retailers, they may offer a bike parking service at a minimal charge.
You have to lock you bicycle outside?
- Lock it in a visible spot.
- Select a bike rack that is well fixed to the ground.
- Invest in a lock that is suited for your needs (a good lock is always cheaper than a new bike)
- You may choose a pole that has several signs on it: people will often look at it and it will be impossible to slide the bike to the top.
7. Showering
When showers are placed at your disposition, consider leaving toiletries and a towel at work. When showers are not available, make use of a washcloth or moist towels. To absorb moisture resulting from exercising, apply talc powder on your skin and hair.
8. Hanging your clothes
Once you have taken off your cycling clothes and you are all clean, ideally hang your clothes onto your bike to let them dry. Otherwise, place them in a bag. If you do not want to carry your work clothes when riding, bring extras when driving to work and leave them for the days you will be riding in. Leave a few extra clothes at work; you will be more than happy the day you forget to bring some from home!
When packing your clothes, roll them instead of folding them. This will prevent wrinkles.
You've started bike commuting, what's next?
9. Keep doing it
Set objectives to yourself:- Get co-workers and friends to start commuting with you!
- When at home, use your bike for short distance trips.
- Ride more often to work, eventually everyday!
- Join a bike club.
- Start bicycle touring
- Ask the local authorities for more cycling-friendly designated routes and spaces.
10. Simple actions that make the world a better place.
Your commitment to bike commuting makes a difference; every time you choose to bike commute you are making this world a better place.
Resources
Ride of Silence
In memory of those who died or got injured while cycling on public roadways.
Safety advice and Advocacy.
Bike Sense
British Columbia's Cycling Manual. Excellent and thorough information.
Cascade Bicycle bike club
Cycling community: 9000 Members. Education, advocacy, Events, rides, etc.
Covers the Seattle area extensively.
The League of American Bicyclists
Promotion of bicycling: Advocacy, Community, Events, Education
GoneCycling.com
Cycling Safety & Education, Commuting & Touring. Personal website.
Icebike
Winter Cycling information.
Bikesbelong
Cycling advocacy
Bicyclinginfo.org
For Information about health and safety, engineering, advocacy, education, enforcement, access, and mobility for pedestrians (including transit users) and bicyclists –by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, an American clearinghouse.
Biketraffic.org
Excellent bike to work manual with illustrations.