SPECIAL FEATURES:
Email
How to ride your bike to work
A smaller carbon footprint and a thinner waistline are two of the best results of choosing to bike to the office.
Thu, Apr 01 2010 at 3:49 PM
Related Topics:
WELL-SUITED COMMUTE: Burn calories and not gas on your way to work. (Photo: jordanfischer/Flickr)
The weather is finally changing — meaning it's time to take the plunge and consider a different mode of transportation for work. But what happens next?
It's all about planning
Bicycle commuting is a lot of fun, but doing your homework beforehand is the best way to make sure things go smoothly. If you're reading this in the spring, Bike to Work Week would be a great time to get involved, but getting on your bike is something you can do any time of year. Check the League of American Bicyclists' website and see if there are organized activities where you live.
We've put together five areas for you to address before the Big Ride:
Are you physically capable of the commute? Most adults in average condition can manage a 10-mile ride in about an hour without too much trouble. Just like any exercise program, talk to a health professional if you have any questions before you saddle up.
Is your bike up to the trip? Buying a shiny new commuter bike is a great incentive to ride — but any bicycle in good repair will do. Give your bike a thorough once-over well in advance of your maiden commute. As a general rule of thumb, tires, running gear, brakes and lights should all get attention before each trip. Use the checklist on how to pick a great used bicycle if your bike has been sitting unused for any length of time — or wheel it into the local bike shop for a professional tune-up.
Choose your route carefully. The most direct way to work isn't always the best. Pick streets with activity appropriate to your comfort level on the bike. Watch out for areas marked off-limits to non-motorized traffic (most tunnels, for instance). One of the best things about cycle commuting is being able to vary your route. There's usually more than one way to get from Point A to Point B, and that's part of the fun.
Pack what you need. A water bottle, toiletries, a change of clothes, tools and a tire repair kit — these are all reasons commuter bikes are usually equipped with panniers or baskets. If you're just starting out, you can probably make do with a backpack or messenger bag. But you'll find these can be uncomfortable in warm weather. The bike frame is the best place to carry gear, so upgrade to a proper rack and bags as soon as the commuting bug bites.
Decide what happens once you're at work. You'll need a secure place to lock up or some out-of-the-way indoor location to stash your bike. Bikes can be wet and greasy, so choose somewhere away from your co-workers if you want to remain popular. Avoid blocking doorways and halls. You're also going to need somewhere to change and freshen up. A bathroom stall will do the trick, but check around and see if there are shower facilities within walking distance of where you work. Gyms and spas are usually cooperative about arranging access.
Now ride! Leave yourself plenty of time, enjoy a nice breakfast — and start pedaling! If it goes well on your first outing, try it again next week. You're saving money, helping out the environment and promoting your own physical fitness.
We'd love to hear your commuter stories. Share them in our comments section. Have fun!
Copyright Lighter Footstep 2009
Also on MNN:
- 12 urban bicycles that will be a fine substitute for your car
- 7 U.S. employers that go all out to support biking employees
- And on the lighter side: Mayor of Lithuanian town takes biking seriously. How seriously? Well, this video involves an armored personnel carrier.
You might also like:
Sign in with one of these accounts to add your comment.
EDITORS' PICKS
Advertisement
TODAY'S MOST POPULAR ON
- Watch: Sir David Attenborough deals with a band of cannibals the British way
- 15 famous people who mysteriously disappeared
- Too beautiful to be real? 16 surreal landscapes found on Earth
- 7 surprising things Pope Francis has done in his first 100 days
- What a grocery store without bees looks like
- 10 uses for Parmesan cheese rinds
- 'Lost' city discovered beneath Cambodian jungle
- 13 natural remedies for the ant invasion
- 9 habits that may do more harm than good
- 10 false facts most people think are true
From our sponsor
NEWSLETTER
Advertisement
oh just do it you big wussy.
And have knee problems for the rest of your life. The article also mentions the League of American Bicyclists. They have a program that coaches businesses to be bicycle friendly, including secure bicycle parking, shower/locker facilities, etc. If only a small number of people get involved, the response is typically positive from employers.
@Spencer: running hurts your knees, not cycling. Cycling strengthens every ligament in your knee without causing the impact on your meniscus that running does. Get your facts straight.
I live on the third floor of an apartment building, so biking is difficult because I have to lug the bike up and down the stairs outside the building. I'm an out of shape woman with lots of weight to lose! Once I figure out how to transport the bike without hurting myself, a neighbor or the bike, I'd be thrilled to bike the short distance to my job every day.
I hear you, but you should think outside the box a little. Check out bikes by Brompton and Dahon. You are not constrained to a full-sized bike!
Should have added I bike ~5miles to work then ~10 miles to school then ~10 miles home. It's easy after doing it for several months.
I'm 37 and not athletic in the least. More people should bike. Obesity in America would only be found in history books.
I've been riding a bike daily my entire life. I'm 38 and unfortunately the exercise does very little to cut down on the size of your gut! Big misconception about bikes there...
Only problem/question I have is weather! I love the idea of biking but in rain, cold, snow, sleet- whatever- not too much.....does anyone bike year round in all weather? What is your advise?
In places like the Netherlands, where significant portions of the population commute by bike year round (snow), the saying goes, "there is no bad weather, just bad clothing." I ride in the rain/snow/ice, and as long as I'm properly dressed and layered for the occasion, it's quite enjoyable. I live in Wisconsin, so the winters can get quite harsh, and even still it's not bad riding in the winter. Good luck!
I commute on my bike everywhere. From getting groceries to work to school...everywhere. I do it cause I'm poor. I do it cause it's the only exercise I get. I bike in the rain, snow and 107 degree heat.
Automobiles undermine our society to no end. We would all be better off if automobiles were banned.
I wanted to bike to work but it's pretty hilly and I am out of shape. So, for my birthday I googled "electric bikes" and lo and behold, there's a bunch just coming on the market in all price ranges. The one I bought in July from Target is already $100 cheaper. I started three weeks ago and it's been great, although it's taking awhile for my muscles (and certain bits) to adjust, as I haven't been on an upright bike for years.
Chris, Check out this great article on electric bikes: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/blogs/greener-gear-the-pedego-co...
I've been biking to work 2-3 times a week. 11 miles one way, I use about 6.5 miles of bike path, 4.5 of road, this is in Tucson so I've had a couple of hot rides. I drive Monday and take in all the clothes and food for the ride days, I would also say budget about an extra 15 mins in case of a flat tire. I use a 600 lumen handle bar light as well as a 120 lumen helmet light and a rear strobe. Lights I purchased for our local 24 hr off road race, so I get some use year round.
I have been bicycling to work for 33 years, year-round. With all the money I have saved I could retire and live like a king - except that my wife spends all the money as fast as she can. At least I can say that the air is cleaner because of all that cycling!
Nice article. I ride my bike 2-3 times a week to work in summers. As pointed out the shortest route is along the main street. So I picked up a county bike trail map from the internet and ride along Lake Michigan. It's refreshing. Good workout and you get to enjoy the outdoors (weather permitting) as you get to work.
No panniers or baskets. I wear a backpack with a change of clothes and a spare tube, tire pullers, and a hand pump.
We are adding on to the plant I work at and currently have no showers. I mentioned this to the project manager that it would be nice to have for bike commuters and they agreed to put one in.
Reflective clothing is important too.
Benefits - excercise (which itself has many benefits), eco friendly, relaxing for the mind (instead of getting frustrated in trafiic), cheap, helping reduce traffic, etc.
I've pedaled to work for years, and recommend that you try out your route when there's less traffic (weekend for downtown workers) so that you understand the hills and turns before an SUV driver irritates you.
The BIG RULES I recall:
- Be Visible (bright clothing, lights); and
- Be Predictable (ride with traffic, signal your turns).
I really wish I could commute on bike! I am so jealous! I have a 30 mile commute with the kids! Anyone have any advice on biking with a 3 and 1 year old in tow? I don't know if I put much faith in those kids seats for the bikes, and what about the bulk of those trailers? Ah, to be a single city-dweller again!
Check out Madsen bikes, or, like you mentioned, a well-made trailer. Burley and Chariot, for example, make light and safe trailers for little ones. Good luck!
Pages