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Alternative Transportation

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.
By Chris BaskindThu, Apr 01 2010 at 3:49 PM EST  3 Comments

WELL SUITED COMMUTE: Burn calories and not gas on your way to work. (Photo: jordanfischer/Flickr)
So you've been reading about Bike to Work Week and have decided to take the plunge. What now?
 
 
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Start by finding out when Bike to Work Day is being observed by your community or workplace. The third Friday in May is the official date, but several cities will be marking the occasion throughout the week. Check the League of American Bicyclists' state-by-state calendar and see if there are organized activities where you live.
 
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. 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 Bike to Work day, 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
 
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  • Bicycles
  • Carbon Footprint
  • Emissions
  • Healthy Living
  • Lighter Footstep

    • Comments

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    Love It!

    Posted By Amanda - Tue, May 25 2010 at 4:02 PM EST

    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!

    Bike and Bus

    Posted By Pita - Tue, May 25 2010 at 2:40 PM EST

    Yes, don't forget about bright colored clothing and lights (front and back). I have a 8 mile commute and often bike and bus in the morning, then I bike the whole way home. Saves me from stinking when I get to work since we don't have a shower. More companies need shower rooms for bike commuters and closets so I can bring my clothes for the week on Mondays.

    Also, beware of routes with big hills. If you aren't that strong it takes a while to build up those leg muscles - it's worth.... More

    Re: How to ride your bike to work

    Posted By Lindsey Evens - Wed, Apr 28 2010 at 4:45 PM EST

    I ride every day to work. I have a car but I save so much money on gas by riding my bike. When I ride I wear my tummy belt, so I can do a few things on my way to work. Get good tone abs and save a bunch of money. Great post.

    Safety First!

    Posted By Tami - Sat, Apr 17 2010 at 9:43 PM EST

    Fantastic article Chris, but you left out the most important part of this process...SAFETY. When biking, always wear a helmet, light colored or white clothing, safety vest or several reflective items, and perhaps even a couple of strobe lights. Put yourself in the auto drivers seat to see what a driver needs to see to prevent the cyclist from being hit. You can't be too safe when thinking about preventing yourself from being hit by a car.

    Great Advice

    Posted By colbypash - Sun, Apr 11 2010 at 11:55 AM EST

    This is one fantastic advice-driven article! Google Maps has recently added a great bike route mapping option to it's growing list of services. That'd be a great place to start, but don't put all your faith in it. I'm sure I'm not the only one to be burned by a Google Maps blunder.

    It's officially bike everywhere weather in Denver. I'm so happy that my bicycle is my main form of transportation again!

    Oh, and don't forget a compact travel pump to inflate your repaired flat!

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