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Commuting
Diane Randall, Photo by Alan Tansey
Use this tip sheet to learn the ins and outs of commuting by bicycle.
Why Commute by Bike
- Automobiles produce toxic substances that pollute the ground, air and water
- Burning fossil fuels creates CO2 that contributes to global warming
- Bike commuting allows you to include a workout in your daily schedule
- Riding a bike is often less stressful
- Staying in better shape decreases your chances of getting sick
- Off-road trails, bike lanes and wide curb lanes allow you to ride past traffic
- Bike commuting often takes less time when you account for traffic and delays in public transportation
- Maintenance costs for your automobile will decrease, as will your gas bill
- You will save money on parking (and tickets)
- You won't have to have a membership to a gym to workout
- Arrive at work refreshed and full of energy; ride off stress after work
- Commuting under your own power gives you a sense of accomplishment
- Take the long way home and ride through a park or along a local river
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Program Contact
Education
Alissa Simcox
Director, Education
alissa@bikeleague.org
How to Commute by Bike
- Bikes are vehicles and should act and be treated as such
- Laws that apply to motorists also apply to people on bikes
- Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
- Look and signal before you change lanes or turn
- If the lane is too narrow or you are going the same speed as traffic, take the lane
- Be visible and predictable at all times: wear bright clothing, signal and follow the law
- Wear a helmet
- Consider distance, traffic volume, road width/condition and terrain
- Some routes may be a bit longer but are much more pleasant
- Test new routes on the weekend
- Try to find indoor parking or ask your employer/building owner to provide safe, covered parking
- Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area
- If you have a short commute, ride in your work clothes at a relaxed pace
- Waterproof and breathable fabrics keep you comfortable and dry
- Whether or not you plan on changing clothes, it never hurts to keep a spare set at the office
- Many workplaces have showers located in the building; inquire about access
- Some health clubs offer shower-only memberships for a few dollars a month
- If you’re not near shower facilities, baby wipes and other toiletry items can do the trick
- Any bike that you feel comfortable on will work; make sure it is in good working order
- Consider weather protection such as fenders and a rack for carrying capacity
- Invest in a rechargeable headlight; helmet and handlebar mounts are available
- Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop
- Learn how to repair a flat, fix a chain and inspect your brake pads for wear
- Replace tires when they are worn out
- Fenders and rain gear help keep you dry
- Wear layers on cold days
- When it’s hot, try breathable clothing
Commuter Gear Basics
- You can commute on any bike as long as it is good working order
- Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, cross bikes, touring bikes all work great
- The bike should reflect your riding style: positioning, gears, etc…
- A rear rack, front rack with panniers and/or a basket
- Backpacks or messenger bags work if you don’t have a rack
- Fenders help keep rain, dirt and mud off of your legs
- Headlights are mandatory at night; white in front with a rear reflector in back
- A red light on the rear of the bike increases visibility at night
- Check batteries and replace them as soon as the light begins to dim
- Wear a helmet
- Know the rules of the road
- Bring tools that you know how to use and/or items for fixing a flat (someone may be able to help)
- Use a U-lock with a cable lock or a heavy duty chain lock
- Secure both wheels and other components if they can be easily removed
- Keep the air pressure at the suggested amount listed on your tire
- Replace tires when they are worn out
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Ankle straps keep pant legs out of the chain and usually have a reflective strip
Bike Security
- Lock your bike in a highly visible area close to pedestrian traffic and streetlights
- Don’t lock it behind large objects that obscure visibility
- Lock your bike to a large immovable object that cannot be cut
- Lock your frame, wheels, seatpost and anything else that can be easily removed
- Seat and seatpost locks are available and only need to be installed once
- Use a U-lock to attach the frame of the bike to the secured object and a cable lock to secure parts of the bike to the U-lock.
- Never use a cable lock by itself -– they’re too easy to cut
- A thick chain lock can do all of the above
- Bags such as backpacks and panniers are a great way to carry your lock
- Most locks come with a mount to secure the lock to your bike frame
- Never ride with your lock hanging from your handlebars
- Register your bike with local and national registration service
- Register your keys with the company that made your lock
- Mark your bike in an identifiable way to aid in its recovery if stolen
Carrying Cargo
- Offers space for items to be carried above your rear wheel
- They can carry panniers and baskets
- Be sure to attach reflectors and lights on the rack so what you’re carrying doesn’t block them
- Provides space for basket above the front wheel
- Gives you quick and easy access to items
- Take extra caution when stopping suddenly as front racks add extra weight and can cause the bike to flip forward
- Plastic milk crates can be used as inexpensive baskets
- Come in a variety of material (ie: wire, wicker, etc..)
- Some are detachable and others can be mounted permanently
- Load specific-use items in same pannier; one for food, clothing, tools, etc.
- Pack high-use items, such as raingear close to the top of each pannier
- Avoid packing pointed items directly against pannier that could tear them
- Avoid wet gear by packing things in plastic bags
- Rain covers minimize the weight that can be added by wet packs
Rain Riding
- Visibility can be limited, so wear bright clothing
- Wear waterproof clothing that is breathable with layers underneath
- Front and rear fenders will keep you and your bike dry
- Lube your chain before and/or after a wet ride to replace the lube that washed off
- Drip chain lube down into your brake and shifter cables to avoid rust
- Make your turns slowly
- If you need to brake during a turn, apply the brakes slowly
- Water on the rims will make it harder to stop
- Apply the brakes lightly to clean off the rims before you need to stop
- Allow a greater distance for stopping
- Bridges, metal grates and painted lines and crosswalks can be very slick
- Avoid puddles as they may conceal deep potholes
- During the first few minutes of rain, oil seeps from the roadway making it very slick
