Tips for Commuters

Bicycle Parking and Storage

1. Long term
   • Daily/nightly parking at transit stations and large residential buildings
   • Storage space and facilities should be close by
   • Security is crucial; lockers, bike rooms and cages provide the best protection
2. Short term
   • Simple inverted 'U' or continuous curve racks are versatile and easily manufactured
   • Provide enough space for cyclists to maneuver bike into and around racks
   • Racks can be custom designed to double as urban landscape artwork
3. Visibility
   • Bike parking should be obvious and near the main entrance of the building
   • From the street, the bike parking area should be in plain view
   • High visibility discourages theft and vandalism
4. Access
   • Convenient to street and building entrances; easy to find on ground level of building
   • Separated from normal pedestrian and motorist traffic
   • Avoid stairways between the street and bike parking
5. Security
   • Surveillance is essential to reduce theft and vandalism
   • Bike parking should be within site of pedestrian traffic or office windows
   • Avoid hiding bike parking by placing it in low traffic alleys or parking areas
6. Lighting
   • Well-lit areas deter theft and discourage vandalism
   • Personal security is an issue for bike commuters as well as motorists
   • Prevent accidents by highlighting bike parking with a floodlight
7. Weather protection
   • Whenever possible, bike parking should be protected from precipitation and wind
   • Use existing overhangs or covered walkways; parking garages may provide protection
   • Construction of a freestanding shelter adjacent to the building may be necessary
8. Avoid pedestrian conflict
   • Bike racks should not block normal pedestrian traffic
   • Cyclists should not have to ride on heavily traveled sidewalks to access bike parking
   • Place racks near street and building access
9. Avoid motorist conflict
   • Bicycle and motorist parking should be separated by a barrier
   • Physical barriers protect racks as well as bikes from damage
   • Allow maneuvering room for bikes between barriers and bike racks
10. Promote bike parking
    • Paint bike racks bright colors so pedestrians, motorists and cyclists can see them
    • Use signs to direct cyclists toward parking; paint a bicycle logo on the rack or ground
    • Use marketing, advertising and informational materials to publicize availability

Bike Security

1. Visibility
   • Lock your bike in a highly visible area close to pedestrian traffic
   • Streetlights provide additional security at night
   • Avoid locking your bike behind large objects that obscure visibility
2. Securing you bike
   • Lock your frame, wheels, seatpost and anything else easily removed
   • Seat/seatpost locks are one-time installations and are available at your local bike shop
   • Lock your bike to a large metal immovable object
3. U-locks
   • Rigid and U shaped with a cylindrical lock core that is impossible to pick
   • Made of heavy tempered steel that is very hard to break
   • Most secure, most expensive, hardest to use locks; considered the standard in cities
4. Cable locks
   • Great for short time periods where your bike is highly visible and a low chance of theft
   • Manufacturers are combining security of U locks with ease of use of cable locks
   • Smaller, lighter, less expensive, easier to use but less secure than a U lock
5. Carrying a lock
   • Most locks come with a mount for your bike to keep the lock out of the way
   • Backpacks, panniers or any other bag is a quick, easy place to stow a lock
   • Be sure that the lock does not interfere with safe operation of the bike
6. Time factor
   • Short periods away from your bike require a less secure lock; try a cable lock
   • The longer you will be away from your bike, the more secure it should be
   • Use the combination of a U lock and a cable lock for overnight parking
7. Extras
   • Register your bike with local and national registration service
   • Register your key numbers with the company that made your lock
   • Mark your bike in an identifiable way to aid in its recovery if stolen

Carrying Cargo

1. Rear rack
   • Your first and primary rack should load cargo on the rear of your bike
   • Carry the majority of your weight in panniers and trunk packs here
   • Attach reflectors and lights to rack so bags don't obscure them
2. Front rack
   • Your secondary rack that should be used only when rear rack is also loaded
   • Low rider or standard racks are available; use what suits your preference and pannier
   • More weight in the front panniers will make your bike less stable
3. Panniers
   • All different sizes and features to fit any budget and use
   • Some are waterproof but you can always buy a waterproof cover
   • Make sure that your ankles don't hit panniers when attached to your bike
4. Packing panniers
   • Load specific-use items in same pannier; one for food, clothing, tools, etc.
   • Pack high-use items, such as raingear and socks, close to the top of each pannier
   • Avoid packing pointed items directly against pannier that could tear them
5. Trailer
   • Trailers allow you the quickest easy-on, easy-off carrying system
   • Remember to carry trailer-specific tubes, tools and repair parts
   • Trailers have less overall cargo capacity than racks and panniers
6. Packing your Trailer
   • Use a trailer-specific bag with sectioned compartments that will aid organizing
   • Rain gear and other quick-need items can be lashed to the top of the bag
   • In waterproof bags, pack heavy items towards the front of the trailer
7. Rain
   • Avoid wet gear by packing things in plastic bags inside panniers
   • Every stitch hole offers water a possible entrance into your panniers and bags
   • Rain covers minimize the weight that can be added by wet packs

Clothing Materials

1. Lycra/spandex
   • Shorts and tights are usually made of this combination of materials
   • Stretches with your body and supports muscle groups
   • Smooth material prevents chafing from saddle
2. Coolmax
   • Wicks moisture away from skin to surface where it evaporates
   • Great for warm riding or as a first layer for cold days; light and compressible
   • Usually used in jerseys, headbands and hats
3. Wool
   • Merino wool is soft but expensive; natural anti-bacterial properties
   • Wool is great for socks, jerseys, leg and arm warmers, shorts and tights
   • Wool keeps you warm even when wet; tends to get heavy when full of moisture
4. Gore-tex
   • Waterproof, windproof and breathable material used in a lot of raingear
   • Socks, hats, jackets, rain pants, shoes; almost everything can be made with it
   • Expensive; ventilation and layering are still important in cold, wet conditions
5. Nylon
   • Used in shell of most baggy-style shorts; durable, lightweight and dries quickly
   • Can be soft and flexible or rugged and durable; used for panniers and seat bags
   • Used in shoes for ventilation and hydration packs for durability; many uses

Commuter Gear Basics

1. Picking a bike
   • 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; relax on a 3 speed or hammer a road bike
2. Carrying capacity
   • A rear rack and panniers, a basket on the front or a backpack all work well
   • Panniers are most expensive and are usually waterproof; use them if you have them
   • Baskets don't carry much and backpacks can make you sweat through your clothing
3. Fenders
   • Full fenders are recommended; use quick release or standard bolt-on style
   • The roadways can be wet from other things besides rain
   • Fenders also keep dirt and mud off of your clothes
4. Lights
   • 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
5. Safety
   • Always wear a helmet while riding your bike no matter what
   • A helmet is your last line of defense against injury in an accident
   • Prevent injury by knowing the rules of the road and acting predictably
6. Tools
   • Bring only tools that you know how to use; a pump is a necessity
   • Prepare for breakdowns with regular inspections of your bike
   • Carry a multi-tool with allen wrenches, screwdriver, chain tool; know how to use them
7. Spare parts
   • Carry a spare tube and patch kit at all times; keep another spare at work
   • Know the condition of your bike and its parts by inspecting it regularly
   • Keep a few spare parts that need regular replacement at work
8. Lock
   • Use a high-security U-lock; don't wait until your bike is stolen to invest in a good lock
   • Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area
   • Secure both wheels and other components if they can be easily removed
9. Flat prevention
   • Tire liners and flat resistant tires go a long way to help decrease flat tire occurrence
   • Replace tires when they are worn out; check pressure with a gauge
   • Familiarize yourself with how much air your tires lose each week
10. Reflection
    • Make sure that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can see you at night
    • Wear bright or reflective clothing; apply reflective tape to helmet and bike
    • Ankle straps keep pant legs out of the chain and usually have a reflective strip

Commuting and Public Health

1. American epidemic
   • In 1991, 4 states reported obesity rates of over 15%; in 1997, it rose to 37 states
   • Over 50% of the adult US population is overweight; 25% of the US is obese
   • The result of this condition is over $22 billion in health care and living costs
2. Risks
   • 29% of Americans are sedentary which causes an increase in disease and death
   • 80% do not get the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week
   • Inactivity is a factor in 10% of total deaths and 25% of chronic disease related deaths
3. Recommendations
   • Bike commuting is moderate physical activity 5 times a week
   • Recreational bike riding is a safe, low-impact, aerobic activity for Americans of all ages
   • 25% of all trips are within a mile of home; ride your bike for your health
4. Communities
   • Residents of pre-1960's communities are more likely to walk, bike and use transit
   • Typical infrastructure in American cities is designed for efficient auto use
   • Americans spend 75 minutes a day in their car; 89% of all trips are by car
5. Challenge
   • 60% of Americans want bikeways between home and stores
   • 55% want more bike paths and improved road conditions for cycling
   • Sustainable transport is the future; support cycling as transportation and recreation

Encourage Bike Commuting Employees

1. Commuting nightmare
   • It costs $3000 a year to own, operate and maintain a motor vehicle
   • Employees demand higher wages and benefits to compensate for commuting costs
   • Transit can be expensive, unreliable or non-existent
2. Health hazards
   • Exposure to traffic congestion increases heart rate, blood pressure, negative moods
   • Long, arduous commutes to work, air pollution and a sedentary lifestyle are unhealthy
   • Healthy employees are hardworking, on-time employees who take less sick time
3. The bottom line
   • Supporting bike commuting is less expensive than an in-office fitness facility
   • Employers who appreciate workers' personal needs have less employee turnover
   • Healthier employees can reduce health insurance costs; check with your carrier
4. Better employees
   • Employees will see commuting as personal time to relax instead of increasing stress
   • Fit employees are more alert, more productive, perform better and more efficiently
   • Bike commuting can be substituted for the gym, saving employees personal time
5. Bike facilities
   • Showers and private changing rooms are ideal
   • Arrange for shower use at a local health club for your employees
   • Hanging space or a standing wardrobe will provide ample storage for work clothes
6. Parking and storage
   • Indoor, secure bike parking near changing rooms on the ground floor is ideal
   • For bike parking outdoors, use bike lockers or covered bike racks
   • Bike parking should be accessible, visible and secure
7. Route coordination
   • Appoint a bike commuting coordinator to procure local bike route maps
   • Help employees plan routes to work using low-traffic but direct roads and paths
   • Encourage cyclist education among employees; educated riders are safe riders
8. Financial incentives
   • Partner with a local bike shop to offer employee discounts or maintenance clinics
   • Offer subsidies for bike commuters who don't use car parking spaces
   • Provide lunch for bike commuters; offer extra vacation time for daily bike commuters
9. Promote it
   • Form a company bicycle club or race team; increase your own exposure locally
   • Allow bike commuters to dress more casually at work; organize a lunchtime race
   • Ask the local bike shop to showcase new bike models during lunch
10. Outreach
    • Get local news media to cover your events
    • Offer tips on how to start a bike commuting program to other local businesses
    • Encourage employees to help co-workers make the switch to bike commuting

How to Commute by Bicycle

1. Sharing the road
   • Bicycles are vehicles and should act and be treated as such on the roadways
   • Laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists as well; ride on the right, with traffic
   • Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are travelling
2. Signals and signs
   • Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
   • Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act
   • Identify hazards and adjust your position on the roadway accordingly
3. Safety
   • 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 and signal turns
   • Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
4. Route choice
   • Consider distance, traffic volume, road width and condition, and terrain
   • Some routes may be a bit longer but much more pleasant; carry a map for detours
   • Allow extra time for a new route; try riding different routes on the weekend
5. Bike parking
   • Try to find an indoor parking area in your office or building in which to keep your bike
   • Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area out of the elements
   • Ask your employer or building owner to provide safe, covered parking
6. Clothing optional
   • If you have a short commute, ride in your work clothes at a relaxed pace
   • Cycling specific clothing is an option for longer, more strenuous rides
   • Use waterproof and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable and dry
7. Showering
   • Showering should not be necessary in the morning when it is cool outside
   • Many workplaces have showers located in the building; inquire about access
   • Some health clubs offer shower-only memberships for a few dollars a month
8. The bike
   • 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
9. Maintenance
   • 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; use tire liners if you experience excessive flats
10. Weather
    • Heat, cold and precipitation require special preparation for you and your bike
    • Fenders and rain gear keep out the rain; use layers and wind proofing for cold days
    • Some cycling-specific gear can provide relief on hot days; it keeps you cool and dry

Overcoming Bike Commuting Excuses

1. I'm out of shape
   • Ride at an easy pace; In a few months you will be in great shape
   • Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
   • You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter
2. It takes too long
   • The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you will get
   • Trips of less than three miles will be quicker by bike
   • Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or less as by car
3. It's too far
   • Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day
   • Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your commute
   • Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work
4. No bike parking
   • Look around for a storage area in your building or office
   • Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office
   • Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside
5. My bike is beat up
   • Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike
   • If you can't maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route
   • Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you start riding
6. No showers
   • Most commuters don't shower at work; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
   • Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there
   • Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only
7. I have to dress up
   • Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive
   • Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners
   • Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding
8. It's raining
   • Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry
   • If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day
   • Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain
9. The roads aren't safe
   • Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, stop at lights, wear bright clothing
   • You are at no greater risk than driving a car
   • Wear a helmet every time you ride
10. I have to run errands
    • Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity
    • Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building
    • Allow yourself extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking

Proper Lock-Up Tips for Bicycles

From: Kryptonite Lock

1. Always lock your bike, especially at home (even in the garage, apartment building or college dorm).
2. Lock to a fixed, immovable object like a parking meter or permanent bike rack. Be careful not to lock to items that can be easily cut, broken or removed. Be careful that your bike cannot be lifted over the top of the object to which it is locked.
3. Lock in a visible and well-lit area.
4. Lock in a location where there are other bikes. The chances are better that there will be a bike with a less secure lock than yours. Thieves will usually go for the easiest target.
5. When using a U-lock, position your bike frame and wheels so that you fill or take up as much of the open space within the U-portion of the lock as possible. The tighter the lock up, the harder it is for a thief to use tools to attack your lock.
6. Always position a U-lock so that the keyway is facing down towards the ground. Don't position the lock close to the ground. This makes it more difficult for a thief to attack it.
7. Always secure your components and accessories, especially quick-release components, with a secondary cable lock.
8. Don't lock your bike to itself (the front wheel locked to frame). It can be easily lifted and carried away.
9. Don't lock in the same location all the time. A thief may notice the pattern and target your bike.
10. Don't lock to anything posted illegal. Check with area law enforcement agencies for local bike parking regulations.
11. Always check your lock before leaving your bike to be sure you have secured it properly.
12. For the greatest theft deterrence, use two locks such as a U-lock and a locking cable. The longer it takes a thief to get through your bike security, the less likely your bike will be stolen.

Rain Riding Gear

1. Bike
   • Keep the water from your tires out of your face with full-length fenders
   • A rear rack can shield you from water from your back tire
   • Fenders are available in quick-release versions for easy on and off
2. Jacket
   • A waterproof and breathable jacket with hood is the best for rain riding
   • Underarm pit zippers allow you to ventilate your body without letting water in
   • Hood should fit over helmet; back of jacket should be longer for protection
3. Pants
   • Waterproof and breathable material is the best for rain pants
   • A velcro/zippered cuff will help you get them on and off over shoes
   • Make sure that your chainrings do not cut rainpants; use a rubber band or ankle strap
4. Feet
   • Waterproof and neoprene socks are available at most outdoor stores
   • Booties will cover shoes and prevent water from entering
   • Sandwich bags inside of shoes, over socks can help keep your feet dry
5. Hands
   • Waterproof and neoprene gloves are available from most manufacturers
   • Neoprene keeps water next to skin but allows the body to warm it, like a wetsuit
   • Gloves should provide wind protection and access to shifters

Rain Riding

1. Cornering
   • Make your turns slowly and consistently; no jerky movements
   • Keep your weight on the outside pedal in the 6 o'clock position
   • If you need to brake in a turn, apply the brakes slowly
2. Braking
   • Water on the rims will lubricate your brake system making it hard to stop
   • Apply the breaks lightly to clean off the rims before you need to stop
   • Allow a greater distance for stopping
3. Hazards
   • 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
4. Protect yourself
   • Visibility can be limited during a storm; wear bright clothing
   • Keep your eyes free of debris with yellow or clear lenses in your glasses
   • Wear waterproof clothing that is breathable with layers underneath
5. Protect your bike
   • 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

Why Commute by Bike

1. Fight pollution
   • Automobiles produce toxic substances that pollute the ground, air and water
   • Burning fossil fuels creates CO2 that contributes to global warming
   • Automobiles also produce noise pollution
2. Stay fit
   • Bicycle commuting allows you to include your workout in your daily schedule
   • Riding a bike instead of your car sitting in traffic is less stressful
   • Staying in better shape will decrease your chances of getting sick
3. Avoid traffic delays
   • Off-road trails, bike lanes and wide curb lanes allow you to ride past traffic
   • Bike commuting takes less time when you account for car parking and traffic
   • Longer rides can result in less traffic and more enjoyment of your commute
4. Save money
   • 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
5. Enjoy your commute
   • 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

Why Support Bicycle Commuters?

1. Individuals
   • Bike commuting cuts down on automobile traffic; less stress, congestion and pollution
   • Bicycles put less wear on the roadways, decreasing taxes used for road repair
   • More car parking; you can park a dozen bikes in one car parking space
2. Businesses
   • More parking spaces for your car-driving customers
   • A cleaner environment is a cheaper place to do business
   • Supporting bike commuters will earn you a loyal, healthy clientele
3. Communities
   • Fewer cars mean safer communities with lower speed limits and less congestion
   • Noise, air, water and ground pollution would be decreased
   • More walkable and bikeable communities increase home values
4. Governments
   • Car accidents involve far more fatalities per incident than bicycle accidents
   • Savings can be realized from highway, emissions and environmental expenditures
   • Bicycle infrastructure is inexpensive to build and maintain
5. Police
   • Bikes are involved in less severe accidents and fewer accidents per mile than cars
   • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 24
   • Bike-mounted police need bicycle-friendly infrastructure to patrol