May is National Bike Month; May 12-16th is Bike-To-Work Week; and May 16th is Bike-To-Work Day. If you haven’t already put down the car keys and started to “Go By Bike,” here’s how to get started pedaling to wherever duty calls. You’ll improve your fitness. You’ll save money. And you’ll help ease pollution and traffic congestion. What are you waiting for?
Step 1: The Bike. If you don’t already have one, get a bike. There are all kinds of bikes available these days: road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, recumbent bikes, and even commuter bikes. The list goes on and on. Some are better suited for commuting than others, but don’t worry if you don’t have the latest and greatest model. As long as it rolls, and as long as it’s safe, pretty much any bike will work as a commuter. But whatever bike you decide to ride, make sure it’s up to the task. Stop by your local bike shop and have them throw a tune-up on it. While you’re there, ask the shop for some commuting tips. These people ride bikes more than anybody you may know and you can learn a lot from their experience.
Step 2: The Bike Stuff. Make sure you have the biking essentials. To ride safely and comfortably, you’ll need things like a helmet, pump, tool kit, and water bottle. While not absolutely necessary, cycling-specific clothing will help make your ride more enjoyable. Cycling clothing is designed for on-bike performance and offers the latest in moisture-wicking, technical fabrics. You can ride in jeans and a t-shirt, but you’ll be more comfortable in a pair of cycling shorts and a jersey. If you’re not comfy in the tights, that’s ok. There are liners available that will put padding in all the right places and that are great for shorter commutes. Ask your local bike shop about the range of clothing options available and decide which one is right for you.
Step 3: The Route. You might be able to ride on the same roads you drive to work on, or you might need to find a more bike-friendly way to work. Consult your local bike shop to see if they have any maps showing bike-friendly routes in your area. Or, use an on-line mapping service like MapQuest to help design a route. Make sure you select the “Avoid Highways” options. Once you have a route plotted, keep in mind that it generally takes about twice as long to ride as it does to drive, so plan accordingly. You may want to ride your bike to work and back over the weekend to gauge the time and distance that will be required. A test run will also help you understand your route and make any necessary changes. If you can’t commit to a long commute, consider cutting the route in half. Drive half-way and ride the rest. Or, drive to work with your bike and then ride home. The next morning, ride to work and then drive home at the end of the day.
Step 4: The Packing. If you’re riding to work, you’ll likely need to bring a few things with you: a change of clothes, lunch, possibly a lap top. One of the most popular options is a simple backpack. Another option is a bike messenger bag. If your bike’s compatible, a rear rack is a great way to carry a load. Talk to your local bike shop about your options and select the one that’s right for you.
Step 5: The Knowledge. It’s important that you’re safe when you ride, so make sure you understand the rules of the road. Bicycles are required to follow the same road rules as cars, so make sure you obey traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings.
Step 6: The Preparation. Before you hop on your bike, make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that your brakes are adjusted properly and are working. Adopting a simple bike-check routine before each and every ride will help make sure your bike is safe and operating at peak efficiency.
Step 7: Enjoy The Ride. Riding a bike lets you see the world at a different speed that you’re probably used to and you’ll probably start to notice the things you’ve been missing sitting behind the wheel. Birds singing. Flowers blooming. Quaint neighborhoods and intriguing little shops. Soak it all in as you save money, get in shape, and help cut pollution.
Step 8: Make It A Way Of Life. Now that you’ve started, don’t stop. Set a goal to ride a certain number of days a week or a month. Before you know it, you’ll be riding more than you drive, and you’ll feel better than ever.
For more information, check out the “How to Go By Bike” section of the 1World2Wheels.org website. Also check out the "Bike to Work Commuter’s Booklet" put out by the League of American Bicyclists.
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