Bike Commuting FAQ
How to commute by bicycle
- 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.
- 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.
- Safety
- If the lane is too narrow for your bike and cars to ride side by side or you are going the same speed as traffic, take the lane.
- Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing during the day, use lights and reflectors at night, and signal turns and stops.
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash.
- 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.
- 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.
- Clothing
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you just can't make it all the way, MTD buses all hive bicycle racks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Power lock-up tips for bicycles
From: Kryptonite Lock
- Always lock your bike, especially at home (even in the garage, apartment building or college dorm).
- 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.
- Lock in a visible and well-lit area.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Always secure your components and accessories, especially quick-release components, with a secondary cable lock.
- Don't lock your bike to itself (the front wheel locked to frame). It can be easily lifted and carried away.
- Don't lock in the same location all the time. A thief may notice the pattern and target your bike.
- Don't lock to anything posted illegal. Check with area law enforcement agencies for local bike parking regulations.
- Always check your lock before leaving your bike to be sure you have secured it properly.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Governments
- Car crashes involve far more fatalities per incident than bicycle crashes.
- Savings can be realized from highway, emissions and environmental expenditures.
- Bicycle infrastructure is inexpensive to build and maintain.
- Police
- Bikes are involved in less severe crashes and fewer crashes 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.
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