How to Commute to Work on Your Bike

No one likes driving to work, getting stuck in traffic and having to sit in your car amid all the smog. You always thought about riding your bike, but never knew how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike
• Helmet!!
• Warm and rainproof clothes
• Map
• Bike light
• Lock (optional)

1. Buy a bike. It doesn't have to be a speed machine, you won't be racing on it, but it does need to have all its parts working. Nothing's worse than having a broken derailleur on your way to work. Craigslist is a reasonable place to find a used bike. Or opt for a newer, cheap one from a bike store. Make sure a professional looks over whatever you buy, just as if you bought a used car. Don't spend more than a couple hundred dollars and probably far less!

2. Do your research before you get on the road. What streets are bike boulevards? What streets have a lot of traffic at commute time? Is there a bike path? Many cities have a bike commute month or information on alternative forms of transportation. They can typically offer advice or maps.

3. Plan your route first. Draw it out on a map and know when you'll have to deal with lots of cars, so they don't take you by surprise.

4. Have the right gear. You'll be outside, so if it rains or is cold, you'll want a rain proof jacket and pants and some warm gloves. Either leave a change of work clothes at your office or pack your work clothes in a backpack or bag to come with you. You don't want to have to worry about getting mud splashed up on your suit.

5. The right gear includes safety gear. Coming home after work it's often dark. Make sure you have lights on your bike and reflective gear on your clothes.

6. Learn basic bike maitenance, such as how to change a flat tire or a dropped chain. Many bike shops have basic classes or will be willing to teach you.

7. Be careful. Use hand signals for turns and always look before making lane changes in streets. Follow all traffic laws and signs. It is safer to ride in the street than on the sidewalk, regardless of what other people say.

8. Many offices have bike storage inside or are fine with you bringing your bike into your office. If this isn't the case, you'll want a good lock to lock the bike up outside.

9. Enjoy commuting right from your front door to the door of your office. Most of the time it's nice weather and you could probably use the exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the area, cars can be quite friendly to bike commuters or very hostile. Be careful. Remember, the car will probably win in a fight.
• While bike lanes in streets are good places to ride, be careful of parked cars opening their doors.

[goober1234]

on 6/11/2008 Great article. Why don't you address how to deal with being a sweaty mess when you arrive at the office? Or how about discussing how look good at work walking around wearing the wrinkled slacks and shirt that were stuffed inside your backpack.