How to Commute by Bicycle

So you've decided to commute by bicycle. Here are a few things to think about to get you started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bicycle Route Guides
• Bicycle Clothing
• Bike U-locks
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bike Packs
• Bikes
• Bikes

1. Decide if you want to outfit your current bicycle for the commute or if you want to buy a new one. See "Convert a Bike for Commuting" and "Choose a Bicycle for Commuting," under Related eHows. If you want to buy a new bike, decide how much you can spend, since there is a wide range of prices.

2. Determine what gear and clothing you will need based on the weather and road conditions you will encounter. See "Choose the Right Gear for Bicycle Commuting," under Related eHows.

3. Plan your route. You can contact local biking advocacy groups or city offices to get maps and information about bike-friendly routes.

4. Find a place to store your bike when you get to your destination. You may have to lock it up, or perhaps you can keep it in your work space.

5. Determine if you will be able to shower and change when you get to work. If not, see what other options are available, like going to a nearby gym to shower and change or wearing your work clothes on your ride so you don't have to change.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think you're too far from work to commute by bike, look into integrating mass transit. You can bus in partway and ride the rest.
• If you're hesitant about the start-up cost of bicycle commuting, compare it to your monthly gas, parking and car insurance bill. You might get a break on auto insurance if you're only a weekend driver.
• Cycling in traffic can be dangerous. Observe all traffic laws and avoid potential hazards.

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on 2/25/2006 Ski goggles are the greatest for those 20 degree, or less days.

Windproof layers is the easiest way to stay warm, then a wool/synthetic long sleeve shirt should go a really long way.

Consider removing your clipless pedals for the really cold months. The metal pedal touches your large metal bike, that is touching your metal cleat that touches your foot. That is really fast heat transfer from your foot.

Cheap warm up pants (no snap ones) break the wind superbly, use them with some regular shorts and leg warmers and you should be fine. Ski clothes can easily be adapted to cycling (hats, gloves, mittens, goggles, jackets).

Fenders are your best friend (except if you live in a desert). Always have a water bottle.

on 2/23/2006 When making decisions, pretend that you're invisible.