Warm weather is here and it’s a great time to start commuting by bike. National Bike to Work Day was last month. The official Colorado Bike to Work Day isn’t until June 24th to allow for nicer weather. In Colorado Springs, Bike to Work Day is this Wednesday, June 10th.
Although Bike to Work events can be fun, you can start riding to work anytime. A bike ride is a great way to start the day and can improve your health. With a little planning, bike commuting can be easy.
Here are some tips to make bike commuting enjoyable.
Plan Your Route
Your route can be the difference between a fun commute and a terrifying one. Check to see if you community has any resources on bike routes. Your local bike shop should also be able to help you pick a good route.
I’ve lived near a bike path that follows a creek for many years. I’ve been able to use it and connecting trails to avoid most streets to get to most of my jobs.
Be Safe
Follow the rules of the road. Don’t count on motorists seeing you and be prepared to take evasive action. Wear a helmet. It can only take a minor crash to cause head injuries.
If you’re riding when there isn’t much light, use reflectors, headlight and taillight. You can also get reflective tape to but on your bike. I’ve put some on the back of the seat stays and on the crank arms.
Be Prepared for Repairs
Take a spare tube and pump or CO2 cartridges in case of a flat. Also carry a muti-tool in case you need to make minor repairs. The Crank Brothers Multi-17 Tool is my favorite.
Choose Riding Clothes
When I’ve had a fairly short commute, I’ve worn regular pants and a cycling jersey to reduce time changing at work. When I’ve worked farther away, I’ve also worn cycling shorts. Some people prefer to wear casual cycling clothes.
Take a Change of Clothes
If you are riding very far, you’ll need to take a change of clothes. Depending on what you need to wear for your job that may be easy or more difficult. It’s easy to carry pants and a shirt. It’s also easy enough to carry shoes or leave an extra pair at work.
Be Prepared for Weather Changes
Depending on where you live and the time of year you will need to have different clothes for weather changes. Rain gear, leg warmers, arm warmers and a jacket are things you may want to carry.
Carry Your Things
I’ve always used a regular backpack for bike commuting. Some people prefer a messenger bag or putting bags on their bike. Put things you don’t want to get wet from rain or sweat in plastic bags or use a waterproof pack/bag.
Find a Secure Place for Bike
Find a secure place to keep your bike while at work. I’ve had jobs where I’ve been able to keep my bike in my cubicle at work. Other times I’ve been able to lock my bike in the loading dock area. If there’s no good place for your bike, ask your employer to put in a bike rack.
Freshen Up
If you ride more than a couple miles to work, you’ll probably need to freshen up when you get there. It’s nice if you have a shower but it’s not necessary. You can always go in a restroom and use a wash cloth and towel or something like Action Wipes to clean up. Using the handicap stall gives more room to clean up and change. Also carry some deodorant and use it.
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Tags: bike commuting, cycling
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A note about deoderants, I've used a couple of those "natural" branded non-aluminum ones and they do the job. And I ride in North Texas where it was 83 last night at midnight. I'm not pleasant to be around after my ride home but I can and do freshen up nicely after riding about 10 miles in, even in 80+ degree mornings. I reccomend Arm & Hammer essentials, it uses some anti-bac stuff and you might sweat (on a ride) but you don't stink.