For the last year, I’ve concentrated on riding my bike to work when the weather is nice. Gas may not be as expensive as it was when I first bought the bike, but biking to work still saves me money and I learned I enjoy riding my bike and the great exercise. I realize that my 1 1/2-mile commute is somewhat unusual when the nation’s average commute is around 30 miles, but I’m sure there are many people with commutes that are acceptable for bicycles.
If you want to try riding to work, here’s what you’re going to need.
Equipment
- Bike – Obviously if you’re going to bike to work, you need a bike. Just about any bike will do, but it will make the ride easier if you have a road or hybrid bike – a mountain bike will have a much heftier frame. The heavier the bike, the more weight you have to pedal down the road. Ensure that the brakes are in good condition, the tires are aired up and holding their pressure, and the chains and gears are properly greased. If you’re not sure how to maintain your bike, take it to a bike shop before your first ride.
- Lock – I prefer a thick, sturdy cable lock to secure my bike. A lock isn’t going to deter someone dead-set on stealing your bike, but a properly-installed cable lock can prevent “casual” theft of your bike’s equipment. Many bikes today have a “quick release” for the tires to allow for easy tire changes. These quick release levers also allow for easy stealing of tires. Threading the cable lock through your tires and frame and then around a permanently-installed bike rack will help protect your investment.
- Helmet – A helmet isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a necessity. I hate “helmet hair” as much as the next person, but that minor inconvenience is nothing compared to injury or death from a biking accident. A helmet won’t save you from all harm, but it could make the difference between seeing your family again and being a young organ donor.
- Clothes – Don’t ride to work in your work clothes unless your office is extremely casual. You want to be cool and comfortable during your commute and you don’t want to ruin your work clothes with sweat or mud splashes. You don’t need to spend for a fancy biking outfit – shorts and a t-shirt should be sufficient. Take your work clothes with you (or even better – have clothes at work waiting for you) and change when you get to the office.
- Shoes – Good shoes are important for safe biking. Many dressier shoes have a slick sole that won’t grip your pedals and could cause you to get into an accident. Tennis shoes are a much better alternative and your feet will be more comfortable on your commute. Like your clothes, either take your work shoes with you or leave a pair at the office.
- Backpack – I purchased a decent backpack for $10 before I started riding to work so I could carry my lunch and clothes with me. If I ever have to take work home or bring supplies to the office, I just put it all in the backpack. Be sure not to overload your backpack since that weight could throw off your center of balance and every pound in your bag is another pound slowing you down.
- Saddlebags – Saddlebags are great for the work commuter. Instead of carrying a heavy backpack, you can split the weight into two bags hanging beside your back wheel. They’re a little more expensive than a backpack, but they make riding easier since the weight is lower and not pulling on your shoulders.
Your Route
Before you make your first ride, you need to plan your route for the places you can legally and safely ride your bike. Not all towns are bicycle-friendly, so you’ll have to know your local laws and regulations about where you’re allowed to ride. Many places prohibit biking on sidewalks and biking on many highways and interstates is illegal (not to mention dangerous).
My commute
To map out my ride, I installed Google Earth and zoomed in to my town. As I examined the route I drove from home to work, I noticed a few low-volume side roads and subdivisions I could cut through that wouldn’t add much time or distance to my commute, but would provide a safer ride than taking the main thoroughfares. Using the path tool in Google Earth, I was able to map out and measure the distance of my commute and I used it to prove to my wife that it would be safe enough for me to ride.
Get Pedaling!
Biking is great exercise and it saves you from the wasting your gas money stuck in the rush hour traffic jams. Just be safe and smart about it and it’ll pay off for you in the long run!
Photo by: Amsterdamize
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I would like to start riding to work, but at about 9-10 miles I would need to clean up after getting there, it is always hot and humid in Houston. I really want a company that has showers on site available, but those usually come with gyms and we don’t have either at my office. So far it has not been feasible.
Good to hear you can do it though.
@Phillip – Try RocketShower! It is a small kit that contains a spray (witch hazel, water and some other stuff) that you spray on and wipe off with the provide wash cloth and towel. It is really refreshing too. The whole kit comes with everything you need to get started! And it was developed by some bike commuters in TX.
When I lived in a big city I loved having access to the subway/L and buses and cabs. The ability to go anywhere without a care in the world was lovely. On Fridays during the summer, I would walk home from work which would take me through the luxury district. By the time I got home I was so relaxed and had a good chuckle from the people watching I got in.
A bicycle will be one of my next purchases. I loved biking when I was a kid, but somehow the convenience of having a car has taken that love away.
A family member also enjoys biking, and has taken me on a few rides this month, and I absolutely loved it. I’m not sure if biking to work is feasible for me yet, but will definitely do it casually!
P.S. Loved the post, including it in my weekly links.