Fortunately, there's no rule saying that a bicycle commuter must pedal the entire distance to work. Try taking the bus or driving part of the route, then park and ride the rest. Start by bicycling 3 to 5 miles a day, then increase the mileage ridden and decrease mileage driven each week.
Finding a Safe Route
There are several ways to find safe routes into work. The Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, bicycle shops, local bicycle clubs and online bicycling communities often offer maps or route descriptions of designated bicycle routes and bicycle paths. Also, talk with avid bicyclists. They'll often have tips on everything from which roads are under construction to time saving short cuts. In addition, read ways to Become a Safe Bicycle Commuter.
Overcoming Fear of the Road
If fear of traffic is an issue, then try to find an experienced bicycle commuter to ride in with. Two riders are more visible than one and riding with an experienced cyclist can greatly decrease fear of traffic and help you learn tips for staying safe.
Also, James Winberry, a Pennsylvania bicycle commuter who averages around 10,000 miles per year, recommends to, "Leave home early enough to avoid traffic. "
Carting the Office
Backpacks with waist and chest straps, pannier bags (bags that attach to the bicycle) and courier bags all work well for hauling items to and from work. Investing in a bicycle trailer is another option. According to Mr. Winberry, "You can carry more stuff easier with a trailer than with panniers or backpacks and also, people give you more room."
Comfort Must Haves
The key to successful commuting is comfort. Invest in a bicycle fitting at a bicycle shop where an employee will ergonomically fit you to your bike. This helps reduce stress on joints and soft tissues and prevent overuse injuries. Other must haves include:
- Padded bicycle shorts.
- A gel bicycle seat. Check out discomfort-reducing seats containing a hole in the center.
- Padded bicycle gloves which prevent hand pain and numbness.
Packing
The following is list of things to pack to be prepared for any situation on the bicycle.
In a Bicycle Seat Bag:
- A fold up all-in-one tool that includes allen wrenches and screwdrivers
- 1-2 spare tubes each wrapped in an old sock to prevent chaffing
- Plastic tire irons to help change tires
- Duct tape--pull several feet of duct tape off of a roll and simply roll or fold it onto itself to create a light weight, mini-roll of tape
- Pump; either air or CO2 (if C02, buy a pump that takes threaded and unthreaded cartridges)
- CO2 cartridges (paintball CO2 cartridges are the cheapest)
- Presta valve to Schrader Adapter--For pictures and descriptions of each of these valves, check out: Presta versus Schrader Valves by Jobst Brandt.
On the bike:
- Headlight
- Tail light
- Odometer/speedometer
- Water bottles
- Goodie bag with handkerchief in it
- Bike lock
In a Backpack
- Wind breaker
- Rain gear
- Snacks
In a Pack, Trailer or at Work
- Work clothes (including fresh underwear and socks)
- Work shoes/Sneakers
- Deodorant
- Hair brush
- Wet Wipes
- Cologne or perfume
- Hair dryer
- Curling iron
- Makeup
Cleaning Up
If no shower is available, simply wipe down with antibacterial wipes, such as Wet Wipes, which can easily be stashed in desk drawers and bicycle bags, then reapply deodorant, perfume/cologne, put on fresh clothes and enjoy the day.
