As an experienced bicycle commuter, I can tell you there is more to riding a bicycle from point A to point B every day.
Traffic, lack of bicycle lanes, inexperienced riders and more contribute to the discouragement and even injuries of new commuters.
Here are steps to take to make your bicycle commute safe and enjoyable.
Why become a bicycle commuter?
Health, lack of motor vehicle, and gas prices are all good reasons.
Some people have had their license suspended while others can't afford high car repair bills.
Whatever reason you choose, it's a good one. A Good Bicycle is the First Step The first piece of equipment you need, of course, is a bicycle.
Don't skimp on this one.
There are hundreds of good bicycle brands to choose from with prices ranging from $50 to several thousands.
Do your research, talk to bicycle shop owners and take your time.
A good bicycle salesperson won't just start saying "this bike is you," instead, they'll ask how much you plan to ride, where you plan to ride, and more.
They aren't being nosy; they're trying to match you with the right bicycle. Are all the roads smooth and well paved where you'll be commuting?
Perhaps a road bike, lightweight and made for distance riding is for you.
Are the roads not paved or will you be riding a lot on the gravel or dirt shoulders?
Perhaps a mountain bike is better.
It has wider tires, isn't made to go as fast, and is a little heavier, but the wide tires won't allow gravel or loose dirt to pull the handlebars away from you.
Or maybe a "commuter bicycle," a cross between a road bicycle and a mountain bike is better for you. Start with the best bicycle you can afford.
Not sure about commuting?
Start with a department store bike- if you decide not to continue, you're not out several hundred dollars for a fancy bicycle. I started with a department store bicycle from Wal Mart for $60 on sale; it was what I could afford.
The thing weighed nearly 50 pounds; it was made of steel with steel wheels that no amount of adjusting would keep the rear wheel from dragging on the brakes.
(That's very annoying- like dragging an anchor everywhere.) I found lightweight aluminum wheels online from Nashbar on sale for $35 (half price) and put them on.
Presto!
The bicycle was 10 pounds lighter and the wheels were perfect.
A year later and saving every extra penny I bought a GT mountain bike on sale for $219.
It weighs only 27 pounds and is a dream to ride.
Extra thick inner tubes reduce the number of flat tires to almost nothing.
Three years and over 30,000 miles later it's still in good shape.
A good lock is essential to keeping your property safe. Pawn shops and yard sales aren't a bad place to look for bicycles- you just have to know what you're looking for to get a good bargain.
Don't expect the pawn shop employees to be as knowledgeable as the bicycle shop owners.
Just like buying a car from a private owner, take a bicycle commuter friend with you who knows a good bicycle when they see one and can give you good advice. A lot of cities now have bus transit systems that have bicycle racks attached to the front of the bus.
If being able to lift the bicycle is a factor, lift it at the store first before buying it.
Lift with your legs, not your back. Safety Gear: The Next Step Now that you have the bicycle, it's time to protect yourself further.
Get the best helmet you can afford, and wear it properly.
The helmet is worth far more than your hairdo.
On December 26, 2006 I was hit by a 20 ton delivery truck whose driver wasn't paying attention.
I was picked up and flipped upside down, landing on my head and shoulder.
My helmet saved my life.
When there is an impact, replace the helmet.
It's designed and made for only one.
My first helmet cost me $20 at Wal Mart.
Helmets aren't meant to keep your head warm in the winter or dry in the rain; more about that later. All states require the use of lights on bicycles after dark.
In Texas, the bicyclist needs to have a light in front that can be seen from 500 feet away, and a reflector or red light to the rear.
The San Antonio Police Department began to issue tickets to bicyclists a few years ago in an effort to make commuting safer.
And it's the law.
When I was hit, the police officer noted I had all the required safety gear and was using it.
The truck driver couldn't claim I was unsafe.
I bought my blinking red tail light for about $10 at my local bike shop and my headlight for $50 online from Nashbar.
It lights the road in front of the bike with a powerful LED light and survived the impact from the truck.
That's a tough light.
I started with a $3 short flashlight from the dollar store and attached it to my handlebar with pipe clamps.
I had a short $1 screwdriver to remove it when I got to work. I also ride with a reflective vest.
Although not required by law, I tell people I want to be as visible as possible.
Drivers who are paying attention will see me.
These aren't very expensive, and can be found at bicycle shops, online and anywhere safety gear and clothing is sold.
After dark, the headlights hit the reflective tape and shine, telling the driver you're there.
Hand wash these vests; a washing machine will remove the reflective material. Ride with sensible shoes or boots.
Flip flops won't protect your feet if they slip off the pedals and hit the ground.
I have a Velcro strap with reflective tape for my right leg that I use to keep my pants leg out of the chain.
Tuck your shoestrings into your shoes or boots.
Getting caught in the chain is an experience to be avoided- especially by a busy road. Take Your Papers and Lunch With You Now you have the bike and the safety gear.
How do you get your papers, lunch and other items you need to where you're going?
An inexpensive backpack is a good start, ranging from a few dollars to over a hundred.
Don't want to sweat under a backpack?
Get a bike rack installed over the rear wheel of the bike.
There are different types; your bicycle shop will know the best model for your bike.
I got my first one from Target for $15.
Some will allow panniers and trunks with as much as 50 pounds of materials in them.
I can get a week's worth of groceries into 2 panniers and a bicycle trunk with light stuff in my backpack. What is a pannier?
A pannier is a bag that is designed to be attached to one side of the bicycle rack.
Some come with pockets for extra storage while others are fairly basic.
I got mine on sale online from Nashbar; others are available from different shops both online and in stores for different prices- shop first.
I have a trunk that attaches over the panniers to the top of the bike rack (again one sale online from Nashbar).
I didn't realize it was insulated until I received it- a true bonus!
I carried my breakfast and my lunch every day, and have hauled ice cream the 3 miles from the grocery store to find it still frozen at home.
It has a pocket on top for more storage, and a small pocket on the back where I hang my reflector during the day (a large red reflector from Home Depot glued to an old clip) and my blinking red taillight at night so it's visible for the drivers.
Just unhook the panniers and trunk and take them into the store or work with you. If your panniers, trunk or backpack isn't waterproof, don't despair.
There are waterproofing products available in the camping section of department stores that can be sprayed on.
If water still gets in while it rains, consider placing your items in plastic bags inside the backpack or pannier(s).
There are even panniers that are made just for carrying a suit in them so you can change at work. Trailers are also extremely useful for carrying a large amount of goods.
I have an InStep trailer, made for children and cargo up to 100 pounds.
I got it from my local bicycle shop for $109.
I carry everything from groceries to trees from Home Depot.
Cat needs to go to the vet?
Their carrier fits perfectly in the trailer.
While the trailer doesn't go on the bus, it folds up very quickly and gets locked to the bicycle at the store. What About the Weather? Never underestimate the weather.
In the summer, carry extra water and learn where the shade is on your route.
Take the time to stop and relax, take a few drinks and cool down for the trip home.
Wear long sleeve cotton shirts or a bicycle shirt designed to wick away sweat. For rain, get a rain suit.
If cost is a factor, start with an inexpensive poncho.
One word about these: the wind is going to turn it into a sail and the experience will be memorable.
I got a rain shirt on sale (as always) online from Nashbar for about $10, and a pair of rain pants for hikers for $10 from Amazon.
They work well together.
For my feet, trash bags and rubber bands work wonderfully.
Cheap, quick and store in very little space.
A child once giggled at them, and I remarked: "Go ahead and laugh.
They're funny looking, aren't they?
My bags match, and I don't track mud into the house!" My rain suit fits into the side pocket of my pannier, and weighs less than a pound.
Since I always carry it, it's always there.
A cheap rain hat from the dollar store fits under the helmet. Winter is a factor on its own.
Wind and hills make the wind chill factor something to pay attention to.
Pay attention to the coat you're wearing- a heavy one is going to make your ride miserable, and a long one will make your commute unsafe to nearly impossible.
When it's financially feasible, buy a jacket you can comfortably ride in and stay warm in.
In my area, I found a (yup, on sale online at Land's End) a ski jacket, and a ski hat that fits under my helmet. I have a scarf that I made from cutting an 18 inch wide strip of polar fleece the width of the material (no sewing needed) and wrap around my neck while bringing it up around my mouth and nose.
Tucked into the helmet straps, I do not have a sore throat from riding and breathing super cold air.
A pair of clear goggles ($8 safety goggles from Home Depot) keeps my eyes from drying out.
I don't look like I've been crying when I get to work.
Before I got my ski hat, I wrapped the scarf around my head and tucked it under the helmet.
Ski pants can be worn in colder climates and work well on bicycles; here in San Antonio, Texas it doesn't get cold enough for me to wear them. Layers work best in my climate.
I know what temperature the jacket will handle by itself, and when to put a lightweight lined windbreaker (waterproof) over it, and when to wear a sweater under both.
One thing to note: my jackets are white.
Since I commute in the dark at the beginning of the day, and in the winter am coming home in the dark, white is a reflective color.
The headlights of cars and motorcycles light up the jacket and they know I'm there.
Dark colors aren't reflective.
It's best to be safe. I have a light pair of gloves for use when it's cold but not freezing.
Another pair of gloves has Thinsulate insulation (a radiant barrier for fabric) from a ski shop for $20.
(I also found a pair of these gloves on sale at Wal Mart for $7- a perfect Christmas gift for a friend). The best rule of thumb for winter is: only wear enough to be warm when riding and waiting for the bus.
It does no good to roast and sweat or freeze while you ride to your destination. If there is ice, get off the road and ride in the dirt.
That's where you'll find traction.
Get to your destination as quickly but safely as you can.
If you have to wrap your brakes in plastic wrap to keep them from icing up (yes, it can happen while you ride), then use it.
Cars slide on ice, and bicycles will too.
You can ride on the grass, cars aren't allowed.
If it's too dangerous, walk. Other Items to Consider Carrying Some bicycle commuters carry extra inner tubes and a full range of tools to fix the bicycle if something happens.
I don't carry extra tubes; they're at home.
Since I lift the bike into a rack on the bus (waist high for me), and take two to three busses during a trip, weight is a factor. Expensive "all-in-one bicycle tools" aren't necessary.
I can make most quick repairs with a stubby screwdriver with different tips ($3 at Wal Mart), a dollar store short pair of pliers and a set of allen wrenches ($4 at Home Depot). A good water bottle isn't expensive, and a holder that attaches to the bicycle is about $5.
I carry extra water bottles in the summer in the panniers. Good sunglasses are essential for seeing during the day; I wear a pair of UV safety glasses ($9 from Home Depot) that cut the glare from chrome and stop road debris from getting to my eyes. A few jobs might have employee showers you can use, others don't.
I would shower the night before and use a shower powder in the morning.
Carrying an extra shirt to change into also helps.
In the years I've been bicycle commuting I have NEVER encountered a single complaint of "sweat odor." Safety Tips to Keep You Safe Know the laws regarding bicycles in your state.
They're usually listed in the driver's handbook- the same one you get your driver's license from.
All car and truck drivers should read this section too. Know where you can ride- in Texas, I can go onto the sidewalk as long as I don't bother pedestrians; however, in California, doing the same thing will get me a ticket.
The traffic laws of Texas allow bicyclists to ride as far to the right as safely possible if there isn't a bike lane available.
If an obstacle is in the way, riders can go into the lane (look first!), get past the obstacle, then back to the right again.
There are riders who brag that they ride in the center of the lane "to force cars to go around them," but this is asking for disaster if there is an inattentive driver or someone suffering from road rage.
The idea is to be a safe bicycle commuter. Bicycle riders can use the left hand turn lanes in Texas, and once the turn is made, go to the far right again.
This should be used with discretion; there are roads with drivers that no amount of money or force could get me to use while others I feel safe with.
If I don't feel safe, I use the crosswalk.
It's fun to make traffic stop for me.
Once across the road, I mount up and go. Know which side of the road you're supposed to be on.
In the United States, it's the right side of the road.
Pedestrians were taught to walk "against the traffic" in the 1960's in the hope drivers would see them.
Bicyclists riding the wrong way create just as much danger as a car going the wrong way. Bicycles can ride on the access roads but not on the shoulders of highways.
This is just common sense. STOP AT ALL STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS!
This is not optional.
It's the law.
The minute you put a bicycle on the road, it's part of traffic and subject to the traffic laws.
Too many bad bicyclists make it hard for the good ones to get respect from drivers.
More police departments handing out tickets and fines will help. NEVER carry a person or anything heavy on the handlebars.
You won't be able to maneuver if you need to.
If there's a person on your handlebars, you won't be able to see, either.
Obtain and use panniers, trunk and/or backpack. Maintain the bicycle.
Keep tires properly inflated- this will allow you to maneuver and to ride smoothly, and will reduce the number of flats.
A bicycle with a low or flat tire is extremely difficult to maneuver.
Keep the chain oiled- a dry chain won't change gears easily and could snap while you're riding.
Keep it inside at night, and don't allow the chain to rust.
A rusty chain could snap or bend while you're riding leading to a disaster.
Keep the brakes and cables in good order.
When I touch my brakes I want the bike to stop.
Trying to "Flintstone" at every stop (dragging your feet on the ground) is too dangerous and just stupid. Don't listen to music in both ears when riding.
Use only one earplug, and listen to traffic.
You need to be able to hear when cars come close. PAY ATTENTION to EVERYTHING around you.
To commute safely, you need to pay attention to traffic roughly 10 times more than everyone else.
Your awareness will allow you to anticipate situations and avoid them.
For example, one day the highway was shut down, so traffic was shunted to the road I take home every night.
It had rained hard, so the ground was muddy.
There was a long line of impatient drivers that I sailed by on the shoulder.
I noticed about a quarter mile ahead of me that a truck went into the ditch, came up on the road and bypassed the intersection.
I KNEW someone else was going to try it, too.
I slowed down, and moved about a foot further into the mud (I ride a mountain bike), only a few seconds later, the second car ahead of me shot out into the ditch, right into my path.
I was able to avoid him by going completely into the ditch.
I was covered in mud, but alive.
The driver yelled out the window that he was sorry, "he didn't see me." I told him if he had been looking, he would have.
He cursed, and gunned his engine.
He was stuck in the mud.
I went past him, and the other traffic did the same.
I have managed to avoid other incidents like this one, too by being alert.
Your road instincts will develop. When coming to an intersection that has a stop sign or a red light, NEVER stop along side the car that's first in line.
Too often, the bicyclist is going straight and the car will turn right.
Not all car drivers are paying attention to what's around them or use their turn signals.
If you do see a right turn signal, stop behind the car.
When that car turns, go straight.
If cars seem to be coming close to me when I do this, I turn around and look at them.
They stop. Learn ahead of time to avoid potential dangerous situations.
Preparation is the key to survival on the road for all bicycle commuters. For school zones, when a bus stops and puts out the stop sign, bicyclists need to stop too.
Remember, it's a STOP sign.
Impact with a moving bicycle and a rider can be disastrous- it won't be pretty. Parents with bicycle commuting school children need to insist on helmet use and safe riding.
They can also get involved in the community and start "bicycle season" notices, flyers, get with the local community newspapers to advertise bicycle safety for both riders and car drivers and perhaps call en masse to the local radio and TV stations for safety spots on the air.
Having reflective gear, proper lights and a safe way to carry their belongings will also help to keep kids safe.
(Had helmets been around when I was a child in the '60s my mother would have made it simple: no helmet, no bike.) Avoid riding in narrow alleyways or narrow unlit roads where the speed limit is more than 35 or 40 mph.
At night, even with proper gear, drivers may not be paying attention. When leaving a driveway, look both ways.
I know, but some people just shoot out and expect drivers to be able to see, recognize and instantly stop.
They can't. Don't weave in and out around parked cars.
This is an invitation for disaster.
If there is a long line of cars, ride in the lane. If traffic is backed up, take the shoulder or sidewalk (if the law allows) to the right and travel.
Don't ever try to ride between cars in backed up traffic.
Some person, by accident or nefarious design, could open a door that you run into and get injured or killed. Enjoy Yourself After all the above, enjoy yourself.
The gear can be bought over time; it doesn't need to be purchased all at once.
It took a few years to get everything together.
When I began, I gave myself a few rules: Take it easy.
See the sights while you ride.
I have seen wildlife beside the road that car drivers never pay attention to.
If there's a traffic jam, I take to the sidewalk and smile. Never feel sorry for yourself.
Get a good look at a gas sign (going up again) and smile. Your muscles will stop hurting and start building.
You won't need a gym, your friends will.
Smile. The majority of people in the world don't own or drive cars.
They ride bicycles.
You are in the majority.
Smile. You don't have to fight over a parking space.
Park wherever you want to and smile. Everyone wants to borrow a pickup truck.
No one wants to borrow a bicycle.
Smile. You don't need AAA for a flat.
Smile. Fixing your bike doesn't require a second mortgage or a computer tech.
Smile. Your friends might have to work on their cars in the rain and cold; take your ride inside where it's warm and dry to work on and smile. No one asks you for rides everywhere.
Smile. Every once in a while when the weather is really hot or really bad, some nice angel stops and gives you and your bike a ride.
Smile. While others are fighting over parking spaces, most security guards will allow you to lock the bicycle in a place where they will keep an eye on it for you.
Drivers park at their own risk.
Smile. Bicycle commuters are healthier and live longer because they get their exercise on the way to and from work where they release the stress of the day.
Smile. Number one rule: relax and smile.
All the bicycle commuters I know seem to lead less stressful lives because they have learned to live at an easier pace.
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