Biking to Work - A beginner's guide
It makes perfect sense. Instead of driving to work and back each day—which uses gas and does absolutely nothing for your rear or your stress level—you bike your way to work, miss the traffic, burn some calories, get an energy boost, and save the planet one pedal stroke at a time.
To-Dos before you begin bicycle commuting
- Find a seasoned biking buddy - It is recommended that every first-time bike commuter befriend someone who regularly commutes by bicycle—whether it's a coworker, someone in a bike group or a salesperson at your local bike shop. It is also recommended to use ‘Google's bike map directions’ to help you find the best path and make use of any designated biking routes in your area.
- Start simple - Just like an exercise, it's better to start slow and build over time. If it has been years or even months since you've been on a bike and your commute is a long distance, it’s better to do shorter rides closer to home until you have the endurance and confidence to commute to and from work.
- Do a test ride - because you can never be 100% sure what to expect your first time out. New bike commuters should do a dry run or two on a non-work day to make sure they know how long it will take and how they will feel after the commute, taking any rush-hour traffic into consideration.
- Don't be afraid to take a day off - you don't have to bike to work every day, so if the weather makes you nervous or if you just don't feel like it, take a day off!
Bike-Commuting Essentials
- Get a helmet! It is essential to protect your head at all times by investing in a quality helmet.
- A bike in good working order (and tools to keep it that way). Invest in a bicycle that is in good working order, but not such an expensive one when starting out, unless you have a really safe place to store it. Also, you should always have a tube, tire levers and a pump in case you get a flat.
- Depending on how much else you need to carry, you should either have a rack with a bag that hangs on it or some sort of a backpack or messenger bag.
- Lights and bright reflective clothing. No matter what time of day you're riding, you should wear some kind of bright, reflective clothing. That way even if you bike in the daylight to work, you stay safe on the way home when that meeting goes later than you expected!
What to Wear—and What Not to Wear
- Gloves and sunglasses aren't just for the elite cyclists or to look cool - they actually serve a purpose. Gloves reduce the vibration on your hands and they are critical if you fall. If you don't have gloves, you are less likely to put out your hands if you are falling, which then results in a serious injury.
- Basic safety or biking glasses are a must for protecting your eyes from bugs and risk of other debris from a passing car. They're also helpful in the rain and cold as they shelter your eyes from the misery of pelting rain or eye freeze.
- When it comes to apparel, you have to check the weather and be prepared. Moisture-wicking layers are key, as are a few cycling-specific pieces if you're really committed to biking in non-sunny weather conditions.
Are you biking to work? What do you think about it? Share with us in the comments below.
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