.. Advice for Riding Your Bike to Work
Things to consider before you bike:
1) How long has it really been since you've ridden a bike?
Everyone says : "It's like riding a bike". But seriously, if you haven't done it in quite sometime, like elementary school, it does take some getting used to again. I suggest jumping on and riding around the block. You will become very aware of shortness of breath, stability issues and which muscles you forgot about. After some time, yes It gets easier. Just don't expect it to be easy the first time.
2) What condition is your bike in and is it appropriate for how far you're going?
Check the tires. Just like a car, you need to make sure your tires are not leaking or have enough air in them. Most gas stations have air/ water areas just make sure not to fill it too full. If you notice that your tires are not keeping full, go to your neighborhood bike shop. Most inner tube replacement is about $10 and will save you the cost of a new tire. Think of your bike as a car. It needs maintenance and air refilling every few months depending on commute.
If you traveling a shorter distance, a standard bike as opposed to a mountain bike should be fine. Talk to a bike shop employee and discuss how far you plan on riding, what type of terrain, etc.
3) Tips on making the commute to work:
If you're planning on riding your bike to work instead of driving, for whatever reason (saving on gas, no second vehicle etc.), here are some things I've learned along the way.
a) Packing
I work in a place that requires a certain dress code from me. Riding in that dress code is not functional.
The night before work (because I never seem to find what I want in the morning):
You need to distribute the weight of whatever items you are packing. Heaviest items on the bottom followed by lighter. I put my work shoes in the bottom of my backpack, I roll my pants or skirt and place those on top of the shoes and then whatever shirt I'm wearing goes rolled on top of that. If possible, find clothes that are 'wrinkle-free' and rolling helps reduce some wrinkling than if you were to fold them.
Next:
- an ipod: great for keeping you motivated to continue your ride to work. On mine, I even have a 'on the go' play list were I have faster songs to keep me going.
- wet naps: I have a resealable pouch that I keep wet naps or unscented baby wipes in. Think about it. Even after a ten minute ride, do you feel as fresh as when you got on the bike? I like to feel like I had a good ride, not like I ran a marathon.
- makeup: think about keeping spare makeup in your backpack for touch-ups.
- water and snack: depending on how far your route is, you may want to have a bottle and a granola bar handy just in case.
- 'keys, wallet, cellphone'- my husband and I's mantra. Whenever we leave the house, we'll ask each other 'keys, wallet, cellphone'. Seems to hit the most important things you'll need.
b) Riding Attire
As I stated before, what you where to work and what you ride your bike in are two different things. I just prefer to not have sweat or dirt on my work clothes. Please ignore if you feel differently :).
- Shoes: Something comfortable and if they have laces, tie them tight or tuck them into your shoes. I have gotten myself caught in the chain of my bike before and quite recently, stopped to help a little girl free her shoelace from her chain.
- Work-Out type clothes: just make sure they aren't constricting and layer if your not sure you'll heat up or cool down during.
c) Riding Basics
Things to consider:
- You are no longer in a car. You are on a bike and people are not watching out for you. You need to be your own advocate. Treat each crosswalk as a crossing guard would. Stop at the stop sign. Look both ways. If a car is stopped also, allow them to go by waving them on. You cannot assume they see you or care that you were there first. It will save you from having to "guess" if they saw you. I find myself directing cars to go until it's clear for me because I have been almost hit in the crosswalks from someone not seeing that I was there and decided to go.
- I believe the law says you are to go with traffic. Some streets have painted bike lanes but be careful! Cars will sometimes double park in them or use it as a turn lane. If you find yourself blocked, look over your shoulder and make sure you will not be going into traffic. You cannot assume people see you and are anticipating your every move. If you are not able to avoid the block, slow down and wait until traffic is clear then move around. Do not dart into traffic.
- Consider a helmet. I'm not sure if it's the law seeing I seem to be the only one who wears one. Just remember, looking silly for 20 minutes beats a head injury.
- Allow yourself extra time to go to work. I usually double the time that it takes me by car then add a few minutes. That way, if something happens, you can make arrangements. Also, you can let your body rest after your ride.
- Carry a bike chain. I loop on around my hand bars but not around my braking areas.
