The Basics of Bicycle Commuting
Touring Bikes Offer Workers Alternative to Congested Freeways
Sep 30, 2009
Montreal, for example, has 350 kilometers of bikeways, from its bustling downtown to its scenic riverside areas. Los Angeles County has a 15-mile coastal bike path and riverside routes.
Why should a worker decide to trade in his car for two-wheeled, self-propelled transportation? There are many reasons:
- Save money on fuel and help reduce one’s dependence on foreign oil.
- Get a tax incentive. Since January 2009 in the United States, those who regularly commute to work by bike are eligible to receive $20 per month from their employers to offset the purchase of a bike, repairs or storage. The incentive may come in the form of a voucher, and employees may need to document bike-related costs with receipts.
- Stay in shape without having to sign up for expensive gym memberships that often go unused.
- Reduce one’s carbon footprint while putting one less car on busy rush-hour freeways and thoroughfares.
- Save time trapped in a car by avoiding congested freeways. If a person commutes by a combination of a bike and public transportation, such as a light-rail train, he can use the time on public transit for work or pleasure reading.
- Feel alert and ready to get down to business after a refreshing workout in the morning air.
Get a Road Bike and Pedal
Prospective bike commuters need to do some planning before they hit the streets, however. First, commuters need a reliable bike, and this requires an investment of at least $200 to $300. Next, plan a route to work and back and do some reconnaissance by traveling the route by car to note any possible bike problems. If possible, take advantage of Class 1 bikeways that keep bikes separated from car traffic or travel on roads with dedicated bike lanes.
Take several changes of clothes to work by car. This allows one to quickly change out of biking clothes after the morning commute. Check with the employer to see if there are any shower facilities available to use after commuting.
Obey Traffic Rules
Once the commuter is ready to begin a regimen of bike riding, remember to follow all traffic rules and ride defensively. Recognize that cars still rule the road, and it’s pointless to try to “enforce” traffic laws on two wheels.
Carry the following items:
- Safety helmet
- Cell phone with charger – to call for help during an emergency
- Gloves and a poncho if traveling in colder months or wet weather
- Tool kit to make quick bike repairs or adjustments
- An extra cable in case a brake or gear-shift cable snaps en route
- Tire tubes that reseal themselves if one runs over a nail or sharp object
- Bike lock
- Toiletries to clean oneself up after morning rides to work
- A reflective vest
- Bike lights with rechargeable batteries or wheel-attached generators for use when the days are shorter
Try out bike commuting a couple times a week and then try to do it more often if possible. The result will bring increased energy and stamina, money savings, a healthier environment and a new mind-set that life can be good with less dependence on the internal combustion engine.
(And once you've conquered the biking commute, why not consider marathon training?)
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