Biking to work?

[Rosehip]

Does anyone bike to work? I'm thinking of doing so for my new job. I start in a couple weeks. It's just under 7 miles from my house, and basically down one straight, pretty level road. It's a main road, but two lanes, with crosswalks, etc. The speed limit is 30 MPH. It think it will be pretty safe. However, once the days shorten, I'll be biking in the dark, which might not be such a good idea.

I'm a nurse - this will be my first job as a nurse. I'm thinking I shouldn't be getting too sweaty with the distance and lack of hills. I've asked HR if there are bike racks, and am waiting to hear back. The neighborhoods I'll pass through range from safe to ridiculously safe. Any other considerations?

[One_Girl]

You probably will get somewhat sweaty even without hills at that distance. When I was biking to work I biked in sweats or shorts and changed in the bathroom once I got to work. I bought baby wipes to wipe away sweat before changing and deodorant and hair gel to freshen up. I suggest a small backpack that will fit a change of clothes and deodorant. Don't forget to have slime put in your tires to prevent flats and carry two cans of Fix A Flat and a small bike pump. That stuff has saved me from trouble with being late on several occasions. If you don't want to do a backpack you can get a basket installed on the front or the back of your bike. For riding at night you can get lights installed on your bike at any bike shop (or get a kit and do it yourself). When I didn't have much money I used duck tape to tape some small flashlights on top of my helmet.

Invest in a really good lock too and bring your seat in with you if it is one of the quick release seats. If you can take the seat off and thread the lock through it then that is another good option. If you have any quick release tires then take them off and thread the lock through them also. Remember that your frame is the hardest part to replace on your bike so put the lock through the front tire and the frame, not just the front tire. The last thing you want to come back to is a bike, a tire, or a seat that is gone after a long day at work.

[cileag]

I'm a nurse and I bike to work too---I really enjoy it but pretty much stop when it's dark out. But I go through some marginally inner urban areas. I change into scrubs when I get to work and just keep some deoderant in my work locker and it's never been an issue.

It's a wonderful stress relief after a 12 hour crazy shift!

[Ola_]

I would definitely make sure that the bike has good mudguards, you can also buy these yourself and screw them on, it's pretty easy. They need to be long enough to prevent that stripe of mud up your back. The best ones I've found are those old-style looking ones that curve halfway down the back wheel.

Definitely get lights if you'll be biking when it's dark, I don't think they are too expensive if you get battery-powered ones. A flashing red for the back and a regular white light for the front. I used to always wear a backpack when biking so I'd just attach the red one to the pocket on there.

And another vote for a good lock. My system was one good lock around the front wheel, frame, and lock to the bike rack. Then a second smaller lock to attach the back wheel to the bike frame. In some places that's probably unnecessary but I was parking on a university campus and saw too many bikes with stolen back wheels.

[lunarlady]

Get a good helmet. If you're riding in the dark, put a red flasher on your rear, a white on the handlebars, and a headlamp on your helmet. The headlamp is the best because it will flash a light where ever you look. So if someone is pulling out of a side street and your worried they don't see you, you can just look at them and know you're shining a little light their way.

You will want to be able to carry things back and forth. Either get a good quality bag made for cycling, or mount baskets or panniers to your bike. Your back will thank you. If you plan to ride in the rain, pick a waterproof bag so the contents stay dry. Also invest in a nice jacket and some water proof pants. Bike in shoes that will get wet, and carry dry shoes for work in your bag. If you bike when it is wet out, either wear your full gear (rain jacket and rain pants), plan to change when you get to work, or get full front and rear fenders for your bike. Depending on the bike, these may not be available. Mountian bike fenders will protect your top, but not your bottom.

If you're a coffee/tea drinker, look for a handlebar mounted bottle holder. They work great for holding your morning pick me up. Or get a thermos and carry it in your bag.

Invest in a good quality D lock as well as several cable locks. Leave them locked to the bike rack at work. Use the D to lock the frame of your bike to the rack, and the cables to lock both wheels, the seat, and your helmet (if you want) to the rack.

Have a plan B in case of emergancy. If you need to get somewhere fast, do you have money for a taxi? A friend that could give you lift on their break? While it is unlikely to happen, it is good to make sure you're prepared just in case. Carry a cell phone and have a backup incase of some sort of serious problem, like two flat tires. Know who you can call to come "rescue" you if you really need it. (This is just like driving an old, unrelaible car.)

Enjoy the commute! Biking to and from work was the best part of my day when I did it. I always arrived at my destination mentally and physically ready for what was ahead.

[rcr]

I bike to work and day care - about 5 miles. That ride seems pretty far for me, but I love doing it. Definetely get some panniers, a rack, and fenders. Also make sure your seat is high enough (many are not). To check to see if it is high enough you should put your heel on the pedal when it it extended downward and your leg should be flexed only a little bit. I would also recommend learning how to fix a flat, and carrying a patch kit with you. It is really easy, and then you can avoid doing to girl in distress thing if you get a flat, because you can just fix it yourself and ride home (or to work).

I bike in the dark too, with DS. I have 5 bright lights on the rear of my bike, we both wear reflective vests, and I have a few reflective stickers on my bike. I also have a mirrow, so I can see behind me.

[mtbmomma]

Go for it! We have lived without a car the last 4 years, so we get around everywhere by bike. 4 years ago I commuted 20 miles each way to work, and loved it, though I am a biker. Anyways, I would suggest getting a comfortable waterproof bag to carry all your things and keep stuff to shower with at work. I'm assuming you have a shower and small storage space at work. If not, bring a fresh towel, some body spray and baby wipes. Those would probably do the trick in a pinch. As others have said get a good U lock and a helmet.

Also, make sure you bike the route once before, so you know the approximate time is will take you to get there. Keep a bike pump, spare tube, allen wrench tool and patch kit in your bag at all times, or get a seat bag to carry them in. These can all be picked up at your local bike shop and they can show you how to use them as well. Even if you don't feel confident in using them it is likely someone driving by could help you in a pinch.

When you do bike, make sure to follow the same rules as cars. Stop at all lights and stop signs, signal when you turn and use the turning lanes. I guess that seems like common sense, but a lot of riders don't do these things. When you are commuting in the dark, invest in a blinking red light for the back of your bike and a light for the front as well. You can pick those up at the bike shop as well, or order them online.

Good luck, and have fun. Biking to and from work is such a great way to get in some exercise every day, wake yourself up before a shift, and to unwind after. And it is a great way to save a few bucks and do something good for the environment as well.

[somegirl99]

You've already gotten excellent advice from the PPs.

I used to commute by bicycle a lot, can't right now but it is really a great way to start and end your day.
I would recommend if possible to get a rear rack and put your things in a bag on the bike, rather than a backpack if possible. The backpack will make you much sweatier.

Depending on your weather, you will probably also want to have a good set of rain gear - look for something that is waterproof but also breathable (like gore-tex).

And for riding in the dark, in addition to all the lights (with backups as batteries do die), see if you can wear a reflective vest or something else to make you really visible.

Have fun!

[_ktg_]

Already such great advice! I bike 10mi roundtrip right now and I'm only going to chime in with a second for the panniers instead of a backpack. I bike to my job which is a very business casual/professional environment and I use 1 for work items and the other for my work clothes, and that helps balance the bike a bit better.

Also make sure the handbars are at the right height for you, when I started mine were too low and I was always crouched over too far (strained back). If you do have to take your seat, take a sharpie and draw a line where you have the height set to on the stem, so when you put it back on its not a mystery or a fight to readjust always.

Enjoy!@

[Rosehip]

Wow! A lot to think about and potentially invest in, but it sounds fun. I think I'll try to make a couple of test-run spins up to my new workplace before I actually start the job, and before I invest in the various items everyone has suggested.

I really hope to make this work! Thanks for all the tips! Any suggestions for specific brands of items (I'd have to buy panniers, head lamps, reflective vests, fenders, etc. All I really have is a lock, the bike and the helmet if I can find it). Is it possible to buy these things used? If so, should I just check out craigslist?

[Geofizz]

Add me to the bike commuter list. I started commuting by bike in 2001, and with a few exceptions, I've continued. I figure I've ridden ~20,000 miles (and NOT driven that far) in that time.

OK, a few ways to look at this: You can choose to ride so that you arrive at work dry and clean and ready to work, or you can abandon that idea and look to shower when you arrive. Ask about showers at work, and maybe just count on showering when you get there. Then a lot of the "equipment" falls by the wayside.

My approach when I started as a bike commuter was bare bones. Backpack, helmet, and a lock. Nothing else. I figured how much I was saving by riding (you could count gas + maintenance or if you pay for parking add that up, too), and buy the rest when you've "saved" it. Prioritize according to the time of year. You won't need a light for a while (unless you're pushing daylight with your schedule). Buy winter gear in the winter when you're ready for it. Panniers when you've saved the money for them. Remember that also requires a rack. Plan ahead for the rack/panniers and rain guard as some rain flaps are incompatible with the rack.

I would also strongly recommend you read up on bicycle safety, the state and local laws, and safe riding practices. Check out the American League of Bicyclists for tips -- they also run classes on commuting. These are GREAT for building confidence, safe habits, and basic bike care skills.

[BlueLeaf]

I'm less than 3 miles from work, but biking always seemed out of the question. Now I'm inspired!

If anyone's in Colorado, there's a bike shop in Boulder that teaches you how to maintain your bike in exchange for volunteering in the shop. http://communitycycles.org/programs/earn-a-bike.html

[Geofizz]

Originally Posted by BlueLeaf

I'm less than 3 miles from work, but biking always seemed out of the question. Now I'm inspired!

If anyone's in Colorado, there's a bike shop in Boulder that teaches you how to maintain your bike in exchange for volunteering in the shop. http://communitycycles.org/programs/earn-a-bike.html

One of the most reasonable suggestions I've seen on getting started is to commit to riding 1 day a week.

For a 3 mile trip, I'd prioritize learning safety over maintenance skills. With a flat tire, the worst that happens is that I'd push my bike 3 miles -- a 25 minute jog for me. On the other hand, people who have been driving all their lives (and not riding) don't have a solid sense of where to put themselves on the road to ride safely. It's not always obvious, and let's be honest, we don't always see good examples out there on the road.

Rosehip, you make some comments about the route that make me think you should look into safe riding skills as well. For 7 miles, I'd also want to make sure you could change a flat and put a chain back on. Also, HR will likely know diddly squat about bike racks (or better, indoor places to store it safe and dry). Go for a test ride to the site and scope it out yourself.

[Rosehip]

Thanks, GeoFizz! I'm getting inspired now! I emailed an instructor from the League of American Bicyclists to ask about local classes. I'm going to make a trial run next week, after I return from my pre-work beach getaway!