Bicycle Commuting
If your tired of arriving at work in the morning stressed from sitting in that snails pace line of traffic, maybe it’s time to consider bicycle commuting. Bicycle commuting is a noble cause, but there are a few things to keep in mind to have a safe and enjoyable time.
What is Needed:
1) A safe bicycle – just like your car, you need to keep your bike in good condition. Soft tires, bad brakes, rusty cables and other problems, can cause you to be late and not gain any favors with the boss. An occasional trip to the bike shop, to keep your ride in good order, isn’t a bad idea.
2) Helmet. Like seat belts, it may never be necessary, but could save your life.
3) Lights – if you commute year round, eventually you will find yourself riding home in the dark. A good set of lights will allow you to be seen by the other traffic on the road. They will also help you see obstacles or hazards in front of you. In most states, including New Jersey, it’s the law that cyclists must use lights from "dusk till dawn."
4) Repair kit – this is self explanatory. It should include a tube, patch kit, and tire levers to fix a flat tire and a good multi-tool to fix unexpected minor problems.
What you Might Need:
1) A bag to carry work clothes, papers, laptop computer, etc.. This can be as simple as a small backpack or as complex as racks and panniers. How much you have to carry everyday will help you determine what is best for you.
2) Noisemaker – how often have you been riding along when someone in a car does something inappropriate in front of you merely because they can’t see you? With a horn, whistle or bell, you’ll be able to make cars aware of your presence. These noisemakers make you seem more polite and then everyone can share the road together.
3) Lock – if you need to leave your bike outside or in an unsecured area, a good lock is a must. The idea of commuting is to ride both ways, not ride to work and walk home!
4) Rear view mirror – sometimes it’s difficult to keep looking over your shoulder to see what is coming up from behind you (especially if you wear a backpack). A mirror, mounted on the left side of your bike, will allow you to see what’s coming up behind while still keeping an eye on the road ahead. Bicyclists should always ride on the right side of the road with traffic.
Choose your Route Well
The best route to drive is rarely the best route to ride. Find a route with less traffic, that may be more scenic, to provide yourself with an enjoyable ride. Remember, pick a route that won’t leave you to tired to work. It may help to pre-ride your route on a weekend (both directions) so you will know how long it takes and be familiar with any potential problems. Having several different routes will keep your commute interesting.
Co-Existing with Traffic
First, always obey ALL traffic laws. Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles. Running red lights, riding on the left side of the road, failure to signal turns and riding without lights at night, are all real good ways to get a summons or be injured.
Second, ride in a predictable manner. Don’t make any sudden changes of direction. Be sure that approaching traffic has plenty of time to react to you. Share the road. You’re not the only one out there. Be friendly and courteous to drivers and pedestrians. A polite nod or wave goes a long way towards making everyone happy. Thank motorists who wave you through an intersection.
Benefits of bicycle commuting
1) You’ll get exercise twice a day.
2) Exercise relieves stress. You’ll arrive at work feeling relaxed and invigorated, and by the time you get home, the problems of the work day will be a distant memory.
3) One less car (much better for the planet).
4) Bike commuting saves on money. You won’t burn gas and you’ll have less wear and tear on your car.
5) It’s much more fun and adventurous than driving.
If your tired of arriving at work in the morning stressed from sitting in that snails pace line of traffic, maybe it’s time to consider bicycle commuting. Bicycle commuting is a noble cause, but there are a few things to keep in mind to have a safe and enjoyable time.
What is Needed:
1) A safe bicycle – just like your car, you need to keep your bike in good condition. Soft tires, bad brakes, rusty cables and other problems, can cause you to be late and not gain any favors with the boss. An occasional trip to the bike shop, to keep your ride in good order, isn’t a bad idea.
2) Helmet. Like seat belts, it may never be necessary, but could save your life.
3) Lights – if you commute year round, eventually you will find yourself riding home in the dark. A good set of lights will allow you to be seen by the other traffic on the road. They will also help you see obstacles or hazards in front of you. In most states, including New Jersey, it’s the law that cyclists must use lights from "dusk till dawn."
4) Repair kit – this is self explanatory. It should include a tube, patch kit, and tire levers to fix a flat tire and a good multi-tool to fix unexpected minor problems.
What you Might Need:
1) A bag to carry work clothes, papers, laptop computer, etc.. This can be as simple as a small backpack or as complex as racks and panniers. How much you have to carry everyday will help you determine what is best for you.
2) Noisemaker – how often have you been riding along when someone in a car does something inappropriate in front of you merely because they can’t see you? With a horn, whistle or bell, you’ll be able to make cars aware of your presence. These noisemakers make you seem more polite and then everyone can share the road together.
3) Lock – if you need to leave your bike outside or in an unsecured area, a good lock is a must. The idea of commuting is to ride both ways, not ride to work and walk home!
4) Rear view mirror – sometimes it’s difficult to keep looking over your shoulder to see what is coming up from behind you (especially if you wear a backpack). A mirror, mounted on the left side of your bike, will allow you to see what’s coming up behind while still keeping an eye on the road ahead. Bicyclists should always ride on the right side of the road with traffic.
Choose your Route Well
The best route to drive is rarely the best route to ride. Find a route with less traffic, that may be more scenic, to provide yourself with an enjoyable ride. Remember, pick a route that won’t leave you to tired to work. It may help to pre-ride your route on a weekend (both directions) so you will know how long it takes and be familiar with any potential problems. Having several different routes will keep your commute interesting.
Co-Existing with Traffic
First, always obey ALL traffic laws. Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles. Running red lights, riding on the left side of the road, failure to signal turns and riding without lights at night, are all real good ways to get a summons or be injured.
Second, ride in a predictable manner. Don’t make any sudden changes of direction. Be sure that approaching traffic has plenty of time to react to you. Share the road. You’re not the only one out there. Be friendly and courteous to drivers and pedestrians. A polite nod or wave goes a long way towards making everyone happy. Thank motorists who wave you through an intersection.
Benefits of bicycle commuting
1) You’ll get exercise twice a day.
2) Exercise relieves stress. You’ll arrive at work feeling relaxed and invigorated, and by the time you get home, the problems of the work day will be a distant memory.
3) One less car (much better for the planet).
4) Bike commuting saves on money. You won’t burn gas and you’ll have less wear and tear on your car.
5) It’s much more fun and adventurous than driving.
