Before deciding to commute by bicycle, learn your state and local laws and basic safety rules. Then consider how far you will be traveling, how much motor vehicle traffic will be traveling on the roads at the same time, and how many hills you will have to climb. Choose a route with less traffic or better accommodations for bicyclists - such as bike lanes, wider lanes, or shared-use paths - to make the ride or walk more pleasant. Carry a map or plan an alternate route in case you need to make a detour. Learn how to gear down to “spin” and make the hills easier to climb.
Commuting by bicycle or walking helps fight pollution and is a great way to keep fit and increase stamina.
Tips for commuting by bicycle
- Dress safely. Wear a helmet and bright colored clothing. Secure loose pant legs.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are intended for bicycling. They will also make your riding more efficient.
- Ride defensively. Anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
- Pass with care. Turning vehicles may not see you.
- Maximize visibility at twilight and night. Wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
- Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
- Use caution around buses and large trucks. Watch for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off. Stay out of blind spots and give large vehicles plenty of room to maneuver.
- Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses, or emergency drives.
- Lock your bicycle. Secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
The Most Dangerous Place: Intersections
Most car and bike collisions occur when turning at intersections. Watch for cars turning both left and right at intersections and driveways.
The Most Dangerous Time: Dawn and Dusk
Fatal crashes peak in the evening, often with alcohol as a contributing factor. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)
Commuting To and From Work: Lights and Clothing
Since commuters are often traveling at dawn and dusk, it is important to be prepared for twilight conditions. Increase visibility by using lights and wearing reflective or light colored clothes.
Many state require bicyclists to use white front light and red rear lights. Even if not required by law, it’s the smart thing to do. Use lights that can be seen at a minimum distance of 500 feet. A 10-watt halogen or 1-watt LED will meet this minimum. The more light the better.
Clothing made of reflective material is best. Yellow and lime green are somewhat visible. Red is NOT a good color for evening riding since it looks black in the fading light.
Cross Railroad Tracks Carefully
Watch for uneven pavement and grooves that could catch a wheel. Maintain control of your bicycle. Rise up from your saddle and bend your arms and legs so your body acts like a shock absorber. If the tracks cross the road at a sharp angle, change course to cross them at a right angle.
Use Bicycle Lanes
Use the striped-off bike lanes that separate bicyclists from other traffic. Beware: Motorists should not cross the solid white line but when the line is dashed, motorists turning right can enter the lane and block bicyclists from passing them on the right.
Too Many Benefits to Pass Up!
So get ready and get going. The health benefits of riding are too good to pass up. They include:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Strengthened heart and cardiovascular system
- Increased bone density
- Increased hormone production that conteracts the effects of aging
- Increased endorphins that decrease stress, depression, and anxiety while increasing relaxation
- Loss or maintenace of weight
- Strengthened nervous system and reflexes
- Increased flexibility
- Reduced diabetes complications
Need more encouragement? Find a friend and bike to work with a buddy. Ask in at your local area bicycle club. Groups like the Washington Area Bicycling Association have mentor programs to help new bicycle commuters.
