With International Car Free Day and mild fall weather around the corner, now’s the time to try bike commuting. You already know bicycling is a great way to get exercise, save gas and parking costs, and go green.
So here’s my quick-start guide based on six years and thousands of miles of two-wheeled travel.
Must-haves:
» Helmet: That breeze-in-the-hair thing loses its appeal once you see someone flip head-over-handlebars. Helmets cut the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85 percent, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Don’t leave home without it. For choosing and fitting helmets, visit orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00425
» Gloves: A must for comfort and safety. No need for fancy, but get bike gloves.
» Mini-pump, patch kit and tire levers: You won’t notice the extra ounces — and you’ll be thankful when (not if) you get a flat.
» Moist towelettes: Available in all sizes, they’re great shower substitutes.
» Easy repair guide: bicycling life.com/HowTo/FixAFlat.htm.
» Tough lock … and cable: Even beater bikes get stolen when unsecured. Lock your bike to a bike rack, parking meter, sign post … but not saplings or chain-link fencing, which can be cut. Experience (a thief) taught me to secure certain components with another cable. Commuting 15 miles home is hard without a seat or rear wheel (the downside of quick-release).
» How to lock a bike: kryptonitelock.com/TechLab/HowToSecure.aspx.
» Baskets or panniers: They make shopping easy.
» Light, office-appropriate messenger bag or backpack: so you can carry your office clothes.
Plan your route:
See whether your city or local bike club has route maps noting the location of designated on-road bike lanes. Make a trial run to gauge the time. Don’t let those hills get you down; it gets easier by the day.
» Cool tool to find, map and share bicycle routes: bikely.com
Roll with caution:
» Before passing a pedestrian or bicyclist, ring a bell and say, “On your left.”
» Usually, bicyclists can ride on the street or on a sidewalk, but be vigilant and respectful in any case.
» Ride five feet from parked cars to avoid the biker’s nightmare: getting “doored.”
» Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. The folly of flip-flops will become evident … painfully so.
» Pack snap-on front and rear lights. Old big-battery styles are inconvenient. Get and carry lightweight ones so you won’t be caught in the dark.
» Pack a poncho. What those pocket-size fold-up types lack in style, they make up in keeping you and your stuff dry.
» For details about hand signals and safe cycling rules, check bicycling sites online.
Comments? Suggestions? Contact Robin at [email protected].
