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With the cost of gas prices ever increasing, many drivers are looking for alternative modes of transportation. A cheap and healthy alternative is commuting on your bike. In this article, we will provide tips on how to get started, stay safe and save money in the process. Not only is commuting a good way to save on gas, it is also a great way to get exercise and feel more energized when you get to work. Getting Started Obviously, the first thing you need to get started is a bike. Any bike will do as long as it is reliable and in good working order. Some companies make commuter specific bikes with fenders and racks already installed. There is no need to buy a new bike though since there are many ways to make your current bike work. Once you have a bike that will get you to and from work, the next step is to find a route. A bike commute route is often different than the route you would drive. Things to consider are: is there a bike path you can utilize? Are there roads with less traffic that can be used? Are there any major intersections to avoid? You many want to take an afternoon some day and drive alternate routes to see what works best. In my opinion, the best route is the safest one you can find. Staying Safe Be sure to have a comfortable helmet that fits and equip your bike with lights on the front and rear. Not only do lights help you find your way when the sun goes down, but they allow drivers to better see you. There is a saying that goes, “Ride like you’re invisible, bcause 90% of the time you are”. Make yourself as visible as possible and don’t assume that anyone will see you. Be aware of your surroundings so you can anticipate problems before they occur and obey traffic laws while on public roads. If you have the option of flexible start/stop times for work, consider riding when the traffic isn’t as heavy. For example, 7:30 a.m. could be really busy with traffic, but 8:00 a.m. isn’t. If you can’t start later, consider riding earlier. General Tips You will want to carry a spare tube and pump with you. Flatting on your way to work can be a bummer, especially if you can’t fix it. Using tubes with sealant built in or thorn-resistant tubes can be helpful. If you don’t have access to a shower at work, store baby wipes and deodorant in your office. They are a quick and easy way to freshen up. Bicycling.com has several good articles about commuting including discussions on how to stay safe in traffic and common commuter problems. http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-3-141-14996-1,00.html http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-1-181-8323-1,00.html
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