Image: istockphoto.com/daniel achim
“For the bike commuter, the commute is the best part of the day. For the car commuter, the commute is often the worst part of the day."
International Bicycling Fund
If the price of gas has you looking at alternative methods, why not consider the greenest machine around? With the right bicycle and some planning, you can start commuting to work and save money! Here are some tips from the IBF on how to get the most out of your ride to work.
1. Select a bike you are comfortable riding; it also needs to be in good working order. TIP: A good bike shop is a good resource for this.
2. Plan your route; you will probably have to balance safety, convenience and aesthetics, you may want several routes for different moods. TIP: Members of the local bicycle club are a good place to look for help on this. To find a bicycle map of a particular city go to the google bike map replace "city" in the URL with the location you are looking for
3. Test your route on a day off when you are not under pressure; not only do you learn the route, you test your equipment and learn about how long the ride takes.
4. Select light, bright coloured cycling clothes; you can't make yourself too visible.
5. Plan your work attire; store a wardrobe at the office or carry cloths rolled in a towel to reduce wrinkling. TIP: some people deliver a weeks worth of clothing to their office once a week.
6. Get bike panniers or a ruck sack; for clothing, papers and snacks -- longer rides favor panniers.
7. Buy a lock; learn where to park and how to use the lock for maximum effectiveness.
8. Lights for winter or night riding; there are a variety on the market, choose the one that matches your situation -- don't forget an array of reflectors as well.
9. Foul weather gear for foul weather; it is best if it is designed for cycling.
10. Wear a helmet; even with good training on how to ride like a vehicle, and riding defensively, accidents occasionally happen; studies show that helmets can reduce the severity of the injury.
The
IBF is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the bicycle ands promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Visit its website to learn about
bicycle repairs, safety tips and news from around the world. If you find something worthwhile on site then consider making a donation to help this organization keep supporting bikes around the world.
Tags: bicycles,
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Green Living Network
