Bike to Work Guide

Try Bicycle Commuting
This is your chance to try bicycling to work. It's efficient. It's economical. It's Healthy. It's good for the environment. And it's fashionable. Too often overlooked and underrated, the bicycle is the simplest, and most pleasurable way to get healthier while saving the environment.

Why Commute by Bike

Enjoy your commute
- arrive at work refreshed and full of energy; ride off stress after work
- take the long way home and ride through a park or along a local river

Stay Fit
- allows for inclusion of a daily workout
- it's less stressful than sitting in the car during traffic
- improves health

Fight Pollution
- automobiles pollute the ground, air, and water, as well as producing noise pollution
- burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming

Avoid traffic delays
- bypass traffic congestion by using off-road trails, bike lanes and wide curb lanes
- with parking difficulties and traffic congestion, commuting by bike is often faster

Save money
- automobile maintenance and fuel costs will decrease
- no need to pay for parking (and tickets)
- no need for a membership to a gym to workout

How to Commute by Bike

Sharing the road
- According to the law, bikes are vehicles and should be treated as such
- Riders should act accordingly

Signals and signs
- Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
- Shoulder check before changing lanes or turning
- Use arm signals to indicate intentions (turns, lane changes)
- Identify hazards and adjust position on the roadway accordingly

Safety
- If the lane is narrow or you are going the same speed as the traffic, take the lane
- Be visible and predictable at all times
- Wear bright clothing and signal turns
- Always wear an approved bicycle helmet for protection in the event of a crash

Route choice
- Consider distance, traffic volume, road width, road condition and terrain
- Some routes may be longer but much more pleasant

Bike parking
- Try to find an indoor parking area
- Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area
- Ask your employer or building owner to provide safe, covered parking

Overcoming Bike Commuting Excuses

I'm out of shape
- Start slow
- Ride at an easy pace, it will get easier

It takes too long
- Trips of less than 5km usually take less time by bike
- The more you ride, the faster you will go

It's too far
- Ride to a co-worker's house; then carpool to work
- Ride to work and take public transportation home, then alternate the next day

My bike needs attention
- Have the bike tuned up by a reputable bike dealer
- Make sure that the bike is in good working order before starting to ride

There are no showers at work
- Ride to work at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
- Ride home at a fast pace to get a workout
- Get a discounted membership at nearby health club for showers only

I need to wear business attire
- Keep multiple sets of clothing at work
- Pack clothes and change at work
- Use pant clips, cover garments or wear splash pants

Adapted from: League of American Bicyclists, 2000