Since my 20s, I’ve been an avid bicycle commuter. There have been times and seasons in my life when it wasn’t possible. But I’ve been commuting by bicycle whenever I can. You can start commuting, too.
I currently ride a bike to work. My work is only about 1.7 miles from my house, so it’s pretty simple. But in the past I’ve rode up to 5 miles to commute to work. And in my part of the country, we have hills.
If you’d like to get in better shape, save money, and do your part for the environment, you might start commuting to work by bicycle.
What You Need To Start Commuting By Bicycle
- Bike: You don’t need to spend a lot of money. I bought my current commuter bike used for $125. After another $250 in upgrades, I have a perfect commuter.
- Helmet: It’s not the 1970s anymore. In some states it’s illegal to ride without a helmet. Be safe rather than sorry.
- Gear: I keep a rack with a small set of saddlebags on my bike. And I always carry a water bottle. If you’re going to be commuting after dark, you’ll want a reflective vest and a small headlight.
- Clothes: My commute is short. I don’t wear any special biking clothes. I do wear Levis Commuter jeans. They fit snug and have features specifically for bicycle commuters. They work for walking and teaching, too
- Tires: Have tires and tubes that are puncture resistant. We have a lot of goatheads in my region. I’d be getting flats every week without quality tubes and tires.
It’s Time To Start Riding
- Starting: In my 20s, I had a 5 mile commute to work. I rode a few miles a day before I started commuting 10 miles a day. If you live more than a mile or two from work, ease your way into it. Ride every day after work for a week before you try that 6-mile, one-way commute.
- The route: Avoid main roads as much as possible. Find the most direct routes. Consider the quality of the road. Consider traffic, lights, and stop signs. I can get to work on my bike as fast as I can in my car because the route is direct but not busy. It helps that it’s downhill, too.
- Be observant: People in cars do not always see people on bikes. You have to ride defensively.
- Follow traffic laws: Bikes follow traffic laws. That includes riding on the right side of the road and obeying signs and signals.
- Go further: Once you get comfortable commuting to work, consider commuting to other activities. You can ride your bike to appointments, on light shopping trips, or just for fun.
It’s that simple. I love commuting by bicycle. Not only do I get exercise, it’s less stressful than driving. I don’t get stuck in traffic. I don’t have to wait at long lights. And it’s refreshing just feeling the breeze. I encourage you to consider riding your bicycle to work.
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