Tips for Bicycle Commuting
Clothing and Hygiene
Mapping Your Commute
Your Bike
For more tips on bike commuting, go to https://www.whatcomsmarttrips.org/pdf/BicyclingCommuteGuide.pdf
- Take an extra set of clothes and toiletries in a backpack or use the bike’s cargo rack or panniers. If you don’t want to carry clothes to change into with you on your ride, leave extra clothes at work. It’s a good idea to leave a basic set of clothes and shoes just in case you forget one day.
- Ear warmers and head coverings like hats or balaclavas enable you to cycle comfortably in cold weather.
- In case you get sweaty on the way in, keep a washcloth and toiletries at work. If your employer doesn’t have showers, check with a nearby gym to see if they will let you use their facility.
Mapping Your Commute
- Check out Map My Ride http://www.mapmyride.com/
- On an off day, try out different routes to determine which would be most convenient, being mindful of traffic flow during rush hour and difficulty of the ride (i.e. hills).
- If you have a longer commute than you are willing to ride, check out the CARTA bus route to see if you can connect to a bus along the way to shorten your riding time.
Your Bike
- Take tools you may need with you so you don’t have to use the excuse of “my bike broke down on my way to work.” A small set of allen wrenches, a tire patch kit, and tire levers are useful tools to have handy. A tire pump can be mounted on your frame in case of a flat.
- Fenders will help keep you and your bike clean when cycling in wet conditions.
- Have proper headlights and taillights in case you get stuck at work after dark.
- If possible, keep your bike in your office or a secured area. If your bike must be parked outside, lock your frame and both wheels to an immovable object.
- Consider leaving your heavy U-lock at work, locked to the bike parking rack, and carrying a lighter cable lock with you for quick errands. At work, use both locks because thieves will need different tools to defeat each type of lock. This requires more time and risk for the thief.
- Seatposts and saddles are common targets for opportunistic theft when they are held on the bike by a quick release. Consider either replacing the quick release with a more secure “binder bolt” or locking your seatpost/saddle (ask your local bike shop for options). Alternately, remove them from the bike when locking it up. Careful though, seatposts are necessarily greasy and can dirty your clothing, and getting rain in your bike frame may harm it depending on the materials it is made out of.
For more tips on bike commuting, go to https://www.whatcomsmarttrips.org/pdf/BicyclingCommuteGuide.pdf
Tips for Living Actively
Contact
For more information on ALTN projects or to request a presentation or schedule the mobile bicycle fleet for your worksite or group:
- E-mail: info@activelivingtn.org
- Phone: (423) 643-6887
- Mailing: 200 River St. Chattanooga, TN 37405