Many people who live in urban areas are thinking more and more about using their bicycles to commute to work. If you are one of those people, it is important that you think about many different factors before you try commuting. By thinking about such things as the clothes you are wearing and where you will store your bike while you are at work you stand a better chance of having a positive commuting experience and may be more inclined to continue riding your bike in the future.
What to Wear
One thing that many would-be cycle commuters fail to think about is what they will wear. They may opt to wear their good work clothes. This can be a mistake. This type of clothing may be too warm. It may be so expensive that you worry about it getting wet or dirty. It may be uncomfortable or too restrictive for you to move freely in. Finally, it may get damaged or wear out while you are biking.
If this is the case, you may want to think about wearing more comfortable clothing that is suited to cycling. You can either choose to dress fully in cycling clothes or wear a mix of cycling and office appropriate attire. Consider wearing comfortable clothing that contains lycra as this is easy to move in. If you are female you may want to consider waiting until you reach work to do your hair and makeup. You may also want to change footwear as well.
Where to Ride
If you are riding to work, you may want to do a bit of scouting so you can plan your route. You should look for direct routes but ones which make as much use of bike lanes as possible. It is also a good idea to avoid as much heavy traffic as possible. All of these things make it much safer and can help ensure that you won’t be injured or delayed on your way to work.
What to Ride
If you are riding to work you need a bike that is built for urban conditions. Bicycles that are meant for commuting or running errands are very different than ones for riding trails or that are built for racing. There are some features you should look for. These include mud guards on the front and back wheels, gears that make it easier to travel up and down hills, frames for holding saddlebags or other storage devices, and a seat that has extra padding or suspension that will make your ride more comfortable.
Some cyclists worry about the security of their bikes while they are at work. If this is the case with you, it may be a good idea to find a secure space where you can lock your bike up. Some individuals who do not have this option simply ensure that they are riding a “trashmo” (trashmobile). This is a bike that is put together using cheap or unattractive components that make it much less appealing to the average bike thief.
It is not hard to get into the habit of riding to work. You will find that if you have planned well in advance and have selected the right bike and clothing, that you enjoy the commute much more than if you were in a car.
