"When I get to work I'm energized, and when I get home, I've already let go of the day's stress."
How I did it:
- I bought a used mountain bike, fixed it up, and put road tires on it.
- I re-learned how to ride. I hadn't ridden a bicycle since I was 12, and I'm a lot older than that now. This took me a few weeks to become confident.
- I rode every day. Riding a bicycle is exhausting when you haven't used those muscles in a long time. It takes a while to get used to your daily commute.
- I started commuting every day to a job only a mile away.
- I moved and switched to a job 3 miles from home, but I kept riding to work every day.
- Eventually, I became confident riding in traffic. This is what took 6 months.
- I got some lights, because I sometimes work nights or go in very early in the morning.
- When my bike got stolen, I bought a new one. Another used mountain bike, this one was even cheaper but I like it better. Again, I put road tires, lights and plenty of reflectors on it.
- I settled on a route that I like. Sometimes I vary it, but I mostly stick to the same route.
- I bought a luggage rack and installed it on my bike, so I don't have to carry my lunch in a backpack
- I got fenders and plastic rain pants for riding to work when it rains.
- I got hit with a car door and it messed up my shoulder a little bit, but I still ride every day.
Lessons & tips:
- Wear a helmet. Trust me, you'll be glad you did someday.
- Do whatever you need to do to make your ride comfortable. I have flannel-lined rain pants, a long rain coat, and wool gloves for the wet winter weather. A change of shirt is nice for the summer.
- Carry a bandanna. You can wear it under your helmet to keep it from making a red mark on your forehead in the summer, or to keep your ears warm in the winter.
- Don't take a day off. With appropriate clothing and equipment, you CAN ride in the rain, in the dark, in the fog and in the snow. Your co-workers will think you're totally hard-core.
- If you wear a suit at work, bring it in garment bag and change when you get there.
- Stop thinking like a motorist. You can go just as fast down a side street, alley, or bike path as you can on a 6 lane thoroughfare. Why take main streets?
- An old mountain bike makes a great commuter bike. Just put some road tires (and fenders if it rains where you live) on it and you're ready to go.
- If you're on a narrow street where there isn't enough room for a car to pass you safely, ride in the middle of the lane and make them wait.
- Ride in a predictable way. Don't swerve and weave, don't ride down the wrong side of the street, and DO use those hand signals.
- Tire liners are tough rubber inserts that go between your tires and inner tubes. They'll protect your tubes from those crack vials and broken 40 bottles. Get some.
- Carry a patch kit and a frame pump, and learn how to patch your tire. It's not that hard and will save you from a long walk someday.
- Smile, wave and say hello to fellow cyclists and pedestrians. You'll find you see the same people every day, and you may even make some new friends.
Resources: Check your state's vehicle code to learn exactly what the laws concerning bicycles say.
http://www.runmuki.com/commute/
http://bicyclefixation.com/
Send me your questions. I've been doing this for 3 years now.
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Apr 22, 06:15PM PDT
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