How I did it:

1. I bought a used mountain bike, fixed it up, and put road tires on it.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. I started commuting every day to a job only a mile away.
5. I moved and switched to a job 3 miles from home, but I kept riding to work every day.
6. Eventually, I became confident riding in traffic. This is what took 6 months.
7. I got some lights, because I sometimes work nights or go in very early in the morning.
8. 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.
9. I settled on a route that I like. Sometimes I vary it, but I mostly stick to the same route.
10. I bought a luggage rack and installed it on my bike, so I don't have to carry my lunch in a backpack
11. I got fenders and plastic rain pants for riding to work when it rains.
12. 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.

Apr 22, 06:15PM PDT | 1 comment | 3 cheers