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commute by bicycle


 

How to commute by bicycle by secondmercedes

"Continually rewarding, perspective changing and it always brightens my day!"

How I did it: I set a goal to commute to work after my birthday. I bought a commuter bike from REI for my birthday. My parents contributed to the present, so it was fairly reasonable. I also waited until REI had a huge bike sale and I used my membership dividend.

Before purchasing, I researched commuter bikes for about 2-3 months before my purchase.
I bought waterproof panniers for my bike.
I already had a helmet and sunglasses.
I already had a bike tire pump.

The day after I got my bike I made it a point to ride to work the next day. I knew that if I did not make that first step that I would be disappointed in myself and it would be harder to start later.

I joined a bike commute challenge shortly after I bought my bike. That motivated me to keep going and put me in touch with other bike commuters who I modeled myself after. It was also bike month the month I started riding and so that encouraged me to do it more as well because you could get deals at certain stores/bars/restaurants if you traveled by bike during bike month. How sweet!!

I moved closer to work. So close, in fact, that is is completely ridiculous to drive to work. Most places that I go are within 2-5 miles away, and so it usually takes me about 15-20 minutes to get anywhere I want to go. I moved to a location that is very central to the things that I like to do and I'm quite happy there.

It now takes me less time to bike to work than it does to drive. And it makes environmental  sense. Every day I commuted I began feeling better and better when I got to work (and any other place) and so it was easy for me to keep doing it.

Lessons & tips: -Get a bike you are comfortable riding and a bike you love.
-Get good locks- multiple locks are best (a u-lock plus a plastic-covered metal chain works well)
-Buy a helmet and WEAR IT WITH PRIDE
-Learn the rules of the road. Learn the hand signals
-Just keep doing it. It makes you feel good.

Resources: http://www.ridethecity.com/
www.mapmyride.com
http://btwd.bayareabikes.org/tbc
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/


 

Jul 17, 10:35AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers


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    People doing this are also doing these things:

    Entries

    gibo is (almost) ready for finals.

    I need to get started! 1 month ago

    My goal is to commute to school (only 9mi away) at least four days out of the week. It means that I will have to leave much earlier than usual, but that part actually matches another goal of mine (wake up earlier).

    The extreme temperatures in N. Texas might make the task more difficult, but I think I’ll be fine in the wintertime, so long as I bundle up, haha. I’m not sure about commuting in the 100°+ summer heat, though, but I’ll figure that out later.

    Oct 11, 01:03AM PDT | 2 cheers | 1 comment


    secondmercedes lovin' every minute of it. And..like a weatherman predicting the news.

    I've really made the switch. After another week 5 months ago

    After another week of full-time bike commuting I think that I will take this off my goal list. I will have done it. I’m doing it now. It has become very easy for me and very natural. I don’t think “oh I could use the car” anymore, I simply just hop on my bike and go. It’s just as fast, practically. Especially if I’m downtown. I need to figure out how much gas $ I’m saving so I can feel good about my commuter bike purchase. I think that it will take several months of bike commuting before I will have paid for the bicycle itself, but here’s to progress and here’s to saving the earth, one bike ride at a time!

    Jun 23, 01:56PM PDT | 2 cheers | 0 comments


    secondmercedes lovin' every minute of it. And..like a weatherman predicting the news.

    Doing it practically every day 5 months ago

    Now that I’ve been riding my bike consistently to work for just over 10 days or so, it seems that my perspective on travel has shifted. I now do not see my car as an option and I plan accordingly. It helps that my commute is pretty much the same in length whether I drive or bike. It is also good that when I ride my bike, I have a happier, more positive outlook than if I drove. Even though it is hot in the mornings already, it is worth it for the positive benefits. Not to mention the zero impact on the environment. I love it!!!!

    Jun 16, 09:19AM PDT | 0 comments


    secondmercedes lovin' every minute of it. And..like a weatherman predicting the news.

    Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day in Austin 6 months ago

    I biked to work today, and I will tomorrow, too!

    http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/fitcity/

    Tomorrow for Bike to Work day I’m going to ride to: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road for FREE breakfast and then to work! :)

    May 14, 02:07PM PDT | 0 comments


    secondmercedes lovin' every minute of it. And..like a weatherman predicting the news.

    I commuted on my bike today! 6 months ago

    I got a new bike. It is heavy and pretty. It’s nick-name is Brownie right now but I think that is a little too girlie and cutesy for how awesome and retro this bike is. Anyway, I rode it to work today. I only had to walk up 1 super steep hill. It was fun. I loved the feeling of the wind on my face.

    This is my new baby: http://www.rei.com/product/774423

    May 11, 07:53AM PDT | 2 cheers | 1 comment


    secondmercedes lovin' every minute of it. And..like a weatherman predicting the news.

    bike commuting info and helpful websites 7 months ago

    http://511.org/

    Apr 20, 11:31AM PDT | 0 comments



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