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Commuter Tips

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From the League of American Bicyclists

For more tips, visit www.bikeleague.org.

Quicklinks:
Bike to Work Basics
  • Pump up the tires on your bike and consider a tune-up at your local bike shop. Any bike can be a great commuter bike, old or new. Bikes with wider tires and a more upright position for the rider (such as mountain bikes and hybrids) can give newer commuters more comfort on the road.
  • If you and your bike are a bit rusty, consider a few practice rides around the neighborhood.
  • Plan your route to work. Drive or ride it ahead of time. Are there shoulders? Hills? How many miles is it? How long will it take? Expect to average 10 mph. View our bike map info.
  • Remember, you don’t have to bike the entire way. Consider including a bus ride or carpool if your commute is further than 5-10 miles.
  • Plan ahead so you can change and clean up a little when you get to work (bring a wash cloth or baby wipes). Bring the clothes, shoes and towel in by car ahead of time. You might want an extra snack, too.
  • Always wear a helmet and bright or reflective clothing to help you be seen. Bike shorts – under regular clothes is fine – really do add comfort. Fancy bike jerseys aren’t necessary, but do avoid cotton clothes since they hold moisture and don’t insulate well.
  • For night-time commuting, be sure to have front and rear reflectors on your bicycle, as well as a white headlight.
Overcoming Bike Commuting Excuses
  1. I'm out of shape
    • Ride at an easy pace; in a few months you will be in great shape
    • Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
    • Getting into shape is one of the best reasons to bike commute
  2. It takes too long
    • The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you will get
    • Trips of less than three miles will be quicker by bike
    • Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or less as by car
  3. It's too far
    • Combine riding and public transportation to shorten your commute –buses in the Puget Sound have bike racks, and racks can be installed on vanpools and carpools, too
    • Try riding to work and taking the bus home, then alternating the next day
    • Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work
    • Bike lockers are available at many park & rides; bike to the bus instead of driving and leave your bike in a safe, dry place
  4. No bike parking
    • Look around for a storage area in your building or office
    • Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office
    • Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside
  5. My bike is beat up
    • You can commute on any bike as long as it is in good working order
    • Tell a local bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike
    • Identify bike shops near your route in case you have problems along the way
  6. No showers
    • Most commuters don't shower at work; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry
    • Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there
    • Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only
  7. I have to dress up
    • Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive
    • Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners
    • Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding
  8. It's raining
    • Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry
    • If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day
    • Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain
  9. The roads aren't safe
    • Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, stop at lights, wear bright clothing
    • You are at no greater risk than driving a car
    • Wear a helmet every time you ride
  10. I have to run errands
    • Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity
    • Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building
    • Allow yourself extra time to get to scheduled appointments and secure your bicycle
Commuter Gear Basics
  1. Picking a bike
    • You can commute on any bike as long as it is good working order
    • Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, cross bikes, touring bikes all work great
    • The bike should reflect your riding style; relax on a 3 speed or hammer a road bike
  2. Carrying capacity
    • A rear rack and panniers, a basket on the front or a backpack all work well
    • Panniers are most expensive and are usually waterproof; use them if you have them
    • Baskets don't carry much and backpacks can make you sweat through your clothing
  3. Fenders
    • Full fenders are recommended; use quick release or standard bolt-on style
    • The roadways can be wet from other things besides rain
    • Fenders also keep dirt and mud off of your clothes
  4. Lights
    • Headlights are mandatory at night; white in front with a rear reflector in back
    • A flashing red light on the rear of the bike increases visibility at night
    • Check batteries and replace them as soon as the light begins to dim
  5. Safety
    • Always wear a helmet while riding your bike no matter what
    • Wear bright or reflective clothing; apply reflective tape to helmet and bike
    • Prevent injury by knowing the rules of the road and acting predictably
  6. Tools
    • A pump and spare tire tube are a necessity
    • Prevent breakdowns with regular inspections of your bike
    • Carry a multi-tool with allen wrenches, screwdriver, chain tool; know how to use them
  7. Lock
    • Use a high-security U-lock; don't wait until your bike is stolen to invest in a good lock
    • Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area
    • Secure both wheels and other components if they can be easily removed
  8. Flat prevention
    • Tires inflated to the proper air pressure are most resistant to flats; check pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended PSI listed on the side of the tire
    • Tire liners and flat resistant tires go a long way to help decrease flat tire occurrence
    • Replace tires when they are worn out
  9. Clothing
    • Ankle straps keep pant legs out of the chain and usually have a reflective strip
    • You don't need to wear lycra, but padded bike shorts do add comfort
    • Have a change of clothes at work
Why Commute by Bike
  1. Fight pollution
    • Automobiles produce toxic substances that pollute the ground, air and water
    • Burning fossil fuels creates CO2 that contributes to global warming
    • Automobiles also produce noise pollution
  2. Stay fit
    • Bicycle commuting allows you to include your workout in your daily schedule
    • Riding a bike instead of your car sitting in traffic is less stressful
    • Staying in better shape will decrease your chances of getting sick
  3. Avoid traffic delays
    • Off-road trails, bike lanes and wide curb lanes allow you to ride past traffic
    • Bike commuting takes less time when you account for car parking and traffic
  4. Save money
    • Maintenance costs for your automobile will decrease, as will your gas bill
    • You will save money on parking (and tickets)
    • You won't have to have a membership to a gym to workout
  5. Enjoy your commute
    • Arrive at work refreshed and full of energy; ride off stress after work
    • Commuting under your own power gives you a sense of accomplishment
    • Take the long way home and enjoy the beautiful Northwest scenery