Logistics

Quick Tips:

Clothes Traffic Route Safety Parking

Route Selection -

Choosing the best route to work or school can be critical for safety and comfort. The best route is not necessarily the most direct, as you may want to avoid roads with high traffic speeds or volumes, potholes, rough pavement, steep hills and dangerous intersections. However, keep in mind that although low-traffic neighborhood streets offer a more pleasant cycling environment, they often feature frequent stop signs and collision hazards, such as parked cars, children and pets, leading to a less efficient ride.

In contrast, major streets are typically faster, more direct routes to a destination, with less frequent stops. High-traffic streets may also contain bike lanes or a wide shoulder, but often these higher-traffic streets require greater skill and confidence, and can be stressful for many cyclists. Noise and exhaust from vehicles may also be unpleasant.

Although multi-use paths are typically used for recreation, these trails can often be incorporated into a commute. You may want to check with your local bike shop for maps of bike routes, lanes or trails in your area. Other possible sources of bikeway maps include bicycling organizations or clubs, libraries, convention or tourism agencies, book or map stores, and online maps like those found in the Where section of this site (League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling ).

Interactive mapping systems like BikeMetro.com are extremely useful in selecting a route, especially if hills and traffic volume are a major concern. This site covers Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernadino and Orange County, California.

Parking -

Whenever possible, try to store your bicycle in a covered area, ideally inside your office, a covered storage area, or parking garage with bicycle parking. When parking outside, lock your bicycle to a solid object in a well-lit, highly traveled area. You may also want to remove or secure easily stolen items such as the seat, wheels or lights. U-locks are typically more secure than cable locks. Using multiple locks is an additional theft deterrent. See the Products section of the site for more information about locks.

Clothing and Hygiene -

Riding to work in business attire may be an option for shorter commutes and in fairly temperate climates. However, for longer commutes in hot, cold or rainy weather, wearing cycling or weather-specific clothes for the ride and changing into work clothes upon arrival is probably the best option.

If you commute to work by bicycle regularly, you will probably find that storing changes of clothing and grooming products at work is a good option. If your workplace does not have shower facilities available, you may be able to negotiate a reduced-price membership at a nearby gym for locker room and shower privileges (League Guide ).

Bags -

Depending on the size and weight of the items you need to carry, a number of alternatives are available. The basic options for transporting items include:

• Backpacks are a common choice for new commuters because most people already have one; however they can make your back hot and sweaty.
• Panniers, bags that attach to frame-mounted racks, can help commuters avoid excess sweating and wrinkled clothes and keep weight off your back.
• Messenger bags are waterproof and easy to access.
• Baskets can be used to hold bags or loose items.
• Trailers are ideal for carrying large or heavy loads.
  ~ See Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips for more...

Maintenance -

Before you go on a ride, perform an ABC safety check to ensure that your bicycle is functioning properly. Steps include:

• Air: Check for tire damage, including cuts and excessive wear. Use a tire gauge to check air pressure (the recommended range can usually be found on the sidewall of the tire).
• Brakes: Check to make sure the brakes are functioning properly. Also examine bake pads, cables and housings for wear and proper contact.
• Cranks, Chain and Cassette: Check for loose crank bolts, bent chain rings, broken chain links, worn cog teeth, and proper lubrication.
• Quick-Releases: Be sure the quick release levers for wheels, brakes and seat post are tightly secured.
• Check it Over: Ride around slowly for a few minutes to check the operation of the bike, paying special attention to the brakes, shifters and suspension.
  (League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling)