Bike to Work Tips

If you are going to ride a bike to work there are some tips and techniques that may help you. This is a collection from my own experience.

My Top 10 Bike to work Tips

(in random order):

1. Figure out a way not to get your pant leg caught in the chain.

This can be achieved in a variety of ways like wearing shorts, rolling your pant leg, using a rubber band, safety pin or I've even used a binder clip from work.  Failure will result in a greasy or torn pant leg.

2. Secure your bike.

I say secure your bike because you are often at work for a very long period and this leaves your bike susceptible to theft. Some ways of securing your bike are to either store it indoors in a secure location or get a heavy duty U-lock like the Kryptonite Kryptolok from Nashbar . Make sure to secure the wheels and a main part of the frame.

3. Carry Lights.

Even if you don't plan on using them they are always wise to have. In some states it is the law to have a front light and a rear taillight on your bicycle. Check your states laws. Also, being SEEN is the safest way to ride at night.

4. Carry Tools.

Be prepared to change a flat by yourself or make adjustments to brake and gear cables. There are also times things just come loose and for safety reason you will need to tighten them up. I usually have a multi-tool, tire levers, spare tube, patch kit, and some other misc. wrenches and things.

5. Wear proper clothing.

This is huge.  Proper clothing is what makes rides more enjoyable. You also need to think about what you wear at work. If you sweat a lot, your ride is far or need to really dress nice and don't want to ride your bike in dress clothes than pack your clothes with you. Some people will even figure out what they are going to wear all week and bring it on Monday then take it home on Friday all the while changing when they arrive and depart. This takes some serious planning.

6. Be well nourished.

 You don't want to take off for home or go to work feeling fatigued ( although we all do it ). I sometimes will carry a bag of trail mix if I am feeling really hungry at the end of the day just to give me enough energy to make it home.  I've also carried GU Energy Gels and they seem to work great, but they lead me to the next tip.

7. Carry water.

It is easy to not drink enough water throughout the day and become dehydrated. Being dehydrated will also make you feel like crap and zap your energy.  Also, if you are eating before you leave sometimes drinking water helps digest things like the GU Gels or trail mix.

8. Follow the law.

Cyclists must follow the law set out for them whether it is the same as another vehicle on the road or something unique. Following the laws and rules of cycling will keep you much safer and will keep motorists happy with cyclists which can feel rare these days. I can not stress this enough because I know there are a lot of cyclist out there that ride kamikaze style and give us daily commuters a bad name. The only way to help make cycling a more acceptable form of transportation is to follow the laws and rules of the road.

9. Have fun.

 Take the long way home. Take the scenic route. Ride with co-workers or colleagues. Look around and dont always rush to and from work. I often bring a camera and stop and look at things you would never see from a car. I recently saw an owl land on a street light the other day or how the stream I ride by every day was now froze on top with water bubbling underneath it now.

10. Dont be a wimp.

Feel proud that you just rode through a snowstorm or put in 50 miles a week from commuting. Look at commuting to work as extra excercise after sitting in your office all day or as an opportunity to feel more alive.

What are your tips on commuting to work?