November Newsletter from The Bicycle Wheel

Tip of the Month: 6 Tips for Commuting to Work by Bike

Are you thinking about how you could incorporate cycling into your everyday life? Commuting to work is an easy way to get in shape, save money on gas and help the environment at the same time. Plus, with Atlanta traffic, many times it may be quicker to ride a bike than to drive.

Many of our customers have started commuting by bike over the last year and have found it to be a great way to add exercise into their day by using time that would otherwise be spent in their cars. Below are six tips for commuting safely on the streets of metro Atlanta:

1. Plan ahead. Before you decide to start commuting, take a look at your route to work and determine if it is even feasible to commute by bike. If your commute is between 5 and 15 miles one-way, you can start planning to commute. Although we know some folks who commute up to 20 miles one-way, that distance is very daunting to ride every day.

2. Pack a change of clothes and toiletries and keep them at work. Either pack a bag and bring it to your work on a day when you drive, or bring a backpack with you on your bike. Panniers (bags that fit over a bicycle-mounted rack) work well to carry bulky items like a laptop or clothes, but if you have the time in advance, it's easier to have a change of clothes at work. If you're fortunate enough to have a shower at work, don't forget deodorant and a towel and other toiletries. bike commuter

3. Any ol' bike will do. We'd love to sell you a fancy commuter bike with all the gadgets, but the truth is that you don't need a special bike to commute. An old mountain bike works just fine. In fact, many of our customers who have nice racing bikes intentionally don't use them for commuting. They would rather take a more basic bike and outfit it with a rack and lights for commuting than weigh down their road bike. The point is you don't need to spend a lot of money on a bike and gear to get started.

4. Have a spare tube and tools, and know how to change a tire. You never know if you'll get a flat, and you don't want to be stuck walking your bike for several miles. A patch kit is good, but it's even easier if you just have a spare tube, a pump, and tire levers so that you can quickly change a flat and be on your way.

5. Be bright - use lights. The more lights you have on your bike the better. You'll need at least two - a flashing red tail light and a white light for the front. Your front light is just as important as your tail light, even in broad daylight. Statistically, you are more likely to run into a car head-on than be hit from behind by a motorist.

6. Use a mirror. A small helmet mirror or handlebar-mounted mirror can ease a lot of anxiety you may have about riding in traffic. You can always see what's coming up behind you and you can be more proactive during your ride.

By following these simple tips, you can incorporate your bike into your normal everyday routine and turn your commute into exercise time.