Commuting to work, school, or just running errands by bicycle can be an exciting commitment. There are, however, many factors to consider to make your ride more enjoyable.
The bicycle
To get started, you must have a bicycle that can meet your needs and is up to the job of commuting. If you are heading to the supermarket by bicycle to purchase groceries or other household items, you will need plenty of cargo space to return home with your goodies – danging grocery bags off your handlebars will most certainly result in a crash. Transporting “cargo” on a bike requires the bike to be stable and comfortable.
If your commute takes you from home to work each day on a route that includes busy streets with cars and people, you would be better off riding an urban (hybrid) bike with an efficient set of brakes than you would be with a cruiser bike equipped with a coaster brake. When commuting in wet conditions, disc brakes are highly advised, as they offer better braking power in those conditions.
Riding gear/clothing
Selecting appropriate riding gear is almost as important as choosing the bike itself. A helmet that fits well is crucial. When shopping for one, you will likely notice a significant price range of available helmets. The price is largely dictated by the helmet's weight and brand; a more expensive helmet is not necessarily better. All helmets available for sale in the US must adhere to CPSC or Snell standards, so they all offer a very comparable level of protection. If you plan on wearing glasses while riding a bike, try on a helmet with glasses on. It’s very easy to make the mistake of buying a helmet that doesn’t work with your eyewear.
A pair of riding gloves is also a good idea. If you have an accident and your hands make contact with the pavement, you will be very thankful that you chose to wear gloves. Gloves also prevent sweaty hands and improve grip on the handlebars, which directly translates to safety. Finally, when riding in traffic, always wear a brightly-colored clothes, such as a jacket or a vest. Doing so will not only make you more easily visible but will serve as a reminder to others to pay attention and to be mindful of cyclists.
Short-distance commutes may not require a change of clothes. However, if you break a sweat on your travels, your fellow workspace friends would most likely appreciate that you change your upper body clothing. So when you get to your destination, a visit to the bathroom for a quick birdbath and change of clothes is essential.
Cargo
A big word for a little bit of stuff, but you will need a good backpack or panier to carry your non-riding clothing and other belongings from point A to B. The “other belongings” should at the very least include a spare tube, tools to change a flat tire, a hand pump to inflate the new tube, a small tool set to work on parts of the bike that need adjustment, a zsturdy locking device (more on this in a minute), lights, and flashing reflectors to keep you visible after daylight has escaped you.
Offloading weight from your back onto the bike frame would make your bike commute much more comfortable. Since bike commuting has become a lot more popular, there’s no shortage of bike bags on the market - the key is to get one that fits and integrates with your bike well. Before shopping for a bag, consider how much you plan on carrying regularly and size your bags accordingly. Depending on the amount of stuff you plan on carrying, you may need a rear rack for your bike. When loading up the bike, be cognizant of distributing weight as evenly as possible and as low to the ground as possible to avoid drastically changing the bike’s handling characteristics.
Security
With the wide availability of battery-powered electric grinders, it helps to look at locks not as set-and-forget security devices but to measure them in the minutes of security they provide. For example, a cable lock provides virtually no security since it can be cut in seconds, while a hardened steel U-lock or a sleeved chain takes minutes to cut and is bound to draw attention.
Where and how you lock up your bike is critical for its security. If you lock your bike in a visible location with lots of pedestrian traffic, a good lock can persuade a bike thief to move on to an easier target. The U-lock should be fitted snuggly to avoid giving leverage needed to break it, and the key slot should face the ground, giving less access to the key slot for a lock cylinder assault. To learn the best ways to lock up your bike, look at our article A cable lock will not save your bicycle from theft.
Depending on your commuting destination, you may have limited options to secure your bike outside. If bringing your bike inside is an option, we highly recommend you exercise it. Whether it’s a shared garage, a storage room, or a quiet place in the office, keeping your bike inside will almost always be better than on the street.
Lighting
Like helmets, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of bike lights to choose from. The type of light you purchase does not matter as much as whether or not it meets your needs. When choosing a bike light, always consider factors such as durability, water resistance, brightness, and battery life. Be sure that it will last the duration of your commute to and from your destinations. Also, be sure to have the lights you need, including headlights, taillights, and supplemental lighting, and that you’ve covered the “be seen” and “to see” categories.
The ultimate setup for visibility and safety is:
- A wide beam headlight affixed to the handlebars to light up the path ahead
- A narrow beam light on the helmet to illuminate the direction you’re looking in
- A red blinking rear-facing light for visibility
- An optional forward-facing white blinking light to alert vehicles coming toward you of your presence, also highly effective during the daylight in congested areas
Headlights are secured to the front of your bike and serve two purposes: to be seen and to see where you are going. Front and rear-facing blinking lights usually ensure that motorists and other traffic see you.
Supplemental lighting and reflective materials can be attached to the frame, pedals, spokes, helmets, etc..
Appropriate lighting can often be the determining factor in whether or not you arrive safely to your destinations. Always commute with the appropriate lighting and be prepared to ride in the dark. Remember that lights are not just for your safety but also for those with whom you share the road or trail.
Insurance
If you have an inexpensive commuting bicycle you can check with your home or renter's policy to see if the policy will cover theft of the bicycle at home as well as away from your home. Most home policies will cover a low value bicycle at your home, but very few include theft away from the home. To completely protect your bicycle against almost anything, anywhere, at any time, check into a Velosurance policy, a stand alone, damage, loss, and liability bicycle insurance policy available to cyclists in the USA.
Are you ready?
You purchased a nice helmet, a 21 speed commuter bicycle with disc brakes, lights, flashing reflectors, a strong lock and cable, bike commuter insurance, and two panNiers for your belongings. Google has mapped out your route, it’s day one of commuting by bicycle and you are headed out. Enjoy the ride!