Bike Commuting

Bicycling to work is a great way to get daily exercise. By combining your fitness routine with your commuting, you can save time. Sounds sensible, but there are many reasons people find bicycling to work impossible. Be warned: bicycle commuting can be addictive.

The Traffic
No one likes heavy traffic. But if you ride your bicycle as if you belong on the road-if you act and are treated in return as a driver of a vehicle-your risk is much lower, and you can ride most efficiently (for details, see Cycling in Traffic).

The Distance
Bicycle commuting is feasible for longer trips than you might expect. Trips of five miles or less are often only a few minutes slower by bicycle than by car, and sometimes faster when traffic is heavy. If you are currently taking the T to work, you might well find that bicycling is faster. Fitness cyclists view a 10 or 15 mile commute as a great opportunity to put in some more miles.

Going Multimodal
Consider combining bicycling with another mode. Boston has an extensive rail and express bus system. Use your bike to get to the station and avoid parking problems. Some people leave old bikes at the downtown terminal for the last mile or two to work. You could also bike to a co-worker's and carpool. Another option is putting your bicycle on your car and bicycling part of the way. (This last option provides almost no air quality benefits, since a disproportionate amount of pollutants are emitted when you start a cold engine.)

The Route
In the Boston area there are few alternatives to major streets. Local streets are a maze of one-ways and stop signs, and often they simply do not connect to where you need to go. Boston's BikeMap and the Eastern Massachusetts Bicycle Map both show preferred roads for cycling (see www.bikemaps.com). Scout out the route on a weekend. Some cyclists use the scenic Charles River paths for commuting. But path and road intersections can be dangerous and the route can be slow and overcrowded on sunny afternoons.

The First Time
It's better with a partner. A "Bike Mentor" can give you advice about routes, clothing, and parking, and help build your confidence in traffic.

Carrying Things
Backpacks create an unpleasant buildup of sweat. It's better to make your bicycle do the carrying. Bicycle bags can be attached to a rear rack (or a seat with a suitable attachment). Bicycle garment bags are available which fold over both sides of the rack, allowing you to carry a business suit wrinkle-free.

Clothing
It's often desirable to ride in bicycling clothes and change when you get to work. You can keep a stock of work clothing in your office. Carry them on days when you don't bicycle. You can even bring them to the local cleaners. If you don't expect to sweat too much, it may be more convenient to ride in your work clothes.

No Sweat
Perspiration depends on your riding style and the weather. In cool weather, it's possible to ride without getting sweaty. On hot, humid days, you will certainly sweat. Mornings tend to be much cooler, especially if you set out early. In the evenings, you can always shower when you get home. If you are lucky enough to have a gym at or near work you can shower when you arrive. But washing your face and cooling down for 10 minutes before changing clothes is often sufficient.

Helmet Hair
Can be unsightly. Short hair or long hair tied back presents the least problems. Adjust your 'do when you arrive.

Adding Exercise to Your Day
The Surgeon General says: "More than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly active, and 25 percent of the adult population are not active at all." The recommendation: "a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity on most, if not all, days of the week." Bicycling to work fits that requirement perfectly and is a great way to make sure you "stick with the program." According to the Surgeon General, being physically active reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, obesity, and depression, and will make you live longer. For more information, see The Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health.

A Complete Workout
Consider adding weight training for your upper body and crunches for your "abs." Developing these muscles will help your cycling, too. If possible, consider doing these exercises immediately after arriving to work, when you are warmed up.

Keeping Your Vehicle Secure
Never leave your bicycle completely unlocked, ever. Lock all parts which could be removed without tools (on some bicycles this means both wheels and the seat). Two locks of different types are safer than one. If you leave your bicycle over night, make sure it is well locked and all accessories are removed.

After Dark
If you bike commute you will be riding in the dark sooner or later. New bicycles are not equipped to be ridden after dark. You need a headlight (by law). It's the only way that you can reliably be seen by all vehicles which must yield to you (those that might turn into your path). You also need to be seen from behind (by law). An LED tail light does the job and lasts 100s of hours on two batteries. A reflector aids in making you visible and is essential should your rear light fail. A round or oval yellow reflector from an auto parts store is many times brighter than the one that came with your bicycle. A generator light doesn't need batteries or recharging, and can be left permanently on your bicycle. It's a wise choice if you run errands by bicycle.

In the Rain
If rain just won't stop you from cycling, make sure you are prepared. Install fenders on your bike to keep the dirty water away from you. Get a rain suit or poncho. A hood blocks your peripheral vision; a helmet cover is better. Don't forget to get covers for your feet (plastic bags in a pinch, but "booties" are also available). Squeeze gently on your brakes periodically to wipe the rims dry so you can stop quickly when you need to. Avoid puddles. Never ride a bike with steel wheels in the rain: you won't be able to stop (fortunately, all bikes except for old 3-speeds and the very cheapest department store bikes have aluminum wheels).

Which Bike for Commuting?
Any bicycle can be used. But if you will be cycle commuting frequently and in all weather, a bicycle designed to carry weight, accept fenders, and still achieve most of the efficiencies of a racing model is the ideal choice. These rare beasts are called touring bicycles, and a few models are available for $600 and up. "Hybrid" or city bicycles are acceptable, starting at $225, not including accessories. Some cyclists like to use an older bike for commuting, fearing theft and the ravages of daily use.

Saving Money
You won't save money from bicycle commuting in the short run. With gasoline at $2 per gallon, driving 5 miles each way to work in an average car costs $1 per day or $250 annually. Bicycling every day would not provide enough fuel cost savings to pay for a second-hand bicycle-not to mention the accessories and clothing and the extra food you will eat. If you had to pay market rates for car parking, you could most likely realize significant savings by bicycling, even after your additional expenses. If by bicycle commuting you can reduce your household's fleet of cars, you will save a lot on car payments and insurance. In the long run, bicycling commuting will improve your health and reduce your medical bills.