Jump start your bicycle commute with a little advance planning.
The toughest part of commuting by bicycle is often figuring out how to begin. Once on the road, most riders find that Philadelphia is genuinely bicycle-friendly. Here are a few simple tips to get your bicycle commute rolling:
Tip 1 Map your trip. The roads you travel by car or bus are not necessarily the same ones you’ll want to cycle. To find a good bike route, check out Philadelphia bicycle maps online, or get a paper map from the Bicycle Coalition. Many GPS devices offer cycling routes. You can also use the pedestrian setting in Google Maps as a starting point for creating your own cycling route.
Tip 2 Check your equipment. Pump your tires, oil your chain, try your brakes, test your lights, check your bike locks. While you’re at it, charge your cell phone, just in case… Consider adding fenders or panniers, if you don’t already have them. Fenders are a useful commuter accessory because they protect you from getting splashed with rain and other more heinous road muck. A rack or panniers make carrying a laptop, lunch and clean clothes easier.
Tip 3 Work out your wardrobe strategy. Will you cycle in your work clothes? Or change when you get there? Scope out where you can change or shower. Decide if you’ll need to leave work shoes at the office. See how other Philadelphia bicycle commuters handle the clothing issue: Michael, Lisa, Joe, Rebecca.
Tip 4 Take a test ride. Ride the route on a non-working day to make sure you know the way and to give yourself rough idea of the timing. If you’re test riding on a weekend remember to add in the extra time you’ll need for weekday, rush hour traffic.
Tip 5 Scope out parking. Can you bring bike into the building? Does your office offer secure off-site bike parking? Or will you need to park on the street? Ask your HR person about the policy in your company.
For more info: How to lock your bike
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Comments
Dont forget about making sure that a backout plan is avaliable incase it rains / thunder etc.. There is nothing worse than being stuck and having to ride home and finding that it started snowing and you are not ready for it.
Can you leave you bike overnight or take it on the train etc..
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