Seattle bicycle commuting tips

July 22, 5:45 PMSeattle Commuter ExaminerSteve Pomper

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There are more reasons to bicycle commute than the current fashionable “green” impetus. While I roll my eyes at those cyclists who look down their noses at those who choose more “carbon-spewing” commuting methods, I love bicycles. I own two bikes, a Felt road bike and a Specialized FSR mountain bike, which I ride for fitness and pleasure.

Another obvious benefit to commuting by bicycle is less wear and tear on your car, and saving gas money, but I believe the fitness benefit is probably the best reason to bicycle commute. If you’re anything like me, time is at a premium. Everyday we try to manufacture time to get a workout in, and some days we just don’t find it. By making your commute work double-duty as your workout, you’re killing the proverbial two birds with one stone.

 Many bicycle commuters stick religiously to the main arterials, which are more congested than other streets, especially during the commute. My suggestion is to invest a little time into researching and choosing your route wisely with regard to things like congestion, hills, and safety. There are some great web resources you can take advantage of to conduct a virtual tour of potential bike routes to work, such as Google Earth.

Try choosing side streets and lesser traveled roads when you can. Sometimes a road without bike lanes may actually be a more prudent route than a busy arterial with a bike lane. Bike lanes can actually confuse some drivers, especially at intersections. Of course it’s best if you can incorporate into your commute a designated bike trail like the Burke-Gilman Trail. You’ll find you’ll have a less stressful commute, without having to deal with those “evil” carbon-emitting autos, and they won’t have to contend with you.

Just because you have the right to use a particular road doesn’t mean you have to use that road. While I love cycling and encourage folks to ride, I also encourage cyclists to use their heads. One cyclist can hold up a heck of a lot of cars, causing predictable frustration and bad will.

You can always actually drive the route in your car to check for any hazards or streets that might dead end, rather than finding that out en route to work. One final tip, carry these essentials with you, water, spare tube and repair kit, cell phone, and a map.

For more info: Comments & Questions stevepomper@stevepomper.com or please visit www.stevepomper.com