Bike Commuting Tips: Bicycling Magazine's 5 Solutions For Your Cycling Worries

Spring's arrival means the growth of many things: plants, animals and a preponderance of people who are newly commuting by bicycle.

And why not? It's a great way to save gas money, get daily exercise and spend some time outside. For those who live in a temperate zone, the change in weather is another reason to swap four wheels for two, but the prospect of a cycling commute can also be daunting. What if you show up to work sweaty? Just how dangerous can it be?

In their May issue, Bicycling Magazine has some helpful tips that can address your concerns about getting started. Now there are no excuses!

From our partners

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Comments

[Karin Kroner]

01:20 AM on 08/09/2012

I commute 15 miles each way to work. I cross through downtown and/or East Los depending on my choice of route. My ending point is in South Central. I'm a mom of 2. I've been riding on the streets of L.A. for 20 years. If only I could convince more people to just try it. Get out of your cars already and feel the wind on your face, smell the pan dulce, say hello to fellow bikers. Imagine what L.A. could be (Portland in the sun) if more people chose two wheels. I ride because I love it. I ride because it brings out the kid in me (even though I'll almost pushing 50 - something none of my students can believe). Ride on.

[Adventure Biking]

03:39 AM on 07/01/2012

Bicycle riding not only save money but also life is free from sufferer. Good sounds?

bike commuting

[Kenz300]

02:04 PM on 04/19/2012

As the price of oil continues to rise we will all be looking for ways to save money on transportation costs. Some will walk a little more, some will bicycle a little more and other will take mass transit a little more.

We need more safe bicycle and walking paths that connect work, school, and businesses.

Bicycling to work to will help you stay in shape, improve your health and save money on transportation costs.

The only one not happy will be the oil companies because they want you to stay in your gas guzzlers and keep giving them more of money each month as oil prices rise.

Too bad Republicans want to cut funding for bicycle paths and mass transit. Might be because they are so close to the oil industry. They do not want to see any alternatives take hold.

[Guitarpah]

11:40 AM on 04/19/2012

I'll add one more : "Ill have to wear spandex pants with diaper-like padding that makes me look incontinent, and a court-jester colored bib with corporate logos that makes looks like an acid trip brought to you by Trek, Coca-Cola, and Godaddy.com!"

Answer: just wear normal clothing.

[Ukridge]

07:16 AM on 04/22/2012

A very good, and short, primer on clothing can be found here..

http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?cat=22

One thing people would be surprised at is one doesn't need expensive, and awkward to walk in shoes.

[Emzs]

10:46 AM on 04/19/2012

To dismiss riding your bike to work, which is an excellent commuting alternative and source of exercise, because it's "dumb," is the ultimate act of obnoxiousness. Way to make a statement, raker.

[stilllearning2b]

05:14 AM on 04/19/2012

Umm...you didn't address mine: I can barely ride a bike:(
http://lessonsfromtheendofamarriage.com

[nopojoe]

11:18 PM on 04/19/2012

answer: start riding more, in safe areas. venture out when you are more comfortable. make it social, and make it fun

[Ryvle]

10:58 PM on 04/18/2012

I'd love to rid my bike to work, but as the father of three small children, it's not worth the risk. Everyone wears a helmet and reflective clothing. Those are useless if the driver is distracted. I've heard too many stories of disabled or killed bikers to chance getting hit by some texting teen.

[nopojoe]

11:20 PM on 04/19/2012

A lot of it depends on your route, if you have low volume, calm streets you can ride. Don't ride where you don't feel safe. Ask around. Many places have calm routes, trails,etc that can make it easy. And take those 3 small children out when you can.. they need the exercise too.

[Lindeen]

12:08 AM on 04/20/2012

Agreed. I used to date a guy who rode to school and was hit by a car.

It's great if you live in an area with little traffic, but, otherwise, it's just worth risking your life.

[raker]

07:29 PM on 04/18/2012

To say that people should ride bikes to work is dumb. To challenge all of the reasons it's dumb is obnoxious.

[normandyv]

02:48 PM on 04/18/2012

This is a great article for bicyclists who have 0 common sense!

[madcityy]

02:07 PM on 04/18/2012

TO WORK BIKERS U GOOFYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY..AND A HAZRADDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[zeedubya]

12:50 PM on 04/18/2012

Of course this article is near and dear to my heart. I commute to work by bike in Los Angeles. Working at a major university, it's unbelievable the number of people who DON'T ride a bike to work. To be honest, it's our society's mindset that is the problem; allowing oneself to get stuck into believing that 4 wheels is the ONLY source of transportation. A bike is considered an OPTION, whereas a car is considered a NECESSITY. As we become adults, we develop tunnel vision for how we are supposed to lead our life. Adults have EXCUSES for everything that they don't want to do. There are people in third world countries that carry their whole family on a bike. If more people rode bikes, I think we'd be a happier, healthier, peaceful, relaxed society. By the way, I have a car and choose to ride my bike whether it's raining or sunny. It's very relaxing.

[Lindeen]

12:07 AM on 04/20/2012

I agree with a lot of what you said regarding their being a "tunnel mentality", but sometimes riding a bike is not safe in high traffic areas.

[Kenz300]

12:34 PM on 04/21/2012

There needs to be more safe bike lans and bike paths incorporated into our transportations systems. There needs to be alternatives to the car.

[zeedubya]

12:28 AM on 04/25/2012

I agree with you and I respect that. I definitely feel that. But believe me, I am defensive, not as defensive as I should be, considering I am bopping to my music in my ears. The nice thing about riding a bike, you can move at a speed that is so slow and defensive that there is a lesser chance of being hit and yet still have a sense of movement compared to being in a car stopped in a traffic jam. Considering where one lives, whether plays a BIG part. I can take riding in the rain but I could not imagine riding in the snow. :) If traffic was free, a bicyclist might not get there as fast as a car but as a bicyclist it's a lot more gratifying. No rush, no pressure and you feel open.

[Roxxi Raxx]

12:41 PM on 04/18/2012

Well, if you are a Dummocrat there is ANOTHER option available as well. Just don't go to work. You probably won't be missed anyway.

[humaneisfact]

05:22 PM on 04/18/2012

real mature there,kiddo.

[Roxxi Raxx]

08:38 AM on 04/19/2012

Occupy this you lowlife!

[Guitarpah]

11:43 AM on 04/19/2012

Thanks, Rush!

[Chloe111]

12:33 PM on 04/18/2012

People that sweat at work should be sent home to shower and change clothes. Thats disgusting.

[nopojoe]

11:26 PM on 04/19/2012

You would last 20 seconds at my work. Its what we do. And you would probably be laughed at. Like I am laughing at you right now.

[moving violation]

09:03 AM on 04/18/2012

excuse number 1 which is no excuse at all: my bike WILL get stolen. Not if, but when.

Parking Garages in NYC should be required to provide a small secure space for cyclists to lock their bikes. Could be part of a tax break or some such.

[Marcus Woollen]

01:32 PM on 04/18/2012

In NYC, Parking garages are required to, and do. Unfortunately, there's no regulation on the charge, so many just charge so much that no one will park there. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/you-can-park-your-bike-but-at-what-price/ Others, however, have a very reasonable day/monthly rate.

[Marcus Woollen]

01:52 PM on 04/18/2012

Many are $1 a day, $20 a month: http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/09/15/dollar-a-day-bike-parking-arrives-at-all-edison-parkfast-locations/

[Guitarpah]

11:46 AM on 04/19/2012

lots of work places will provide secure parking so they can get an insurance discount for encouraging their employies not not stroke-out at 38. Gather a few like minded people and ask the management, over drinks might not hurt.

[Tracy Gaudet]

08:10 AM on 04/18/2012

Love the slideshow, while it I don't think that it is feasible for everyone to commute via biking, it is important for everyone to choose to go engine free whenever possible. I read a similar article/ slideshow here http://home.lifegoesstrong.com/slideshow/bike-ride-tips-about-gear-safety-travel-exercise-slideshow-image/bide-ride-benefits-and-exercise

[Michel t]

11:06 PM on 04/18/2012

I've been doing it for years... About 10 months out of the year. Don't care what people say, biking in the winter is Canada is next to suicidal!

-

The best part is, it doesn't matter how bad of a day I have... I know that I've got a 8 miles ride waiting for me at the end of the day :-)

By the time I get home, I'm always in a good (which the wife kind of enjoy)