Bicycle Commuting

Photo at right: Seattle bicycle commuters stop by a snack table at last year’s Bike to Work Day. See below for this year’s Bike to Work Month calendar. Photo courtesy of Cascade Bicycle Club

Bicycle Commuting is sponsored by Ortlieb Waterproof Bags

The Northwest is full of cycling commuters using trail systems and roadways to get to work. With the economy still struggling to bounce back and prices at the pump creeping upward, large populations of Northwest workers have chosen to give up their cars for a bicycle to save money. Other commuters have been inspired to ditch their cars to reduce their carbon footprint.

Whatever your goal, there are some fundamentals of bike commuting that will make your ride enjoyable and safe. Here’s some advice for cyclists who are new to bike commuting.

Clothing Basics

It’s warming up and the sun is out, but cycling commuters still need to cover their knees and elbows until the temperature breaks 60 degrees to prevent stiff joints. This can be done with knickers, knee or leg warmers. Arm warmers can be a great alternative to long sleeved jerseys because they are tight fitting extensions that can roll down with increased body temperature.

Cycling shorts with built-in chamois pads are great if your saddle feels too hard. These will reduce pressure on sore sit bones. Tight-fitting Lycra shorts have multiple panels for compression and comfort while pedaling. Loose-fitting clothing such as mountain bike shorts have similar qualities and are made of polyester with chamois pads.

Short sleeve jerseys are made of polyester and spandex with a front zipper. They can be loose or tight fitting with pockets stitched into the lower back for food, water bottles, keys or any essential. Keep in mind that wicking fabrics work best—they draw sweat from the skin and into the air.

Shoes are very important. Whether clipless or not, your shoes might get wet in the Northwest. There’s nothing worse than walking into the office with wet, squishy shoes, right? Water barrier shoe covers are available to help, but why not put the recycling paper to work? Crumble up wads of paper and stuff them into your empty shoes to dry during the day. The paper will draw the water out.

Maintenance Basics

Keeping your bike tuned up is very important for its longevity. Take a couple of moments to simply wipe the excess dirt off your bike and chain at the end of the day. Use an old t-shirt or rag to spin the chain through. Also, wipe off the pulley wheels on the rear derailleur. Keeping the chain lubricated and clean will keep your bike shifting smooth and preserve your drive train.

Every year, check your chain stretch at a local shop. Too much stretch can wear out the teeth of the rear cogs and front chain rings. A certified mechanic is the best person to diagnose and solve this problem.

POP! HISS! No cyclist wants to hear this sound coming from their tire, but it does happen. Fear not, it’s easily fixable. Keep two spare tubes, tire levers and one mini pump in your commuter bag for repairs.

Waterproof backpacks, such as those made by Ortlieb, are ideal. They feature straps that fasten around your waist and chest. This may be the most expensive part of the ensemble at around $110, but these bags are built to last with plenty of extra volume for food and work clothes. A good fitting pack results in less muscle fatigue on your commute as well.

Safety and Health

Seeing and being seen are crucial to your safety as a commuter. Front and tail lights, especially ones that flash, are necessities in darker hours if you want to be seen. Cars appreciate it and you’ll appreciate not becoming another statistic.

These lights are usually measured in candlepower, while lights chosen to light your path are measured in lumens. Make sure you have a high quality option for both—you need to see where you’re going to avoid obstacles.

Finally, think of your fitness and health. Incorporate stretching for your hips, lower back, hamstrings, quads and arms after each ride. Eating a good breakfast before the ride and within 30 minutes after each ride will help replenish you body’s glycogen levels for recovery.

Hydration is vital as many commuters often do not realize how much sweat they lose with good wicking clothing. Keep your water bottle filled at work and you will notice a major difference in your recovery.

Now it’s time to put this knowledge to work. Commuting by bike requires patience and good bike handling. Patience is required with traffic laws, drivers, other commuters and ride time. Good bike handling skills require keeping three feet from the curb and good balance if a car decides to squeeze past. As long as you give yourself adequate time each day, the experience should be fun and safe.

Remember to wear a helmet and enjoy the ride!

Kyle Lyman lives and works in Seattle where he commutes to work by bicycle.

Commuting cyclists take a break along the Burke Gilman Trail. Photo by Carolyn Price

May is Bike to Work Month

By Hilary Meyerson