If you’re considering biking to work, to the store, or for fun, here are some tips to make the ride easier:
1. Scope out the route beforehand – it’s always better to check out your route before crunch time. You don’t want to find out the day you decide to bike into work for the first time that the street you walk on is one way in the wrong direction. It also helps so that you don’t get lost when you’re on a schedule.
2. Ask others the best way to go – if you absolutely have no idea how to even attempt getting from point A to point B, ask other people! (WABA ) has volunteers who are willing to offer assistance on how to get various places in the city.
3. Make sure you have supplies – by supplies, I mean water, food, a spare tube, tire irons, pump, and a multi-tool. All these tools are essential for commuting as you never know when you’re going to get a flat, break your chain, or get hungry!
4. Know how to change a flat – you’re riding along fine and dandy, wind in your hair, when all of a sudden: pfffffft. You get a flat tire. It’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t have to mean your ride is over. Knowing how to change a flat is arguably the most important maintenance skill you can have as a commuter and your local bike shop will often have classes to teach you how. It’s very easy – you can be back on your merry way typically in 10 minutes.
These are just a couple of ideas to help you when starting out bicycle commuting. Any other suggestions or tips out there?