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Commuting to work has many benefits!  For persons wanting to stay fit

commuting gives you a way to work out while doing something you have 

to do anyway!  And the fact that you ride the same course is a great way

to measure your improvement over time.  Of course there are over benefits!

Commuting to work does the following:

• Saves Gas

• Is good for the environment

• Helps you to stay fit

• Saves wear and tear on your vehicle

• Gives you more energy on the job

• Is Fun!!!!!!!!!

Of course there are a few obstacles to overcome, but none too great that a way 

to commute isn't in your future!  So lets go through some excuses that most people

make as to why they don't commute and look at ways to overcome these excuses!

• I live too far away 

What is too far away? Statistics show people who do commute

 travel about 10 miles to their jobs.  But for those with long commutes,

there are other options.  You can drive your car so far, find a safe place

to leave your car and ride the rest of the way to your workplace.  If your

just getting started, this is a good plan, because it helps you to build your 

confidence, and the more you ride the better/faster you go.  Maybe you 

can drive to a friends house leave your car, and possibly 

motivate them to ride with you!

• Its too dangerous

I have no stats to throw at you, but can tell you that I have been commuting

for years, and am shown more respect at 7:00 in the morning, than I have

ever been shown on my other rides.  Below are some of my practices

for successful safe commuting.

• Wear reflective clothing, and use lights when appropriate

• Ride on the right side of the road and follow ALL Traffic laws

• Make eye contact with motorists whenever necessary

• Use a rearview mirror to always know what is behind you

• NEVER ride with headphones!  Your ears can be as important as your eyes

• I would have to ride in the dark

Riding in the dark requires that you invest in a bicycling lighting system.

There are some incredible systems on the market today that will 

light up the road so that you can see and be seen!  Some of these

systems sell for around $50.00 and can go up to above $300. Most

include rechargeable batteries and will last for about 2 hours.

  Flashing lights for the rear of your bike sell for about 

$15-20 and battery life is great on these LED systems.  Of course

there are cheaper systems too, and some of these might be all you

need for your commute.  There is also clothing that is reflective

and different tapes, and plastics that are reflective that you 

can attach to your bike to help you be seen.  Talk to us about 

what is available to help you decide how much light you need

to be safe.

• I have no place to shower

If working a day job, its cooler in the mornings, and you don't have to ride like

your in the Tour de France.  But even if there are no showers, there are sinks.

Sinks would allow you to sponge off, put on deodorant and continue through the day

until you can get home to your shower.  Also, look for a gym close to your employment.

Many gyms might charge by the shower so that you don't have to have a membership

to use their facilities.  Talk to the owner about a price to use lockers and showers

only.

• I have to dress up to work

For persons with strict dress-codes, try this: Drive to work on Monday with three days

worth of clothes.  Hang them neatly away because on Tuesday, Wednesday, and 

Thursday, you will be wearing them after you ride your bike to work!  On Friday,

drive your car to work, and bring in your laundry bag!

• What if it rains?

Why is it, that rain won't hurt us, but we hate to get wet?  There are many products

available to help deal with the wet stuff, but if riding often in the slop is something 

that you think you will be doing, install fenders and invest in a good rain suit! Plastic

bags for your feet secured with rubber bands around your legs and tucked under your

rain pants is a cheap way to keep those tootsies toasty.  (Just stay out of site of any

fashion police)

Need to know more?  The League of American Bicyclists have some great ideas on how to 

commute via bike.   http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/factsheets.htm

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