Bike commuters were asked to share their tips for riding on a bike
Biking to work is possible in all kinds of weather if you have an idea about the right gear and an appropriate level of confidence. Not any time of the year is a bad time for commuting with the bike. From the U.S. 14 commuters of bike were asked to share their tips for riding on a bike. Both the beginners and longtime bikers can find the advice useful.
Take More Time Than Required
Expert: Mia Moore
Place: Chicago
Moore commutes to work and class in Chicago by riding on a Keirin Track Bike. She likes to have a little extra time than she requires so that she can ride at her own comfortable pace.
Find A Comfortable Way
Expert: Leslie Ethridge
Place: Boulder, Colorado
Ethridge started commuting to work after moving to Boulder. She says that there is not any right way to ride. Having your cross bike and a comfy backpack will assist you to ride a long way.
Deal with Flats Carefully
Expert: Kenny Fetsurka
Place: Philadelphia
Being a highway inspector, Fetsurka spends his working hours on the ride. He advises having a bike that has the eyelets and ability to have full fenders. He keeps one or two spare tubes for flat-fix roadside.
Increase Friendliness
Expert: Frank Cundiff
Place: Washington D.C.
Commuting long way each day can affect the mood. Cundiff says that it is good to wave to people. A smile or nod also works. He gives a smile or takes his hands off to say hi to unknown people in his way.
Take Care of The Gear
Expert: Rich Dillen
Place: Charlotte, North Carolina
Dillen recommends having enough commuter gear for the long-term commuters. Initially, it may seem expensive, but as time goes you can find it beneficial.
Always Run with A Back-Up Plan
Expert: Eric Budd
Place: Boulder, Colorado
Budd says, to deal with different weather conditions during the year, various distances to commute and places to lock up, you should have two or more bikes as a back-up. It allows you to commute year-round.
Be Iconic
Expert: Katie Macarelli
Place: Golden, Colorado
Macarelli started to commute bike five years ago when she started teaching bike safety at elementary schools. According to her, she is a good example for the students.
Start with A Small Way
Expert: Clark Evanitus
Place: York, Pennsylvania
Evanitus thinks that commuting every day is a big challenge. So, it is better to start with small rides. When you are comfortable with the distance, you can ride to and from your work easily.
Practice to Commute the Route
Expert: Doug Antelman
Place: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Antelman suggests riding to your workplace on a Saturday or Sunday or make sure the safety of the route and whether you can cover the distance.
Have Mental and Physical Preparation
Expert: Cait Dooley
Place: Greenwich, Connecticut
Dooley suggests being prepared for any situation, by having the fenders and keeping hands, face and feet warm, having the stuff to commute on a rainy or snowy day.
Make It an Activity Involving Family
Expert: Dan Seaton
Place: Boulder, Colorado
Seaton says to make it your daily practice to spend more 30 minutes riding with your kids. You can enjoy and your kid also understands that riding is a huge part of your life.
Commute to A Safe Route
Expert: Jon Suzuki
Place: Oakland, California
Suzuki says to choose the routes that include bike lanes and encounter minimal traffic. Thus, you can ride comfortably.
Watch the Pedestrians and Cars
Expert: Ryan Starbuck
Place: New York City
Ryan says to watch for the cars if it comes upon you. You should take the lane whenever you feel unsafe.
Ride as Per Your Choice
Expert: Armando Luna
Place: Portland, Oregon
Luna is a happy commuter since her school days. She says that you should commute whenever you want, may it be a rainy day, enjoy your ride.
We believe this advice from expert commuters can help bikers, especially beginners. Maybe it will encourage those people who always ride on car to trade it for a commuter bike. What you need is the right gear and an high level of confidence, and with the right equipment even a bad weather won’t be a problem.
