It's amazing how hard it is to find practical advice on the internet about the practicalities of bicycle commuting. When starting out, most people have to teach themselves, especially if they don't have any friends who commute. There are a surprising number of challenges to commuting that most people don't think about until they start commuting themselves. Several people I know have tried to start commuting by bike only to give up because the challenges became too frustrating and overwhelmed them. It's hard when you first start. Make sure you've got a plan to get started. The tips and support you find here will help you to stick with it.
Once you overcome the basic challenges, bicycle commuting becomes enjoyable and by far the best way to commute. Why sit in traffic when you can fly past it in the bike lane? Why stand in the freezing cold for a bus that usually comes 15 minutes late when you can leave whenever you want and stay warm with pedal-power? Why pay for gas, bus passes, taxi fares, and car maintenance when bicycle maintenance is so cheap and the only fuel you need is food?
If you are new to bicycle commuting, this is a place for you to get some useful tips and advice and read some stories that give you a sense of what to expect as you start commuting by bike. Feel free to ask questions.
If you are an experienced bicycle commuter, please comment on what you read here. Share your experience, and add to the conversation.
Here are some topics you can expect in the future:
- What to wear
- Avoiding accidents
- Recommended gear
- Close-calls
- Rules of the road
- Logistics
- Training
- Benefits of bike commuting
- Electric bicycles
- Links to other good cycling or bike commuting blogs and sites
