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If you want to become a bike commuter you need to start think about the bike before you consider other modes of transportation. Problems of weather, route and load carrying cease to be nuisances and become exciting challenges. Daily errands become urban expeditions. Trips with children turn into learning opportunities. Your creativity expands as you become more and more used to overcoming obstacles in your daily life. Pretty soon you’ve redefined the concept of convenience, and realized that without constant dependence on the car, you’ve become more self-reliant.
Some may question whether the simple act of getting on a bicycle deserves this much credit. All I can say is, if it is so simple and easy, why don’t more people do it? Car traffic might be the reason for many and it's true, car traffic is the biggest threat for a bike commuter and that's why many choose to pass the healthy alternative of cycling.
We want to give you some advice to keep yourself and your bike safe out there.
Personal Safety
Unlike in a car, one cannot really become inattentive while operating a bicycle in the street. It is next to
impossible to let your attention drift while dodging potholes, looking out for car doors, and racing for that green light. Unfortunately, you cannot count on drivers to be equally vigilant or reliably respectful of your right to use the road. To increase your safety in traffic, try the following suggestions:
- Always wear a helmet. Wear reflective clothing and use lights after dark.
Make sure your bike is in good repair.
- Obey all traffic rules. Ride IN THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC, never against it. Obey red lights, stop signs, left turn rules, etc. Nothing will destroy your credibility faster that ignoring rules of the road.
- Remain constantly vigilant. Scan for potential dangers: careless drivers, broken glass, turning or merging vehicles, doors swinging open, pedestrians, metal grates, oil slick, etc. Do not use your phone or headphones.
Maintain a good attitude. Even though an abrasive comment or careless driving make your blood boil, a smile and a friendly wave can defuse a potentially explosive situation. If you can’t bring yourself to be friendly, chant a private mantra until normal breathing returns. No one likes road rage.
Bike Security
Unless you can park your bike securely indoors, you have to take some serious precautions against theft. Do not underestimate the type of security you will need for your bike. You need more that just a U-lock, you need a locking strategy. Once you've developed it, don't deviate from it. It may include:
- Hardware: the core of your strategy is going to be a quality u-lock or armored cable. You can supplement is with a lighter duty cable or locking skewers to lock up removable wheels and seat. Don't focus on the monetary value of your bike. Think of how much of a hassle it would be if it was stolen. A basic cruiser may justify a $90 u-lock, if it is your sole means of transportation.
Method: a lock is only as good as how it is used. Make sure you are locking up the frame of the bike to a solid object, and securing all easily removable parts.
Anchor: choose a solid bike rack, parking meter or other secure post to lock your bike to. Avoid street sign posts, as those can be lifted out of the ground. Also stay away from chain-link fences and wooden posts.
Trickery: disguise the value of your bike if you can. Paint it, cover it with stickers or tape, or put something on it that makes it seem uncool (old-fashioned handlebars, milk crate on the back, weird mascot, etc.)
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