Cycling is the best way to get to work!
Your legs are spinning, your heart is pumping, you have time to decompress and organize your thoughts. You arrive at work feeling ready to productively tackle new challenges. You feel proud of doing your part for the environment and the more you do it, the more your bank account starts to grow. There’s no better way to travel!
Watch this video or read more below for helpful advice to launch your biking to work habit.
Biking to Work Presentation starts at 5:00
“But I don’t have special clothes or a fancy bike!”
You don’t have to be a middle-aged man in lycra (MAMIL) on a racing bike to ride!
Cycling is for all ages and abilities - all you need is a bike to get started! If riding to work seems too daunting, start with shorter trips and work your way up. Try taking your bike to the grocery store to pick up a few things, or try riding to a friend’s house for practice.
Get a Bike
If you don’t have a bike, you can borrow someone else’s, buy a used bike, or get a new one from your favourite local bike shop. You need to make sure:
It fits and is comfortable
It’s safe and in good working order
Other than that, any bike will do. If you are having a problem with your bike, stop by Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op, or any of the bike shops in town, and you’ll be able to get back riding in no time.
Dress Appropriately
We recommend dressing for the weather as if you were going for a walk outside.
Warm Weather - You can only remove so many layers of clothing. If it’s hot, ride slow so you don’t overheat, and bring a change of shirt if you need to. If you’re going for a long ride, bring water.
Wet Weather - For wet weather you’ll want a good rain jacket or poncho, and possible rain pants and shoe coverings. If you bring your belongings on your bike (e.g. in a pannier bag), try to have a rain cover for your bag or ensure it’s waterproof. Adding fenders to your bike makes a world of difference so even if the roads are wet, you can stay dry.
Cold Weather - You’ll warm up as you ride. Dress so you feel a little cold when you first get outside, and you’ll be comfortable when you’re five minutes into riding. Pay attention to your hands, feet and ears!
How to plan a safe route to get there
London’s streets and paths are a mix of good, bad and ugly. Choosing a safe and enjoyable route will help you ride more often and enjoy all the benefits of riding a bike. Again, start with short rides you’re comfortable with and work your way up to longer rides in unfamiliar places.
Map your ride
Use directions on Google Maps (you can turn on the Bicycle layer under Menu) or look at the City’s Bike Map to plan your route. This service is not perfect, so review the route before starting your ride and make adjustments to avoid large arterial roads like Richmond, Oxford, etc. unless they have bike paths.
Ask a Friend
People who ride their bike regularly have developed an internal map in their head of how to move around the city and how to avoid busy streets. Phone a friend and get their advice on your particular route. If you don’t know a cyclist, we’re happy to help plan your route.
Choose Safety
If there’s a section of your route that feels scary and is unavoidable, you can get off and walk your bike and/or use the sidewalk. Always ride on the right side so drivers are expecting you, and ride defensively, looking out for potential conflicts. If you have to turn left at an intersection, try the ”two-stage left” (go straight through to the far side of the intersection, then wait on the sidewalk for the light to change before crossing and continuing through the intersection).
Riding tips
When you’re riding, be predictable, visible and communicate your intentions. If you’re riding in the dark make sure you have lights and reflectors on the front and back of your bike. Use hand signals to let people around you know you’re turning or slowing down.
Edited from original source: The Globe and Mail
Shift Gears
Make riding easier by spinning your legs faster in an easier gear. At first it may be uncomfortable, but you’ll find in the long run it helps you bike further and is less strenuous than pushing hard.
When you arrive
Lock your bike up with a heavy, strong lock, ensuring your bike frame is locked to the bike rack or secure post. If you have wheels that are easy to remove without tools, make sure they’re locked up also.
Reward yourself
Not only did you burn calories, you didn’t make any emissions, you didn’t pay for gas or for parking, and you helped make our roads safer for everyone. Treat yourself for a job well done!