Two Wheeled Commuting

“I just got me a new bicycle. It is a Diamondback Crestview, I'm going to use it as an alternative to waiting at traffic lights on the way to work.
I have a couple of questions though:
Any suggestions on high visibility clothing?
I need a helmet also, any reccomendations?
One more thing, I live in a moderate sized city, do I ride on the sidewalk or the street. I have seen both used here, I was just wondering which is the polite and correct way to navigate. Most of our streets either have a bike lane, or a parking lane that would allow cars to easily pass me.”

“You can get an oversized biking jersey in bright colors that will fit over regular clothes. Or change clothes at work if you sweat too much. I prefer putting my stuff in a rack trunk rather than a small backpack, but that is a personal choice.

Get the best helmet you can afford, or even more. It will save your life. Resist the temptation to listen to a headset while riding. You need to hear traffic sounds to be safe.

Stay off the sidewalk and follow the traffic laws. That includes stopping at red lights and stop signs just like cars. Bicycles are required to obey the vehicle codes too.

Even though the main streets often have bike lanes, you may prefer residential streets for riding. There is less noise and less traffic, and no buses or trucks emitting diesel smoke.

Try several different routes until you find one you like, and vary a bit. Residential neighborhoods with lots of flowers in the Spring and streets with colorful trees in the Fall.”

“I have a Specialized Mountain biking helmet:

http://www.specialized.com/sbcSSHelmets.jsp?xsrc=3028

It is lightweight and meets or exceeds ASTM and ANSI standards.

I would also get a nice pair of gloves. Most people like the ones with the fingers cut out, I use a pair of Fox racing gloves (full glove) that you can order from any dirtbiking catalogue (they're warmer).”

“I usually ride my bike to work, but I can't be too smug about it because it is about 2 miles, mostly flat and half of it is through a greenbelt. It is not like I suffer.

As far as where one should ride, bike lanes are the first choice, in the street would be the second choice and the sidewalk would be a distant third. I don't know what bike lanes are like where you are but they are often a joke so ride very defensively and wear bright colors - think of highway worker colors. Most bike stores have bright vests that you can throw over your work clothes. I never wear a helmet but I do a lot of other stupid things too, and, as I mentioned, where I ride is very safe with very little interaction with cars.

Happy commuting!”

“Also, if you ride on the road, ride in the road. If you get off to the side or on a small shoulder people in cars will try to squeeze by which is very dangerous. Get in the road so they will have to go around. You will probably get cussed some but a least they will see you. Plus if you are on a road bike the debris (glass,gravel,etc...) is hazardous.”

“If you ride year round you will probably need a headlight and taillight for visibility. I like the really bright rechargeable headlights, and flashing strobe tail lights.

Follow traffic rules, the safest course is to be part of traffic.

My commute, which is impractical at the moment, but which I did is 13 miles each way. I keep work clothes at work, replenish once a week or so when I have to drive for an early meeting or something.

And watch your backside. Danger comes from behind, as well.

Lots of good helmets around. Agree about getting a certified one.

I always were gloves, mostly for the padding. If you want extra lux find gel padding. My favorites were "Blobs", having troubles finding them around here.

Watch out for idiots in cars. You can avoid them, but you have to be aware. Some will treat you like you are invisible, or try and beat you, turning in front of you and stuff.”

“Get some lights too! You should get a red, clip-on or mounted light for the back. I've got one that has a small bracket mounted just under the seat and you can set it for a steady beam or blinking. Cars can really see you as they approach from behind. Since I commute early in the morning, I have some headlights mounted on the handlebars. It comes with a battery pack and is about as bright as a car light. It's cool to be able to ride in the dark with that thing. The whole light set cost about 50-60 bucks and it really extends your riding time.”

“At one time I rode to work for 6 years, 12 mile each way. I was only hit by motorists twice. On the helmet, get one that meets SNELL standards (http://www.smf.org/). I used to arrange to drop clothes off at my office once or twice a week so I had to carry less. The mornings are cooler so with the air blowing past you as you ride you will be pretty dry when you get to work if you cool down the last mile or two (no shower needed). Ride in the road with traffic and obey all the traffic laws unless your state allows some exceptions. In Idaho at stop signs cyclists are not required to come to a complete stop, but they do have yield and wait until it is safe to proceed through the intersection. You are wise to want high visibility clothing. Visibility is one of the reasons for riding in the road. People do not expect some one on the side walk or shoulder to be moving at 15 to 25 miles per hour. Bike lanes suck. They are usually full of garbage that motorists have tossed out the window. I don’t use them even if they are where I am riding unless they are clean and I can’t ride at the speed of the motor traffic. Now that I’m back in Boise I don’t ride to work because it is to dangerous. To many people that will not share the road.”

“Arky makes a good point. You have to make yourself be seen when riding in traffic. Cagers don't see cyclists and don't care if you're there. This also applys to people getting OUT of their PARKED cars. I've had drivers open their car doors and take me out before. I wear a neon orange Pearl Izumi windbreaker sometimes when I ride. It's obnoxious but when I want drivers to see me, that's what I wear. If you're going to be riding at night, get a nice lighting system. I bought a nice German made generator set for my around town cruiser. It's got a nice bright 20 watt halogen buld in it that gets attention and a rear light too. Or get a blinky at the very minimum. With helmets, more vents usually cost more but you will be more comfortable the better the ventilation. Make sure you get one that has, how do I describe it, a little brace at the back of the helmet that cradles the back of your head. It really locks the helmet in place and keeps it from sliding forward ever.

Good luck!”

“Congratulations, you can now likely get to work faster and you no longer have to worry about parking (or pay for it!). There's already plenty of good advice here. Something that I would add, though. Beware riding on the sidewalk, in some places you can get a ticket for that. Also, you can get a ticket in some places for riding after dark without lights. I also know someone who was struck by a car and got ticketed for not having lights in daylight. I don't know how picky they are in your area. Be careful, be alert, and good luck!”

“I put a Mountain Rack on my commuter bike (an old '88 Fuji Suncrest Mtn Bike) and clip on a pannier so I don't have to screw around w/ a backpack. I put some Armadillo Kevlar slick tires on, which are virtually indestructable with all the glass, potholes and other crap in the streets. It's all set up so I can blast 3 miles to work in less time than it takes me to drive (10 min. on a good day), plus I can park it right at the front door. Happy biking!”

“Have fun bike commuting. I'd recomend getting a rearview mirror that either mounts to your helmet or too your bars. Also it's a really good idea to carry an extra tube, a pump and some minor tools. It really sucks to have to walk you bike home because of a flat.”

“classy 2-wheeled commuting

http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/ptech/04/24/segway.testing/index.html”

“those things are so stupid. The technology is awsome, but they implemented it poorly. They could probably use the same processor to make an ATAS. That would be bad ass.”

“I had no idea so many of you were cycle commuters. Thanks for all the knowledge you share. Since I work out in the street, I have a killer polar-tec high vis jacket, and a vest as well. Why didn't I think of that?
Anybody use that bicycle fix a flat? I seen some today and was wondering how well it worked. It looks like a handy alternative to changing a tire on the way home.”

“I find that carrying an extra tube is the fastest way to get back on the road. Carry a repair kit but haven't fixed a flat on the road in a long time. I use slime tubes which will usually plug the hole long enough for me to pump up and get home.”

“If you don’t mind the weight in the wheel, slim your tires, pack a pump and a spare tube. Slim or specialized air seal tubes work pretty good. You just pump the sucker back up. The extra tube is for cuts. Slim will not seal cuts, just punctures. I also pack patches and a small piece of duct tape. The tape is for a temporary patch on a cut tire (used on the inside).

BTW the wheel is worst place to add weight to your bike.”

“Slim = slime, (oops)”

“Good sign, getting agreement on simultaneous posts.”

“Don't ride your bike on the sidewalk, EVER. It is illegal in most places, and sidewalks are where you are most likely to be involved in an accident.

My hybrid has similar components as your bike, and I think it should work pretty well for commuting (depending on how far you are going). I would recommend changing to narrower, higher pressure tires so you can go faster with less work.

You should have at least a safety head and taillight set with you all the time. They will increase your visibility a lot if it is cloudy or dark.

You don't need to spend a lot to get a good helmet. Any helmet sold at a reputable cycling or sporting goods store will be certified, and will protect your melon. Get one that fits both your head and your budget comfortably. The higher end helmets are usually lighter and better ventilated, which is nice.”

“ATAS?


All I bring is a small bike pump (clips to my frame). I figure if I ever get stranded that will be my extra workout when I get to carry and run with my bike.”

“Also: Watch out for stopping for a beer after work. You CAN get arrested for drunk driving on a bicycle.”

“I'm a long-time year round bike commuter here in New England. Visibility is everything!!! Get jerseys/vest/jacket in that fluorescent yellow color- sure it's ugly (my kids pretend not to be related when I'm wearing my commuting clothes), but it beats being roadkill by a [b]long[/] way.

Good cheap helmets are always in the closeout section of Nashbar and Performance- I'd go to their websites first.

Always ride in the road, with traffic, and keep far enough out from parked cars that you're not as likely to get "doored"- I can tell you from experience that it really sucks!!!

MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS- let 'em know you're there (and don't be afraid to yell at somebody that doesn't seem to notice you).”

“Come on, you don't know what an ATAS is?”

“as to clothing use a separate set for riding .. hides the sweat better most of the bike shorts fit well under loose jeans. it all depends on company dress codes. for visibility use bright garish colors and dont hug the curb. in low speed areas that are narrow its sometimes better to block drivers from passing but make sure your up to speed... night time use a yellow flasher... its the only thing i found that got drivers attention. also you might consider finding a eyeglass mounted rear view mirror.they make it a lot easier to keep tabs on whats behind you.

personally i liked to go easy on the way to work then go hard on the way home.if youir employers cooperative try to get a locked room to store your bike. saves a lot on vandalism. panniers work great for hauling clothes ect.

best of luck”

“Ahh...the bike commute, one of the best ways to stay in shape, save cash and have fun. I commute to work at night, home in the am (vampire) using both the street and a river "bike path". Be visible-use lights and wear bright clothing. Be vocal, some folks seem to be in a haze-ride aware. Allways wear a helmet-there are many to choose from (I prefer Bell).”

“I think I'll get bicycle bells, "ring, ring" for my handlebar.”

“nope”

“What's the best bike for commuting? MTB?, road bike?, hybrid?”

“depends on the riding surface..
mtb handle rough roads best
racers go much faster
hybrids fall in between.”

“I'd also recommend a helmet-mounted rearview mirror. It's nice to know when a giant truck is getting ready to eat your lunch.”

“I like my road bike, but you can make a good case for a mountain bike or hybrid outfitted with street tires.

If smooth ride, good paths, road bike is best. Speed is fun. Get there faster, cover more ground.

If ride has obstacles, pot holes, trash, tire hazards, consider mtn or hybrid.

Knobby tires on the street are very inefficient. There are some good commuter tires out there.”

“biz, nope what? No handlebar bells? How about my small air horn? HOOOOOOOOONNNKKKKKKKKKK.......!”

“I always wear my bright orange "My Wife's a Lawyer" t-shirt, for extra safety.”

“When you get really good single-wheel commute on a unicycle.”

“lol Aero, another tactic is to look crazy. No one wants to run over a crazy person and have to deal with the mess”

“I always wanted to have a jersey that was printed to look like I had a good size handgun in one of the back pockets.”

“I now have round-tripped work to home. I dig riding with my back vertical, rather than being hunched over like on a mtn bike. Cruisers are really comfortable, got a shock under the seat and the front fork has one as well. It seemed that most drivers avoided trying to occupy the space I was in.
Gordon, would you by any chance be a bike shop owner?”

“I've had more problems with dogs than cars. Learn to bark and act like the alpha, to chase them off.”

“Dogs = Sprint training”

“well if comfort is your thing and you dont mind standing out try a recumbent (think chair with wheels)

the only draw back to them is they sit too low to the ground so drivers dont see them as well.”

“Cycling is no fun without speed. The aerodynamics and muscle dynamics are better in the “hunched over” position. If I want to go slow I would just run and save the price of the bicycle. If you ride enough your body adapts, Ya, you look like quasimoto but your fast. No really I can stand up straight. My neck does still get pretty tired after 3 hours in the saddle.”

“recumbents suck on hills. they are a flatlander "bike."”

“true the position doesnt allow you to use your body weight during the climb. on the level however makes up for it real fast!”

“If you want fast, get a tandem. Power of two, resistance of one. Those lawn chairs on wheels are wind slippery but you can’t use your legs as shock absorbers or stand to sprint or climb or just to change position. It is on position all the time, bad for cycling and sex.”

“e

left this letter out, you can put in where it is needed in my last post, sorry.”

“sexe?”