Getting Started in Commuting by Bicycle
 

Commuting by bicycle might seem as strange to some people as playing golf on a skating rink, but recently it seems to be catching on in popularity. My only thought is "why has it taken so long?"

The benefits of commuting on a bicycle seem obvious enough. A bicycle is much less expensive than a car, requires much less maintenance, and costs much less to operate. In addition to monetary considerations, there are the health benefits one can enjoy by riding a bicycle daily. Most people (myself included) enjoy eating, and find dieting difficult. Many people don't have the time or money to invest in a gym membership, or, even if they do, they often don't go. Commuting on a bicycle allows you to kill three birds with one stone; you save money, get around to the places you need to get to, and improve your fitness all at the same time.

Of course, there are some negatives to commuting by bicycle. First, it is not very fast, unless you are commuting shorter distances in a congested city. Next, riding out in the elements can range anywhere from uncomfortable to impossible, depending on the season and your geographic location. Lastly, shopping or running errands which require carrying larger objects can be challenging when riding a bicycle. That's not to say that it can't be done, the North Vietnamese transported the bulk of their weapons and equipment by bicycle over long distances through dense jungles, and on primitive, unpaved trails.

But when many people do the math, and subtract the costs from the benefits, they find that commuting by bicycle is the more attractive choice. But making that choice opens the door to a hallway full of new doors and choices. What kind of bike? what kind of clothing? helmet, pedals, etc. There is no one shoe or bicycle which fits every person. But the variety of choices, though confusing, can make the experience all the more interesting.

Just like cars, bicycles come in a variety of sizes, colours, and types. No matter what your size, shape, sense of style (or lack thereof), or intended commute, you can find a bicycle which can do the job. You can get an old-school steel bike of the type which have been used for a century, or you can choose one made from the new wonder-materials, like titanium or carbon fibre. Just like cars, there are options for wheels and tires, and other accessories, but don't be surprised to find that some of these things, like tires and wheels, can cost as much (or more) as those which go on cars.

When shopping for a bike, you can be inundated with choices. New or used? Mountain bike? Road bike? Hybrid? Folding bike? Then you need to consider things like size, colour, components, etc. Once the bike has been chosen, then there are the necessary accessories, such as pedals, shoes, helmet, rain gear, and cycling-related clothing. All this can be fun, or a PITA, depending on your outlook, but I take the optimistic side.

Also, when shopping for your bike, it is important that you find one which fits you. And once you buy the bike, it must be set up and adjusted to suit you. A low seat makes getting on and off the bike easy, but it can cause soreness and pain in the knees. Setting the handlebar up very high takes the weight off your arms and hands, but then your backside gets sore when too much weight is put on it. A proper fit of the bike is essential to comfort and efficiency, and can make your commute much more pleasant.

When you eventually get your bike, clothes, and accessories, it is time to start riding. The first ride is always the toughest. It takes a little time to break in a saddle, and to break in your backside. Your first 45 minute ride is going to result in two or three days of soreness in your backside. This is normal. During you first week, you should limit yourself to two or three rides. On the second week the pain should subside. By the third week it should be barely noticeable, ad by the fourth week, you will likely be able to commute every day without your backside getting sore.

But new riders often encounter other problems, like numbness in the hands, hot spots on their feet, or stiff shoulders and a tired neck. Some of these go away in time, others don't. Numbness in the hands can be addressed by using a bar which allows you to use different hand positions, a road bike drop bar is best. Next, thick bar tape and good gloves help. Hot spots on your feet are usually caused by poorly fitting shoes. When trying out cycling shoes, it is critically important that you try on as many pairs as possible, and choose the most comfortable. Surprisingly, the more comfortable shoes are often the less expensive ones. Eventually you get over the physical discomforts and physical adjustments, and riding becomes easier and more comfortable. For shorter commutes, riders may not notice any discomfort at all, and won't need any special shorts, shoes, or gloves. But if these short-haul commuters decide to go on a long weekend ride, their ride may become very uncomfortable, very quickly.

Bicycles are rather simple machines, but a little mechanical aptitude is necessary if you are going to be a regular commuter. You should at the very least be able to change a tire and tube, and make minor adjustments to the brakes and shifting. These are not advanced skills, and all can be learned in a day. If you commute regularly, you will get lots of practice using what you have learned.

Everyone has a different commute, and different commuting experiences. Choosing a quick and safe route is important. Riding in traffic can be intimidating, and even downright scary for some. But in time you develop spatial awareness. I can easily tell by the sound if there is a car behind me, how fast it is going, and how big it is, I seldom have to look over my shoulder to see what is coming up. I have learned to keep my eyes on the road in front of me. There is no such thing as a puncture-proof tire, but many objects which can cause flats are visible, and can be avoided if you simply keep watch where you are going.

Don't be stupid and listen to music while riding your bike. Your ears are a very important safety feature (second only to your eyes) when you and your 12 kilogram bike are sharing the road with fast-moving vehicles which weigh thousands of kilograms. I am not the kind of person who needs to be constantly entertained, riding my bike gives me a chance to empty my head for a little while, and focus on my body, the road, and the scenery around me. I always feel sharper at work when I commute on my bike as opposed to driving or taking public transportation.

When I was young, I was in the Scouts, and the Scout Motto is "Be Prepared". You don't need to carry much on a commute, but at the minimum, you should have a multi-tool with tire levers, a spare tube, a pump, and rain gear. Nowadays we have cell phones, and these can help if a problem comes up which you cannot handle, and being prepared of course means you should also keep your phone charged up in case you need it.

Commuting the same way each day can be boring, so it is good to mix up your commute a little. Taking a longer road, or "the road less traveled" can make your commute more enjoyable, and improve your fitness. My commute used to be 30 km (18 miles) each way, and in time, I could do it in under an hour. I began to take a 50 km route home, the longer workout helped me wind down from work, and improved my appetite for dinner. There is a difference to being tired and exhausted. Tired as I was (and am) after my commutes, I still feel good. I fall asleep quickly, sleep well, and wake up early, feeling rested, and ready to ride again.

The miles I spent on my bike brought my weight and pulse down. My diet consisted (and still does) mainly of burgers, fried chicken, and cola, and lots of it. But my body burns up the fat and calories, leaving me lean, healthy, and with good blood chemistry. Regular exercise can eradicate a great number of other physical problems. Perhaps I would ride better and faster with a better diet, but I like junk food, and riding a lot allows me to eat what I like with no ill effects.

Another problem one might have when commuting is being hot and sweaty after a commute. Many workplaces do not have showers or good facilities for getting cleaned up. In this case, wet wipes are very convenient. They can get off most of the sweat and grime (and odour), and make you feel refreshed. Keeping a couple changes of clothes at work can keep you looking sharp.

Keeping your bike secure while you are at work is important. You don't want to get ready for your commute home and find that your bike has been stolen. It is best to keep your bike indoors if possible, but if you are going to have to park it outside, you will need a quality lock. Quality locks are heavy locks, but investing in a good lock is important. I have paid the consequences for using a cheap, lightweight lock in the past, this is one lesson that you shouldn't have to learn the hard way. Get an strong and heavy lock, and use it.

Commuting by bicycle doesn't mean you have to give up owning a car. Personally, I don't own a car anymore, but where I live, owning a car is not necessary (and a parking spot in my apartment building costs $600 a month). In the past, I owned 2 cars, but still used my bicycle to commute on most days. I saved about $70 a month in gasoline, and over the course of year this is enough money to pay for a nice bike, and over the course of a few years, it can add up to quite a bit. But even more valuable is the improvement in your health and fitness, your body is your most important asset, and good health is a treasure beyond value.