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Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Recently started commuting

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Old 06-04-17 | 07:32 AM
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From: South Park...ing Lot

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Recently started commuting

I live in South Florida, and recently moved on the same side of the interstate as my job (I'm an autism coach at an elementary school). It's about a 2 mile ride now one way, and I finally thought, "How come I don't ride my bike?"

So I stock my office with a couple of pairs of socks, underwear, and pants (I always keep my school spirit shirts at work anyway) as I can't stand riding in long pants, and wearing sweaty clothes in the office. I also stock my office with some protein bars, bananas, yogurt, some other fruit, and my favorite frozen lunches, so I don't have to really carry anything as I'm using my 29er hardtail for this as I don't have a "proper" commuting bike with rack mounts or anything.

I won't ride to work in the rain, but I don't have a problem riding home in it. Depending on my after work schedule, I will sometimes extend the ride home a bit. It feels real good to be doing this.
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Old 06-04-17 | 10:06 AM
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From: Toronto, CANADA

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It must be nice to work so close to home. The downside is that you'd won't even get warmed up before you get to work. I'd probably walk a few days a week just to mix it up if I lived that close. But for two miles there's really no excuse for driving for most able-bodied people.
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Old 06-04-17 | 11:57 AM
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From: South Park...ing Lot

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South Florida is a total car culture, especially out in the 'burbs. I'm not worried about getting warmed up on the way to work. I am sweaty enough when I get there, and I'd rather get there 20-30 minutes early in order to cool down and change. I figure any day I ride instead of drive is good for me and the environment. I use after work to get a bit more of a workout in, but in this heat, it doesn't take long to get warmed up.
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Old 06-04-17 | 08:17 PM
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From: Wichita Falls, TX

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Glad to hear you're riding to work! I went from 2.5 miles each way, to 4.8 miles each way to walking a block away to get to work. I guess I need to find a house/job that is between 10 or 15 miles each way to fill things out.

Anyway. How is your route? I had a good period of learning which routes are too busy/long and then finding the good ones.

Other than routes, the logistics of riding a bike to work are definitely workable.
Take the last 5-10 mins of your ride easy so you're not a complete mess, though, with that humidity good luck, I feel your pain here.
If you have an office and other clothing garments there, you're basically set.

How are you locking up your bike and/or equipment? If you have space take it all in with you. If not, lock up only what you are okay with gambling on a bike lock. Every moment you leave your mount out of sight is another moment it could be stolen. Be sure you are taking the necessary precautions.

Other than that, have fun riding. If you're not having some weird childlike fun from biking, you're doing it wrong.
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Old 06-05-17 | 10:33 AM
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A small suggestion: keep a spare everything in the office, in case you get drenched unexpectedly or something similar happens. I have belt, pants, shirt, t-shirt, underwear, and shoes! Oh, and a jacket and tie for good measure, even though I only have to wear them once or twice a year.
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