Lets get creative...tips for newbies like me!
 

Hey all. I was bummed yesterday when I found out that I might not be able to commute. My job apparently requires me to have to be able to go to a different branch if needed, as well as go down to a lab for random drug testing, which I didn't even think about when I started my commuting. Anyway, after me and my supervisor brainstormed about how we both can be happy, I decided that on monday morning i'd drive with my bike on the rack and leave my bike @ work all week. that way, if needed I could have my car there if needed and still be able to ride to/from work 4-5 days/week. When my other coworkers found out I'm doing that, I got the random wierdo looks that I expected, but just shrugged them off knowing they'll probably go away in a couple weeks.

What obstacles have you had to overcome when it comes to commuting to/from work, school, etc? Post here to give people an idea on how to overcome them.

EDIT: I'm sorry, I missed the advice sticky. Mod feel free to delete the thread if needed.

Right church, wrong pew.
I would sooner leave my truck at work, than leave my bike at work.

I think he mis-typed, and meant leaving the CAR at work. THAT would make more sense if at-work travel is a job requirement.

i meant leave my car at work, not bike. i'd bike to and from work after monday morning, except under certain circumstances. then fri night i'd drive home.

My obstacles have included carrying my school books/laptop, securing my bike while unattended, and winter commuting. My solutions have included panniers, decent locks, and studded tires. I found all the product/tutorial advice that I could ever need (and more) right here. Welcome to Bike Forums!

PS. It sounds to me like you're on the right track; just start commuting and learn as you go!

Ask your boss to provide a work vehicle for the times you need to drive around.

+1

Can you allow me to goggle for a moment? They expect you to DRIVE to a random drug test? I've never worked in the US (and frankly the idea of my employer having access to my urine without a warrant seems enough reason to be glad of that), but still. If you pass the test, then the whole exercise was one of pointless humiliation, but what if you fail? You were probably breaking the law by driving there.

And why can't you cycle there? If they think there is value taking you away from your work for a blood test why can't you do it in a environmentally friendly way.

thats pretty much out of the question. i work for a very small credit union and that'd be too expensive.

i am not afraid of failing, and i get reimbursed for any mileage i use on my car, be it to another branch or to the drug test. I can't cycle there because it would take too long by the time i changed, biked down there, biked back, got cleaned up, and changed again. the hot and humid climate around here requires me to leave about 2 hrs early on my bike so i can have an hour to cool down and stop sweating.

i am not afraid of failing, and i get reimbursed for any mileage i use on my car, be it to another branch or to the drug test. I can't cycle there because it would take too long by the time i changed, biked down there, biked back, got cleaned up, and changed again. the hot and humid climate around here requires me to leave about 2 hrs early on my bike so i can have an hour to cool down and stop sweating.

Why not bike to work and catch a cab to the drug test? Or the other branches? Get the standard car reimbursment and while that wont cover the cab fare, it will come close?

z

I live in a rural'ish city that still REALLY lacks in public transportation. We have a bus system, although it doesn't reach much of the city, and our taxi system isn't that good i don't think. Bicycles are not welcome or accepted for a means of transportation by 99% of people here. When somebody sees you w/ a bike and some panniers or use public transit, you are seen as poor and not able to afford a car, and alot of employers require "reliable transportion"(ie car) here. I don't know if thats legal, but its not too big of a deal to me to leave my car at work. I don't drive much on weeknights other than to the gym anyway, which since i'm biking to work, and my gym is 2 miles away from work and 10-11 miles away from home, i'll just commute there as well.

My company has a couple locations in the same area, but in the heat of the day I wouldn't ride in my work clothes if I need to go between. We have a company car if available I can take, or I can borrow one of my coworkers' cars, or just ride with them.

Of course not. I was pointing out the lack of logic in the system.

there's alot of lack of logic these days. one big one i've found is relying on cars and driving to work, OR driving to the gym, OR driving for groceries, OR one thing that i've just started to think is just funny, driving somewhere locally to ride a bike. where's the logic in missing out on great fitness and paying for gas?