"When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others."

- Elizabeth West, Hovel in the Hills

Overcoming the Obstacles of Commuting

By Monica Leo, from the monthly publication of the Austin Cycling Association

A growing number of people who ride a bike for transportation have figured out ways to overcome obstacles which prevent many potential bike commuters from giving it a try.

Obstacle 1: Safety

Route Selection is key to feeling safe on your ride to work. The safest and most enjoyable route for you to take on your bike is probably not the route you use when driving your car. Generally, avoid streets on busy bus routes. Playing leapfrog with a bus is not only irritating but potentially unsafe. Alleys make bad shortcuts, known for poor surface conditions and unpleasant odors. And drivers are not looking for a bicycle to come out of an alley on to the street.

The Austin Bicycle Map is a great tool for route selection because the streets are color coded based on factors like traffic volume, availability of shoulders or bike lanes, and incline. Another resource is other bicycle commuters. Ask people for their suggestions!

Visibility is about wearing wearing reflective clothing, using those blinking lights, and positioning yourself while you're riding to increase the probability that drivers will see you. At intersections, stop behind a car where you can see the driver's face in the driver-side outside rearview mirror. In addition to ensuring that the driver can see you, that position also makes you visible to cars on the opposite side of the intersection who might otherwise not see you before starting a left turn through the intersection.

Make eye contact with drivers.

Don't ride where people are not looking.

Don't ride against traffic.

Following the Rules of the Road will possibly have the greatest impact on your overall safety. If you don't already know the Texas bicycle laws, please take the time to learn them before you start riding in traffic. Several local organizations provide traffic cycling skills courses and resources to refresh your knowledge of road rules (See links below).

Obstacle 2: Distance

There is no rule saying that you must ride your bike the entire distance.

"Multi-modal transportation" describes the practice of using two or more forms of transportation to get to your destination. You could drive part of your trip to work and bike the rest of it. Over time you could gradually drive less, increasing the distance you ride to work, and eventually bike the entire way. Another option is to use the bus to transport you and the bike part of the way. All full-size Capital Metro buses now include bike racks. For more information, visit Bikes on the Bus.

Obstacle 3: Hygeine and "How am I going to carry all my stuff?"

Many large office buildings or complexes have showers somewhere on the premises; it's just a matter of finding out where thay are and getting permission to use them. Ask building management or the maintenance personnel if there might be a shower available for your use.

Consider joining a fitness center near your office to use their shower facilities. Depending on how often you ride your bike, you may be able to offset the cost of the membership by reduced parking fees and the cost of gas.

Another option is to shower at home and use a showerless personal hygiene product, like a toner or astringent.

For clothes, lunch, and other essentials, some bike commuters prefer panniers or other bags designed to attach to racks mounted over the rear tire because it frees the rider from the weight and heat of a backpack or courier. Which form of bag you choose may depend on your bike. If you sit upright, a backpack may be most suitable. Courier bags are designed to hold the bag in place and manage the weight distribution, even as the biker leans over.

If you have that gym membership, or lockers in your office, the ideal set up is to keep a pair of shoes and several changes of clothes there. Taking the time to bring clothing to the locker one day will prevent a lot of hassle and coordination for the rest of the week.

Resources for Bicycle and Pedestrian Commuting

The links below provide tips for a safe and healthy start as a bicycle or pedestrian commuter. You'll find tips like help with assessing your neighborhood's "walkability," planning a safe and efficient bike route, and packing office clothes in a bike bag.