Bicycle Commuting

Now's the perfect time of the year to try bicycling to work. The mornings are cool and the sun shines long into the evening hours. Local street systems offer many safe and convenient routes using neighborhood streets for riding (or walking, jogging or skating) to work. Don't let bridges or underpasses intimidate you, just walk your bike on the sidewalk.

It's your responsibility be aware of traffic at all times, ride defensively and to obey all traffic regulations. This includes riding on the street with the flow of traffic and stopping at all stop signs and red lights. Bicyclists have the same rights to use the streets and roads as a car and must obey all traffic regulations. Familiarize yourself with the basics of bike safety and the California Vehicle Code as it relates to bicycling.

Ride in the lane closest to the curb. Be sure to leave enough room between you and the parked cars to avoid the dreaded "opening door". By riding away from the curb you are more visible to the motorist and won't surprise them when you have to go around a parked car. Wear bright, light colored clothing and if you are going to ride at night a good head light and reflectors are a must.

For those of you that haven't been on a bike since the Schwinn Stingray with the sissy bar and banana seat ruled the road let me warn you that finding a bike with a chain guard might take some looking. Go to your local bike shop and look at what they have to offer. Be prepared for the sticker shock but remind yourself how much it cost last time you put a new water pump, timing belt or head gasket in your car. Be leery of bikes sold at department or discount stores, they're cheap for a reason. Mountain bikes have been very popular for the past few years and they do make a fine bike to commute on although they can be heavier and less comfortable than a road or hybrid bikes for long rides on the street.

Do you remember the good ol' days of bicycling? A sturdy bike with one gear and a coaster break. Most of the bikes available today have evolved from these elegantly simple origins to meet the special needs of road or mountain bike racing. Their features are designed to meet the demands of competition and not the comfort of a ride through the neighborhood. Most new bikes have anywhere from twelve to twenty-one gears which offers the rider a wide selection of gear ratios with gradual increments that maximize pedaling efficiency at speeds of from 5 to 35 miles per hour.

These features, which make the modern multi-speed bike great for racing, touring or off-road riding, don't necessarily satisfy the special needs of the short distance commuter. For example, while riding in traffic many riders prefer a more upright riding position than is possible with the dropped handle bars on most ten speeds. But (no pun intended) be forewarned that when you ride upright weight is transferred to your bottom. A slightly wider or padded saddle may prove more comfortable.