My Top Tips For Bike Commuting in Honor of Cleveland Bike Week

So, May is National Bike Months and this week is Cleveland Bike Week and this Friday is bike to work day.  Therefore there's a lot of bike talk going on around here.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article on Sunday written by Michael Heaton about his attempt at commuting by bike.  Let's just say it didn't go well, for obvious reasons.  However, the comments under the article are the most interesting.  Some think riding a bike to work in Cleveland is just plain stupid, but many experienced commuters chimed in with tips and tricks.

I don't ride in Cleveland.  Every time we go up there we are going to dinner at a decent place, going to a show, etc and making the trip by bike is just plain inconvenient.  Sorry, a girl has to look presentable when she goes to Severance Hall and this girl will look far from it after doing 35 miles on the bike.

Anyway, I don't know what its like to ride around Cleveland, but it looks pretty good.  In fact, Cleveland is one of those cities listed as up and coming in the bike community.  When I'm there, I see quite a few cyclists and none of them seem to be having any more trouble than I do in Akron.  The biggest problem is the pot holes.  Of course, there are places that aren't very safe to ride, like there are here, but I can't believe that bike commuting in Cleveland is that bad.

The point is, don't knock it till you try it.

Ok, so if you're in Akron or Cleveland or wherever and you are inspired by National Bike Month or Cleveland Bike Week and you're thinking of pulling a Michael Heaton this Friday, there are some things you need to know/do.

Please remember that bike commuting doesn't have to be hard.  All it requires is a little preparation.

Number one, plan your route ahead of time.  I cannot stress that point enough.  Plan. Plan. Plan.  More than likely there is more than one way to get to your destination.  The way you take in your car isn't, more often than not, the way you would want to go on your bike.  Avoid construction zones and other areas that induce congestion and stress.  Try taking back roads and neighborhoods when possible.  If you are new at bike commuting, start with easy routes and ease into more challenging ones as you gain experience.  Do not just pedal down your driveway without thinking about how you're going to get where you're headed.

Number two, ride a decent and safe bike.  You don't need to buy a new bike if you are taking up commuting.  If you have one at home already, but haven't ridden it in a while, take it to your local bike shop for a safety check.  They'll make sure your components are working correctly and will check your tubes and tires.  Then, ride it around and see how it feels.  If you experience minor discomfort on a short ride you need to make some adjustments to the fit.  Have an experienced mechanic help you with this.  Remember, you don't need a fancy, schmancy bike, just one that is comfortable and safe.  If your old bike is neither, then look into getting a new one.  Also, make sure that whatever bike you end up using is equipped with a front and rear light.  Ohio law requires them between sunset, sunrise, low visiblity situations and when cars are using their wipers (basically, have them when you would have your headlights on).

Number three, dress for the occasion.  No, you don't need a Livestrong jersey and SPD pedals to commute by bike.  Wear clothing that works for your situation.  My commute to work is short at a little less than three miles.  On days when its cooler and dry (that combination has yet to occur), I wear what I plan on wearing for the day.  When I make runs to the store or restaurants in Highland Square I wear whatever I want.  But, when the weather is wet, hot, or cold, I pack a change of clothes for work.  On any rides that are long or strenous I will wear more cycle centric clothing like wick away shirts and padded shorts.  Guys seems to have it easier in the clothing department as there are many options for commuter style clothing available in stores and online.  However, the designers cater less to the female set.  I can only find commuter pants online and I have yet to find decent wool jerseys (wool looks more presentable and doesn't collect stink) that aren't bright pink (newsflash, not all chicks wear pink) or $150.  Also, try to wear something bright to improve your visibility.  Helmets are a must too.

Number four, drive your bike, don't ride it.  Bicycles are meant for the road.  If you think you need to stay on the sidewalk like Mr. Heaton, you're very, very wrong and you're dangerous.  Believe it or not, you will be more comfortable and safe on the street with the cars than dodging them because you were on the sidewalk when they were pulling out of intersections and driveways.  You also don't get that bu-bump, bu-bump rattling through you every second.  If you know the laws and are confident of your claim to the road, you will be a better cyclist.

Number five, treat your body as the engine.  Commuting by bike is an excellent way to improve your health.  But did you know that if you eat healthy it will make you a better bike commuter?  Its true.  Think of you and your bicycle like a *gasp* car!  It makes sense.  You take care of your car's engine through regular maintenance like getting the oil changed and by using the correct fuel.  Sure, we've all heard that a car can run on moonshine, but that it wouldn't run as well or as long.  Same thing applies to our bodies.  They'll run on McDonald's, but not very well or as long.  If you start out with a healthy breakfast, eat a recovery food when you're done, hydrate throughout the day, and eat as healthy as possible over all, you will be able to ride your bike longer and further.  A great source for some ideas on recipes and nutrition for cyclists can be found at lovingthebike.com in the "Loving the BITE" section.

Lastly at an awkward number six, don't make it too complicated.  Start out with quick trips in your neighborhood then try making longer and longer trips.  Don't make the commitment to do 25 miles in traffic on the first day.  You'll stress yourself out and will never do it again.  Bike commuting really isn't that hard, but often we can make it hard.  Do what you're comfortable doing, not what others want you to do.  Your buddy at work may be a die hard bike commuter that hasn't touched a car in 30 years.  You aren't at that level of experience so don't over do it.  Let him be an inspiration, not a competitor.  You'll get there if you want to.

There you have it.  Bike commuting is a rewarding and fun experience if you do it the right way.

I hope to see lots of folks pedaling along on Friday!