Wisconsin DOT Safety Rules
Overcoming Bike Commuting Excuses
I’m out of shape
• Ride at an easy pace; in a few months you will be in great shape.
• Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work.
• You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter.
It takes too long
• The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you will become.
• Trips of less than three miles will be quicker by bike.
• Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or less as by car.
It’s too far
• Try riding to work and asking a co-worker for car ride home, then alternating the next day.
• Drive part way and ride the rest to shorten your commute.
• Ride to a coworker’s house and carpool to work.
No bike parking
• Look around for a storage area in your building or office.
• Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office.
• Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside.
My bike is beat up
• Tell a reputable bike shop (Like FBC) that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike.
• Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you ride.
No showers
• Most commuters don’t shower at work; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry.
• Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there.
• Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only.
I have to dress up
• Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive.
• Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners.
• Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding.
It’s raining
• Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry.
• If you are at work, carpool to get home; ride home the next day.
• Drive if you don’t have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain.
The roads aren’t safe
• Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights.
• Wear bright clothing.
• You are at no greater risk than driving a car.
• Wear a helmet every time you ride.
I have to run errands
• Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity.
• Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building.
• Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking.
• Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use
PS: For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile
round trip bike commute burns 400
calories. For a 130-pound woman this
same commute burns 300 calories.
1 World : 2 Wheels
THE SOLUTION TO
SOME OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST PROBLEMS
IS IN YOUR GARAGEFOR
2 MILES OR
LESS
GO BY BIKE
KICK
THE HABIT
10 WAYS TO
GO BY BIKE
+ Ride with your kids to school.
+ Ride to work.
+ Ride to the bank and use the 'ride up' window.
+ Ride to a restaurant.
+ Ride for coffee.
+ Ride to get groceries.
+ Ride past stalled traffic.
+ Ride alone and enjoy the silence.
+ Ride with friends and enjoy the company.
+ Ride with your kids and teach them to love it.
A TREK COMMITMENT
and
FREEPORT BICYCLE CO. COMMITMENT
Learn
about your rights and
responsibilities as a cyclist.
League of Illinois
Bicyclists
or
League
of American Bicyclists
Commuting
Tips
on commuting to work!
Bicycle
Clubs:
Chain Link Cyclists nfp
http://www.chainlinkcyclists.org/
FOR
FUN!
Check out Dave Fonda's website/blog
Cycle
Upper Left
Freeport
Bicycle Company
