The Practical Stuff
Once you’ve decided to give bike commuting a try, the next questions are often ones of a practical nature.
What if it rains?
What should I wear?
How do I carry my things?
These concerns can make bike commuting seem more complicated than it really is. With a little planning, there are simple ways to make your ride more comfortable and manageable.
🌧️ What if it rains?
Rain doesn’t have to stop you from biking to work. With a little foresight, you can stay relatively dry and comfortable even when the Colorado weather changes.
A lightweight rain jacket and rain pants can help keep you dry, while fenders can help keep water and road spray off your clothes. If you carry a backpack, a rain cover can help protect your belongings is useful or you can get waterproof panniers or other bike bags.
Of course, you don’t have to ride in every kind of weather. Check the forecast before you leave and use your best judgment. If conditions aren’t safe or comfortable for you, it’s okay to choose another way to get to work such as the bus or a carpool.
The goal isn’t to bike every single day, no matter what. The goal is to find a routine that works for you, which for many people is a combination of different transit options.
👕 What should I wear?
You don’t need a special cycling wardrobe to commute by bike.
For shorter rides, you may be perfectly comfortable riding in your regular clothes. For longer rides or warmer weather, you may prefer athletic or cycling clothing and a change of clothes for when you arrive.
If you need to dress professionally, try keeping a few work clothing essentials at the office or carrying a change of clothes with you. Panniers and backpacks can make it easier to transport all the items you will need in your day.
And remember you don’t have to race to work. Riding at a comfortable pace can help you arrive feeling good instead of sweaty and exhausted. An e-bike can also make longer or hillier commutes more manageable.
With a little planning, you can find a routine that works for your wardrobe choices, your commute, and your comfort level.
🎒 How do I carry my things?
Your backpack might work for a short commute, but there are plenty of other ways to carry your belongings.
Panniers attach to a rear rack and are a popular choice for commuters. They’re useful for carrying clothes, lunch, work supplies, or other everyday items without putting everything on your back.
Handlebar bags, baskets, and other bike bags can also work well for smaller loads.
The best option depends on how much you are carrying and how far you’re riding. Start with what you already have and figure out what works for you. You don’t need to buy a whole collection of bike gear before your first commute.
You can come into Community Cycles and we can help you find the accessories that are right for you at a great price point.
Coming Up in Part 3
Once you’ve figured out some of the practical challenges of bike commuting, you may start wondering about another important question:
What’s in it for me?
In Part 3, we’ll look at some of the benefits of commuting by bike—including ways you can save money on your commute.
In the meantime, visit our Commuter Hub to learn more, or email our commuter help line at commuterhelp@communitycycles.org. We’d love to help you get started.