By RMHP
Ahh, spring is finally here. We could still get a surprise blizzard or two here on the Western Slope, but for the most part, the weather is warming up. Are you thinking about biking to work?
To make sure your commute is both fun and safe, here are a few tips for taking to the streets. You’ll even learn what to do if there’s no shower at the office, because biking certainly works up a sweat!
When biking to work, you need to think about what you’ll wear. For people with short commutes wearing their normal work clothes can work quite well. Most shoes with stiff soles work just fine on flat pedals, and it’s not uncommon to see riders wearing boots and even heels. However, shoes are the one concession to cycling “gear” we encourage everyone to make. For safety sake, you need sure footing.
If you have a long morning commute or view your commute as an opportunity to work out, your clothing considerations will be different. You’ll want to wear moisture-wicking clothes that are designed for sweating. If you have a road bike with clipless pedals or toe-clips, you’ll have to wear the appropriate footwear.
No matter what you wear, remember to choose fabrics and colors that are highly visible to motorists.
When biking to work, you’ll always sweat, at least a little. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to freshen up for the workday:
Before you begin biking to work, brush up on basic bike safety rules:
And, most importantly, have fun! Biking is a great way to start and end the workday. The physical activity can help you feel better and less stressed throughout the day. It’s an ideal way to ease into a busy day and wind down after it’s over.