Bike Commuting 101

Megan Artz has been bicycle commuting and car-free for over 10 years. She lives and works in Bellingham.

It has been brought to my attention that traveling by bicycle, whether for daily transportation or for recreational endeavors, is a mystery to many. How does one keep from getting wet around here? What about traffic and finding a safe route? Won’t my hair get all messy and how in the world would I carry all my stuff for crying out loud? Bicycle commuting can be customized to fit your needs: there is no right or wrong way (except when it comes to traffic laws) and the answers vary from person to person.

As Whatcom County’s Bike to Work and School Day approaches on Friday, May 19, get ready to answer these questions. You have seen the 3,000 plus people commuting on this yearly event and wondered how it’s humanly possible to even start bicycling instead of driving. As a car-free person myself, I’m here to give you the skinny from the perspective of someone who has learned the hard way, through trial and error and lots of rainstorms, how 10 years of being a car-free working professional has been possible.

Self-propelled transport takes energy and a sufficient level of good health but it does not require a long list of achieved marathons. You don’t even need low body fat percentages or a commitment to outlandish exercise regimens. It requires mobile joints, a good pair of lungs and common sense. Being fast isn’t the goal—arriving safely is. Talking to a doctor about your fitness level is always a good idea but if “sucking wind” is the only fitness concern you have, join the other wind-suckers on May 19 because we’d love to have you.

It’s that thing in your garage with the layer of dust, the garden hose, plastic sacks and tarps on it. The one behind all the boxes. You bought it long ago and never really used it because the neighborhood is kind of hilly and it rains a lot during the year. So it’s got flat tires right now but with a little grease in places and some TLC it’ll be just right for the job. Take it to your friendly neighborhood bike shop for a lookie-loo or visit the Pump U Up station at the Farmer’s Market on May 6 and May 13 for free flat repair. If you’re feeling pretty proud for even considering this project, throw on some new or used fenders just in case it rains that morning.

New bike clothes are always a nice treat but there’s a chance you’ve already got the right duds in your closet to bicycle commute. Considering Bike To Work and School Day is in May, the weather is usually nice but also unpredictable. Although it’s okay to hope for sunshine, rain may be on the menu. Layering is important in order to prepare for whatever the skies bring. Since you will be creating your own heat by cycling, you won’t need heavy clothes to provide it. Lightweight, synthetic layers for both top and bottom are always sufficient. If you already have a fancy bike jacket, you probably don’t even need to read this section. However, a water-resistant jacket works well as most waterproof coats are too hot. Waterproof pants may be too much as well but if you want something for your legs, tights and/or nylon pants work. Get ready to peel some layers off though; shorts might be the only pair of bottoms you’ll need. Wear the walking shoes that are next to your dusty bike for this venture and be sure to include a proper-fitting helmet to complete this lovely ensemble.

Maybe you’re one of the lucky folks who has a very short distance to go in the morning, of which makes wearing one set of clothes all day perfect. But for most of us, your destination is far enough from where you live that bringing a change of clothes is a must, or perhaps you have a specific dress code to fulfill or don’t want to sit in sweaty clothes all day. It’s best to bring separate clothes in a plastic bag in case of rain leakage. Also pack your usual stuff like wallet, keys, lunch, along with some deodorant and basic toiletries. Extra snacks may be helpful since burning extra calories requires attention. A backpack may be just fine for your supplies but in the case of extra cargo, try bicycle paniers attached to a rack on the back of your bike. Not only do they carry quite a load but also save your neck from the strain.

Of course, being safe is the most important aspect of bicycle commuting, so knowing and obeying traffic laws is critical. A bicycle on the road is considered a vehicle—any laws pertaining to cars pertain to cyclists as well. Hand signals, lane usage and bike lights are some of the regulations to be aware of. Check out the “Getting Ready” section in the right-hand column for opportunities to learn the rules of the road. Besides being safe, having fun is just as important. Your normal route to work or school may not be the best option or even accessible by bike. How to find quieter streets, bike lanes and easier terrain to your destination? Visit the Pump U Up station at the Farmer’s Market, ask for route ideas from the friendly cyclists there or any cyclist for that matter. People have their own favorites and are eager to share ideas. “Bike Buddies” are available by calling the Mt. Baker Bicycle Club at 734-8540.

And don’t want helmet hair or sweaty pits. A dang-good point and one that baffles many. I will admit it’s a challenge to walk into an important meeting looking fresh and neat after a long commute in the rain, but certainly not impossible. Check with your employer about facilities; some places have private bathrooms with showers and the works. All you have to do is arrive a little early with the right toiletries and strut into that office looking like a million bucks. For those who don’t, it takes a little creativity and preparation. For freshening up, a washcloth to scrub the stinky parts is helpful, along with some body powder and/or deodorant. If you have really nice clothes to wear, roll them up to avoid wrinkles or choose fabrics that pack well. If you prefer to style your hair with appliances, goos and sprays, keeping a stash at work will mean less to carry to and fro. Keeping the routine and the work clothes simple will save you time and disappointment. A bike ride to work or school will bring out your natural radiance and sunny disposition, so get ready for a big promotion.

May is also known as “Bike Month” here in Whatcom County, so there are many opportunities to prepare. Check out the informative classes at Bellingham’s REI for learning the rules of the road and basic bicycle maintenance by visiting their Sehome store or look up http://www.rei.com. The Pump U Up station at the Farmer’s Market on May 6 and 13 will be stocked with friendly bike commuters who will magically change your flat tire for free, sell you a good, inexpensive bike helmet and provide all kinds of helpful info. The Great Northwest Gear Swap will be on May 6 at the Bellingham Boys and Girls Club, where used outdoor clothing, gear and accessories come at a cheap price. Visit http://www.norkarecreation.com for more info. This year, May is EverybodyBike, a month of fun and prizes for everyone on two wheels. Bike just three times during the month and you’ll be eligible for big prizes. Details at http://EverybodyBike.com. §