Commuting by bike is easier than you might imagine. It does take some preparation and some planning, especially if work is a long way from home. A couple months ago, I offered some thoughts on the logistics of longer-distance bike commuting, including route planning, work clothes, and so on.
One of the best ways to learn how to commute by bike is to ride with friends! Bike to Work Day offers lots of opportunities to meet other bike commuters and get tips on routes and practicalities.
In Washington DC, we have over 70 "pitstops"for commuters to snag a bagel, get their t-shirt (if they registered in time), and meetup with other cyclists.
Other cities have similar setups. I noticed that San Francisco calls their meetup points "Energizer Stations," which sounds a little more high-tech and trendy than DC's term.
My local pitstop is in Greenbelt, MD. From there, we're taking a convoy down to downtown DC (Freedom Plaza pitstop)
Here are some videos from our BTWD rides last year and in 2011. Last year, we missed the organized convoy (too early!) but met up with a couple other commuters for a typical, gorgeous ride down to work.
Below the fold, a few tips for newbie bike commuters to help you fit in with us crusty oldsters. Please feel free to throw in your own tips for BTWD 2013!
Bike to Work Day 2012 -- Greenbelt MD to Washington DC from Greenbelt Bike Videos on Vimeo.
Washington DC Bike to Work Day, May 2011 from Greenbelt Bike Videos on Vimeo.
Comfort
Padded shorts are a must for longer rides. Most bike seats (called "saddles" in the biz) aren't very comfy. The easiest and fastest way to prevent a sore butt is to use padded shorts (the pad is called the "chamois"). Note, you don't "sit" on your saddle when riding, but rather use it as a "perch" more than a resting place.
A good bike shop will have lots of different saddles for lots of different bottom sizes and shapes. Note, just because you have a big rear on the outside doesn't necessarily mean you have wide "sit" bones and need a wide saddle. It varies person to person.
Finally, if you're prone to chafing (this is especially an issue if you ride in heavy rain or when it's really hot and sweaty out), there's a product called Chamois Butt'r that works miracles. Apply to potentially affected parts and glob it directly on the chamois too. It feels gooey and fun!
If you don't like the look of riding in tight padded shorts, just wear another pair of shorts over the top. The spandex-under-gym-shorts look is cool.
Carrying Stuff
Backpacks are easiest. Many hardass commuters use "panniers," which are essentially saddlebags, although you don't mount them on the saddle, of course, but on a "rack" either behind your seat above the rear tire (best) or in front of your bike above the front tire (careful -- it can be a little wobbly with lots of weight in the front). There are also basic baskets and crates that can be mounted pretty easily, especially if you have a rack. Be careful they don't interfere with your pedal stroke or bike handling.
Bike "jerseys" (shirts with pockets in the back) are really handy for carrying small stuff: wallet, keys, phone, snacks, sunscreen.
Flat Repair
Flat tires are a fact of life for urban commuters, especially if you run narrow, higher-pressure tires. Most bike tires are marked something like 700x35, which is the diameter and width in millimeters. Some commuter and most mountain bike tires are marked in inches, usually 26" by 1.5" or something like that. Sometimes 29" by something. So jot down your tire size and get a spare tube or two in that size.
I prefer to carry a portable air pump, which mounts on my bike's "frame." Some riders use CO2 cartridges to re-inflate after fixing a flat tire, but that can be tricky if you've never tried before.
On BTWD, it's almost a sure bet that someone will be around to help you fix a flat if you need it. But if you're planning to commute every day, it's a good idea to practice. There are lots of videos on the web that show how.
Water and Food
Do not underestimate the amount of water you'll need, even on a cool day. Bring at least one water bottle if your commute is more than a couple miles, and two if it's more than 10. Water bottles fit in "caddies" attached to your bike's frame, and can also be carried in your back jersey pockets. I dislike processed energy bars, but it's better to have one handy than to "bonk" (suddenly run out of energy) when cycling. Of course, BTWD pitstops will have fruit, bagels etc.
Rain
BTWD goes on rain or shine. If it rains, you'll get wet. That's not a problem for you, since you can get a shower or wipe up at work, but it can be bad for your work clothes, work shoes, laptop, if you're caught in a sudden rainstorm. So put them in plastic grocery bags if there's a chance of rain and you suspect your backpack or panniers aren't waterproof.