Daniel4

1) Take the lane;
2) Ride with a pool noodle;
3) Glasses under the helmet straps

hay

A) Leave early , enjoy the ride.
B) Prepare for weather.
C) Have spares , parts for a breakdown like tubes and chain parts.

srestrepo

1. figure out how you're gonna get there.
2. figure out how you're going to be clean/presentable when you get there (this means figuring out how you're going to carry cleaning stuff)
3. figure out how you're going to get there and back safely (lights for visibility, tubes and pump/c02 and multitool for repairs/flats and carry some cash for the bus if need be).

honestly its not very difficult. and it does wake you up in the morning. people will think you're crazy but you'll be the sane one appreciating the benefits of being outside, being quiet for your commute and in your thoughts either clearing your mind or preparing for your dayy.

i really hope you do this and best of luck.

noglider 

Bike commuting is becoming normal in many areas. If you meet someone carrying a helmet in some cities, people won't bat an eye or say anything weird. Some people even wear their helmets while walking outside, since they're about to ride or they just rode. It no longer gets stares.

BobbyG

1) Plan
2) Prepare
3) Execute

Limiting commuting tips to the top three is a good thought exercise, but I can't do it. I have too much I want to say.

bikecommuter13

Top reasons for bike commuting is: 1) Combine exercise and commute, time saver 2) Save money on gas or public transit and 3) You can come and go anytime and traffic is always good

Top skills to have for bike commuting: Shifting and cornering skills...

esmith2039

Don't be afraid to walk the hill.
Tire liners are your friend.
Start slow.. don't think straight out the gate your going to commute everyday.

Now those are just the basics.. other tips such as dealing with traffic would be more involved than just one sentence!

locolobo13 

There're some good and some humorous tips above. When I first started commuting my commute was short, < 3 mi. After doing that for a couple of weeks it wasn't enough. So I slowly added more riding. Took the long way home. Rode my bike somewhere for lunch, etc. That's my advice. Slowly add to the distance and time. Enjoy yourself.

Tundra_Man 

1. Remember that deciding to do it is harder than actually doing it. Once you're on the bike riding you'll likely think, "hey, this is no big deal!"

2. Don't set unrealistic goals when starting out, like saying, "I'm going to ride to work every day this week!" Decide you're going to ride one day this week. Pick a day that would be the easiest schedule/weather combination and ride that day. Do it again next week. If you're enjoying it, then add a day or two and see how it goes. You may become a full-time commuter, or you may not. That's ok. Find your own personal commitment level. And don't be surprised if it varies over time.

3. Don't be afraid to try new things to figure out what works best for you. Try different routes. Own multiple bikes? Ride them all. Try hauling your lunch, buying your lunch or maybe even (gasp!) fasting. Wear different clothes. Experiment with backpacks and racks. Get a new gadget or accessory on occasion to see if it helps (or doesn't help.) Try seeing how fast you can get home. Try seeing how slow you can get home. By switching things up you'll accomplish two things: 1. You'll keep things fresh and interesting. 2. You'll figure out what makes your commute better and what doesn't. Bottom line is there's no universal right and wrong way to commute by bike.

JDinTulsa

I just started commuting to work this month. I got tired of cussing at all the idiot drivers that seem to wait until they're late for work to even leave home! I was tired of spending so much money on gas. I was tired of not having time to exercise. I was tired of being tired at work. My commute by bike is 22 miles round trip. I'm 57, 245 pounds, and out of shape. Here's what I did (besides getting a bike):

1. Find a route and drive it with an eye on how it will work on a bike.
2. Start riding your bike after work and on the weekends to build your stamina. If it's a long commute, use the first half of your route so you learn how long it will take to get to work. And pack the bike like you're going to work so you're used to the weight.
3. When you're ready to start, set a weekly goal; 1, 2 or 3 days a week. Then, do it!

And, as others have mentioned, pack the night before.
Some other things I've learned
- when (not if) you forget something, don't worry about it! It's not the end of the world.
- you (may) have a set schedule on getting to work, but not going home. Stop for a burger and a beer! You earned it!
- find a shady spot for a 5 minute water break
- wear flashy socks
- smile, it's fun!

(I know that's more than 3 things but, there it is)

ptempel

1. Map out the route. Maybe try google maps bike route and manually tweak or ask others. Strava heat map is also a nice way to see what routes others take:

https://labs.strava.com/heatmap/

2. Start slow and build up. Maybe two to three days a week. Then go to every weekday.

3. Give yourself a break if needed. I have weekends off but sometimes still need an "easy week" once a month or so. I park and ride on the easy week to reduce my commute from 1.5 hrs from home to 35-40 min from a county park. I also park and ride on the other weeks and only ride form home 2-3 times per week.

Clyde5600

Talk to other cycle commuters where you work.

Choose a route near transit, if you're allowed to bring your bike on transit. You can always do half the ride that way at first if need be. Even just having the possibility will give you more confidence.

Always have a change of clothes at work.

Cheers!

Chukbacca

I am not a commuter yet, but my brother in law is. I decided to just find reasons to ride to his house (roughly a half hour one way) on weekends to gear myself up.

I tried Google's bike route suggestion going to his house and was agahst. When I told my brother in law, he told me his route, which I took home. Night and day difference. A huge +1 on finding the route you are comfortable with.

ascherer 

^
This. Being predictable and learning how to anticipate potential risks makes it better for everyone on the road. Hit the library or bookstore, find out if any local organizations or shops offer classes.

InTheRain

1. Do it... today.
2. Do it tomorrow.
3. Do it every day after that.

Bike Gremlin

1. Learn and practice patching your tubes - it will give you confidence.
2. Ride as if everyone's out to kill you, but don't take any of it personally.
3. Enjoy the nicest way of travelling.

RichSPK

Keep a change of clothes at work for emergencies.

Don't ride to work on a day when you're donating blood.

Tundra_Man 

I do that all the time and leave work to ride to and from the Blood Bank, so YMMV.

esmith2039

That's the thrilling part.. seeing if you can make it home without passing out I wouldn't recommend for a rookie though.

Jim from Boston

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsbars

Say you have a friend interested in bikecommuting. What would be your top 3 tips or words of wisdom to get them started?

It looks like many of the above posts cover a wide range of advice. I have two pieces, I think not mentioned that may be unique. The first is simply an emphatic suggestion to wear a rearview mirror.

The second is actually a collection of several “safety aphorisms” I keep in mind when riding to anticipate unseen dangers. Think of it as as a “watchword” as expressed on that old police TV series “Hill Street Blues,“ as the cops went out on patrol, ”Hey, let’s be careful out there."BTW, I started a thread, with about 100 replies, "Describe Your Commute" that might offer further tips.

rumrunn6

watch a Ted Talk

Darth Lefty 

Perfect solution! Then you can feel like you've done it without actually doing anything

aplcr0331

Get. On. Bike.
Ride. To. Work.
Repeat. As. Necessary.

The rest is flapdoodle. Ride.

no motor?

This. And don't believe everything you read here.

sweeks

I'd say it's a good idea to plan for inclement weather. Don't travel any farther than you'd be willing to ride in a downpour. I've been commuting for 15 years in Chicago, and the weather is not 100% predictable. I carry a rain jacket and rain pants at all times; I wear my work clothes when I commute since the bike part of my "multi-modal" commute (train and bike) is only a couple or three miles at a time.

Carry the tools necessary to do any adjustments or repairs that are likely to be necessary. Specifically, flat repair. Don't travel any farther than you'd be willing to walk if you get a flat. I carry tools to remove the wheels, tire levers and a pump. Though I haven't had a flat in years (Schwalbe "Marathon Plus" tires)!
Steve