Bicycle Transportation How To’s
Whether you are a seasoned bicycle commuter or are just getting started, our "How To" tips can help. In this section, we provide information on where and when to commute, route planning, equipment and clothing, bike parking and security, how to combine a bicycle commute with MetroLink or MetroBus and Citizen’s for Modern Transit Guaranteed Ride Home Program. We also provide information on Trailnet’s Bike Mentor Program.

		...most people think of bicycle commuting as riding to work, but this can be intimidating for some. Try starting out with shorter, easier trips. You are still reducing congestion, pollution and your car dependence while learning how to commute more effectively. Some destinations to get you started include, bank or ATM, convenience store, grocery store, health club, library, park, post office, or video store.
		...if you are running an errand, you may not get to choose the time of day or day of the week that you ride. If you are going to a store or business, you need to go when it is open. Some things to consider include riding during rush hour, sunrise and sunset, weekends and evenings, rain and other inclement weather. Read more>
		...for many people, this is the most difficult part of using a bicycle for transportation. The routes you normally use to get around by car may not be the best routes for bicycling. Some things to consider include using a road map, selecting a direct route and riding on low traffic roads. Read more>
		...to get you there safely, comfortably and free from hassle, you and your bike need to be ready for the road. Some things to consider include helmets, bike maintenance, tools, clothing, backpacks and other gear. Read more>
		...it is always a good idea to lock your bike any time it is out of your sight. However, using the strongest lock is not always necessary. Don't be afraid to ride your bike on an errand just because you don't have a "theft proof" lock. Some things to consider include keeping your bike in sight, taking your bike with you and locking your bike properly. Read more>
		...concerned about a long commute or that you might get stuck at work longer than you intended? There are at least a couple of ways to overcome these worries. Read more>

When to Bicycle Commute

Rush Hour
Of course major thoroughfares can be intimidating during morning and afternoon rush hours. However, most neighborhood or secondary streets are fairly quiet. If you are going to ride during rush hour, plan your route carefully and take your time. Let the cars do the hurrying, you should be having fun.

Sunrise and Sunset
Be careful riding at sunrise or sunset when motorists may have the sun in their eyes. You may be able to see fine after sunset, but motorists will have problems seeing you. Sunset also brings out many small insects so try to wear eye protection. Use lights, reflectors and high visibility clothing because some motorists may not be looking for you. Most of all, maintain awareness. Know where cars are in case you need to do some emergency maneuvering. If you don't make eye contact with drivers at intersections, assume they don't see you.

Weekends and Evenings
If you need to ride to a store on a Saturday, do it in the morning before the traffic gets heavy or take those secondary roads. Traffic on Sunday mornings is better but it gets very busy in the afternoon. If you have enough daylight, weekday evenings usually have less traffic and the stores aren't as crowded.

Rain
Cloudy or rainy days can be good days to ride as there tends to be less traffic than on sunny days. But remember that motorists will have more trouble seeing you through a wet windshield. Yield to cars you meet at intersections because the driver may not see you. Choose low traffic, residential streets for your trip so you can ride near the center of the lane and avoid riding through puddles and wet leaves. Look further ahead to give yourself more time to stop to allow the brakes to squeegee the water off the tire rims. Be sure to brake before a turn versus during a turn to avoid skidding out. Watch out for road hazards that become dangerous when wet: manhole covers, railroad tracks, leaves and painted surfaces.

Route Planning

Checklist    Use a road map to help you get the big picture and plan a route ahead of time, or websites such as maps.google.com.        Look for a fairly direct route, but also look for contingency roads if the route you've chosen becomes uncomfortable for you with too much traffic.        After planning a potential route, scout it out on your bike (you could also use the car but it won't give the same perspective). Allow plenty of extra time for exploring and getting lost.        You may want to try using residential streets that parallel high traffic routes that you usually drive with your car.        Streets with low speed limits and a number of stop signs may be too slow for a car, but they can be great for a bike.        Keep in mind that main or so called "primary" roads with two to four lanes (not interstates) may actually be safer because cars have room to pass, you have the right of way and you typically do not have to contend with parked cars.        Watch for broken glass, hazardous drainage grates or loose gravel. Memorize any bad pavement in case you have to ride it after dark. You might want to report road problems to the proper agency and avoid those roads until the problem is fixed.        Remember you are a vehicle, so obey traffic laws. Avoid riding toward traffic or the wrong way on one-way streets, etc. Not only is this dangerous but it is why some motorists get angry at cyclists.        See if traffic lights will change if no cars are waiting with you. Most have a sensor in the street where you may have to lay your bike down sideways to make it change. Again, you may let a local agency know of the problem.        Tell others about the route you plan to take. If you have problems they need to know how to find you so they can help. Also, bring a cell phone and a list of people you can call should you need help.

Equipment and Clothing

Helmet
Today, helmets are so light, well ventilated and stylish that there is no good reason not to wear one. Go to our Helmet Safety section to learn more about fitting a helmet properly.

Bike Maintenance
Have your bike checked out regularly by your favorite bike shop. Brakes, cables, shifting, straight wheels, tire condition and tightness of screws, nuts and bolts are just a few vital areas to be gone over. Also, consider taking a bike maintenance class at a local bike shop or community college. Properly inflated tires will reduce the chance of getting punctures; inflate to the pressure recommended on the tire side-wall.

Tools
Just because you haven't had a breakdown before doesn't mean you should not be prepared for one. In a small bike bag, carry a set of allen wrenches, spare tire tube, tire patches and tire levers, and make sure you know how to use them.

Clothing
Although everyone is different, there are some clothing basics to follow. On colder days, dress in layers and start riding feeling a little cool; you will warm-up as you exercise. A lightweight, wind proof, water resistant shell is a versatile garment. A non-breathing, waterproof garment may defeat the purpose of staying dry as you will most likely be soaked on the inside from your own sweat. A jacket should be cut loose enough to allow some layering beneath. For underlying layers, stick with wool or especially synthetic layers like Thermax, polypropylene and fleece, they wick away moisture and still insulate when they're wet. On warmer days, consider synthetics like Coolmax as they facilitate the cooling process. Bike shorts are a matter of personal comfort and taste. You don't need them, but they do help alleviate some of the chafing from the bike saddle.

Visibility
You are much smaller than a car and chances are, motorists won't be looking for you. Using lights and reflectors from dusk to dawn is a safe idea. Go to our Bike and Walk Safely section to learn more about reflectors, lights and high visibility clothing.

Backpacks and Other Gear
Depending on how much you think you'll be carrying, you can choose between a daypack, a bike rack and/or panniers (packs that mount on racks on each side of the front and/or rear wheels of the bike), or a bike trailer.

Bike Parking and Security

Keep it in Sight
If you are just going into a store or restaurant for a few minutes, you may not need much security. Often you can park your bike near the door or at the front window where you can keep an eye on it and no lock is needed.

No Bike Lock
If you don't have a lock, ask if you can bring your bike inside, or you can simply open the quick release skewer on your rear axle so if someone tries to ride away on your bike, the wheel will move over against the frame and become too hard to ride. You can also undo the skewer and brake on the front wheel and strap your helmet through the wheel and frame.

Using a Bike Lock
A padlock with a 6-foot steel cable is the most common way to lock your bike. You could also use a U-shaped "theft proof" lock, but they require more effort and are heavier to carry. The most important part is what you lock your bike to. The U-shaped locks require something small like a fence pole, parking meter or sign post (be careful not to lock up to a "sucker pole" where the sign can be lifted from the pavement thus freeing your bike). The steel cable also works with trees, utility poles, and guardrails. If you don't lock it to something secure, the bike can be carried away. This is common sense but don't just lock up your wheel. The potential thief only has to remove the wheel and cart off most of your bike. Try to run the lock through the wheels and especially the frame. You may have to remove the front wheel, put it next to the rear wheel and run the lock through both wheels and the frame. Also note that quick release seats can be stolen, so you may want to take them with you.

Bike Racks
A bike rack can make you feel welcome when you ride to a business or institution. If it's close to the front door it's probably a good idea to use it. Some businesses put bike racks too far from the door so it just doesn't make sense to use it. If you don't like a bike rack, or don't know how to use it, just park somewhere out of the way and get on with your errand.

Parking Don'ts
Don't park in front of a door, bench, table or drinking fountain, etc. Don't park in a parking spot for a car. Don't park in the middle of a sidewalk or driveway. Don't bring your bike into a business unless you have asked first.

MetroLink, MetroBus and the Guaranteed Ride Home Program

• You can also take MetroLink and bring your bike in the very front or back of a car. Learn more at: www.metrostlouis.org

• Use the Metro St. Louis transit system to get you close to where you need to go and bike the rest. All of the buses now have bike racks on them. Learn more at: www.metrostlouis.org

• Register for the Guaranteed Ride Home program offered by Citizens for Modern Transit. If you get stuck at work or have an emergency, just take a cab and submit your receipt for reimbursement. Learn more at: www.cmt-stl.org