Bike Commuting Tips: Part 2

As you all know, I bike everywhere and have been commuting by bike to work for about 2 years now (usually taking most of the winter “off”). Neil and I share a car but I don’t drive much. I’ve been lucky enough to have not gotten in any accidents involving cars yet. *Knocks on wood.* There was of course my wipe out in May, but that was caused by a ridge in the road I didn’t see, plus I was probably going a little too fast.

If you are thinking of beginning a bike to work program, or simply biking on busy streets for the first time, check out my first post on bike commuting tips (includes being alert, getting the right equipment, planning your route, avoiding blind spots and how to approach traffic lights). Here are a few more tips (a mix of safety and comfort tips) I’ve picked up along the way:

Make Eye Contact with Drivers

This is especially important when you have the right of way (for example if you are going straight through an intersection where a car coming the opposite direction is taking a left at that intersection). Drivers often have a blind-eye when it comes to bike riders. I have had a few close calls because the driver simply did not see me, even in broad day light. If you make eye contact with the driver you can be sure that they know you are there.

Don’t hug the right side of the road TOO much

I read this on some one’s blog once and it could not be more true. If you are in a bike lane or the right lane, and keep as far over to the right as possible, cars tend to crowd you more. If you stay in the middle of a bike lane or even slightly to the left it seems that cars understand that this is YOUR lane. If you do not have a bike lane, you don’t want to be too far over to the right in the event of someone opening a car door!

Check your tires every weekend

Checking your tires applies to recreational biking too. Even if you aren’t riding every day, your tires will lose air throughout the week. It happens even faster in colder months. The last thing you want is to blow a tire on a busy road. It might seem like a pain in the *ss to do so often, but you need to make sure your equipment is working before you hit the streets.

Invest in side bags

My last bike was not equipped with bags (and actually couldn’t be because of the type of bike it is). I would put my things in a backpack and ride to work that way. Since I switched bikes and put on side bags my back has been very thankful! Not only am I less sweaty when I get to work, but my back would get sore if I was carrying a ton of stuff in a backpack.

This has also been great for doing my grocery shopping on bike.

Keep track of weather reports

Since I often ride home for my lunch break, I keep the hourly weather forecast open on my computer and refresh it throughout the day. I’ve heard enough horror stories of people wiping out in the rain to want to stick to dry rides. Plus, if you are commuting you probably don’t want to come in soaking wet!

Do you ever ride your bike on city or busy roads? What other tips do you have to add?