Today’s tip –
Tips for bike commuting and errand running
In recognition of Bike Walk to Work Day, here are some tips to help you bike safely while commuting to work or running errands.
- Consider having your bike outfitted with a bike basket, bike rack or pannier (saddle bag). That way, you can carry your shopping finds, lunch, dress shoes or other work items without having the strain of wearing a backpack. More information about these items can be found at http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/gear-equipment/bike-gear/fun-gear.
- If you bike in your work clothes, use a rubber band or bicycle trouser strap to keep your pant cuffs snug against your leg. Or, roll the pants up a bit.
- Keep a water bottle in a water bottle cage on bike your frame so you can stay hydrated during your ride.
- Make sure your bicycle’s tires are fully inflated. (To verify the correct inflation, look on the side of your bike tire for the air pressure number (PSI) that you should follow.)
- Keep your bike in good working order. Clean and lubricate your chain, make sure your brakes are working, and keep quick-release levers closed. For a description of how to do this visit http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/gear-equipment/bike-maintenance.
- If you plan to bike when the light isn’t optimal, have a headlight affixed to the front of your bike so you can see the road. Be sure that you also have a reflective tail light at the rear of your bike so drivers can see you. Consider wearing light-colored and reflective clothing as well.
- Make sure your bike helmet sits snugly and covers your forehead. Details on how to fit a helmet properly can be found at http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/gear-equipment/bike-gear/helmets.
- Use a good bike lock so your ride home isn’t stolen. For tips about various kinds of bike locks, visit http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/gear-equipment/bike-gear/locks. For information on how to lock your bike, visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/bicycling101/How2Lock.
- Learn what those solid lines, dashed lines and pavement symbols mean by viewing two short, entertaining videos that make it easy to understand how and when bicyclists and drivers safely share our streets. The videos can be viewed at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/index.htm.
- Questions about good commuting habits, routes or Minneapolis bicycling issues in general? Call 612-333-3410 or submit your question through the City’s Bicycling Feedback Form at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/feedback/index.htm.
Published Jun. 6, 2012