Sustainable Mobility: 8 Tips for Bike Commuting
Using your bike to get to work ensures you start and end the day with some exercise and fresh air. Here are our 8 tips for bike commuting.
1. Choose the right type of bike for riding to work
Many types of bikes are suitable for urban travel. The only models that don’t work very well are mountain bikes because their shocks and wide, knobby tires have a higher rolling resistance on asphalt.
Hybrid bikes
This type of bike is designed for maximum comfort. Its geometry, higher handlebars and shorter top tube make for excellent handling. Its tires are designed to roll well on both paved roads and bike paths with a stone dust surface. In addition, many hybrid bikes can accommodate a rack to add panniers or other practical accessories.
There are three main types of hybrid bikes: comfort hybrid bikes, performance bikes and urban bikes. However, all three types make good commuter bicycles. If you want to choose the right hybrid bike for you, consult our buyer’s guide.
Road bikes
Road bikes can be excellent commuter bikes. Performance-oriented road bike aficionados will be psyched to add more kilometres to the season’s odometer. To learn all about road bikes, see our buyer’s guide.
Gravel bikes
Gravel bikes are designed with a geometry that makes them comfortable, stable and versatile. Thanks to tires wider than those on road bikes, gravel bikes roll well on both paved and gravel roads. In addition, many are designed to add bags, panniers and racks. This capability makes them perfect for getting around by bicycle!
Electric hybrid bikes
Electric bikes are a great option for getting around by bike, especially if you have long distances to cover. This type of bike can give you a motivation boost if distance is the one and only barrier to riding to work.
Electric urban hybrid bikes are designed to be comfortable and easy to maneuver. They allow you to cover a long distance faster with less effort. They offer several mounting points to add mudguards, racks, panniers, bags and so on. It will quickly become your new go-to means of transportation.
Brands like Opus, Louis Garneau, Velec and Specialized make outstanding bikes for commuting.
2. Determine a frequency
For some people, cycling to work every day is a big task. It’s best to gradually incorporate this new habit into your routine. Decide how often you feel comfortable bike commuting. The goal is to have an enjoyable, positive experience.
3. Plan a route
Planning a route ensures that you avoid wasting time in your travels and arrive punctually. Apps like Ride with GPS, Komoot and Google Maps make it quick and easy to plot a route from a point A to a point B. You’ll be able to assess altitude gain, surface type, the different roads taken, distance and the average time to complete the itinerary.
In addition to the apps, some cities offer downloadable maps of their bike route networks. The Vélo Québec website also lists many bikeways.
For the first few trips, give yourself extra time so you won’t be in a rush.
4. Get your bike ready ahead of time
Morning isn’t the best time to get your bike ready on top of everything else you need to do. Make sure that the tires are properly inflated, you have enough water, and your panniers are installed if you are carrying anything.
The goal of riding to work isn’t to further complicate your routine, but to integrate a fun, healthy habit into your lifestyle. The more you plan ahead, the easier it will be to make the change.
5. Wear the right clothes
There are no right or wrong clothes for bike commuting. Some people prefer wearing their everyday clothes while others opt for cycling apparel, such as bike shorts and a jersey and then change when they get to work. If you sweat a lot, it’s best to bring a change of clothes and perhaps a washcloth to freshen up. Some offices even have showers, which is yet another reason to switch to sustainable mobility.
6. Be prepared for the weather
The weather can change quickly throughout the day. That’s why it’s better to be prepared. Carry a waterproof coat, shoe covers and waterproof pants to adapt to all weather conditions. Plus, arm warmers and leg warmers are great items to have with you. They easily fit in a bag and are useful if the weather cools down.
7. Have the right bags for your bike
To carry everything—lunch, snacks, water, clothes, laptop, and so on—bike bags, backpacks or panniers are a must. The choice of bags depends on the equipment to be transported and the type of bike you ride.
Panniers are spacious and can hold a lot of gear. In addition, you won’t have any weight on your back. If you have a significant distance to travel, this makes a big difference in your comfort.
As for backpacks, several models are made for commuting. They have many practical, spacious pockets and are designed to be comfortable when you’re riding. The Thule Paramount 26L can be transformed from a pannier into a backpack, making it perfect for urban commuting.
Equip your bike with a frame, saddle or handlebar bag to carry a puncture repair kit, tools and some snacks. The key is to have everything you need on your bike, stored in a way that’s organized and easily accessible.
8. Use bike lights
Bike lights help keep you safe by ensuring that you can be seen at all times. Having a flashing rear light is essential. You can also add a front light to the handlebars if you commute in the dark. There are also lights for bike helmets and reflectors that make cyclists visible to motorists.
Anyone can make the leap to sustainable mobility. The words to live by? Fun, comfort and preparation. Adopting this healthy lifestyle will benefit both you and Mother Nature.
