Biking To Get Around
Bike Commuting
We may be biased, but commuting by bike is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the environment. We know it may feel daunting at first, but with planning and preparation, you can do it. Our best advice is to start slowly and build up. Set reasonable goals for yourself and find a friend or colleague to ride with. Take your time and enjoy it!
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Top 10 Tips for First-Time Bicycle Commuters
Commuter Tips from the League of American Bicyclists
How to Lock Your Bike (video from our friends at San Francisco Bicycle Coalition)
E-Bikes: The Future of City Travel
How To Trigger Traffic Signals with a Bicycle (Induction Loops, Video Detection, etc)
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How to Fix a Flat – Park Tool Video
How to Patch an Inner Tube – Park Tool Video
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Is riding a bike safe?
This is by far the biggest concern and ranks as the biggest concern amongst riders in North America. However, the more cyclists there are on the roads, the safer they will be. Oh, and the health benefits far outweigh the risks. Check out this article for some interesting statistics.
If you’re feeling apprehensive, consider taking a skills class, join a local bike club and ask a lot of questions to more seasoned urban riders. We know it can be intimidating if you’re new. I find that most bike riders love to help more and more people get on bikes. Ask around, chances are someone you know would be willing to help you get started!
Is riding a bike convenient?
With preparation and planning, biking can be very convenient. Think about the time you may spend sitting in traffic, looking for parking, paying for parking and polluting the environment. How amazing it feels to travel past traffic while exercising and getting fresh air. There are many options to make your commute convenient. Here is a great article that can motivate first time bike commuters! Also, think about what’s realistic for you. Can you commit to biking one time a week? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing!
I live too far from work. How can I possibly bike 30 miles a day?
Be creative! Think about combining public transportation and biking. Bikes are allowed on VTA buses, light rail, Caltrain and BART. Electric bikes are another option for longer commutes – there is nothing wrong with getting a little boost from a pedal assist! E-bikes can turn a 15 mile commute into a relatively easy way to get to work without getting a sweaty workout. You’re still getting health benefits, it’s environmentally friendly and it’s fun! Find your local bike shop and take one for a test ride. Here is a good article from a seasoned electric bike user.
What kind of bike is best for commuting?
Any bike will work! The key is to find a bike that fits you, feels comfortable, is best for your needs and within your budget. Visit your local bike shop and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Be sure to test ride a bunch of different bikes (and check out various local bike shops because they carry different brands)! Here is a good article that we found to be a good guide for beginners.
What if I show up to work sweaty?
Rack up those cool points! True, I work at a Bike Coalition, but still, I believe you’ll be the envy of the office. Arriving to work sweaty may not be for everyone so here are some tips to consider when biking to work.
What should I know about the basics of riding a bike?
These tip sheets from the League of American Bicyclists will help you learn more about how to ride safely and perform maintenance on your bike.
Do I need to wear a bike helmet?
CA law does not require those over age 18 to wear a helmet. We strongly encourage you to wear one, however – you’ve only got one head! Here’s a web page with lots of info about all things bike helmets: Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
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Maps and Popular Routes
The maps below highlight roads with bike-friendly features, as well as off-street paths. Ask friends and colleagues for tips on where to ride, chances are they will have lots of advice! Most important is to determine a route that feels most comfortable for you.
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One of the easiest online tools you can use on either your computer or your smartphone is Google’s Bike Map.
To show bike routes near you on your computer:
Open up Google Maps, click on the 3 horizontal line “Hamburger icon” in the maps search box, and select “Bicycling”.
Bicycle routes (trails, lanes, bicycle friendly roads) will show up highlighted in green.
To see this on your smartphone:
Launch the Google Maps app, click on the layers icon in the upper right, and select “Biking” to show bike routes in green.
You can also get turn-by-turn voice directions for a Google recommended bike route to a destination by entering the destination, clicking on the bicycle route icon, and pressing the “Start” button.
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These more sophisticated tools typically have both a website and a smartphone app that help you quickly plot out bicycle routes and then provide turn-by-turn navigation while you ride the route –including loops (which Google Maps does not do). Note that live turn-by-turn audio directions usually require an upgrade from the free version to a paid version.
https://ridewithgps.com/
https://www.bikemap.net/
https://www.mapmyride.com/us/
https://www.komoot.com/
Bikes and Bay Area Transit
Bikes are allowed on all Bay Area transit and is a great way to shorten long trips.
