Bike Commuting in 10 Easy Steps

9. You don’t need access to a shower.
There really are not that many hot days in Seattle, and cycling doesn't have to be a strenuous activity. Some days you will have a light sweat and, occasionally, a real sweat; but is that really going to make you so smelly that a change of clothes and a little deodorant won’t fix ya right up? There are things you can do if you do feel a bit stinky.

8. Get a pannier.
I only got my pannier in the last year and I now believe they are awesome. It took the weight off my back, made me less sweaty and, since I have a waterproof one, nothing gets wet inside it. I miss the convenience of my Timbuk 2 messenger bag, but I am never going back.

7. Cars are not the biggest safety hazard.
Cycling can be dangerous, but not for the reasons you think (and not as dangerous as you think either). When I started cycling, I thought cars were the biggest hazard out there, but I’ve had four crashes in the last 10 years and only two involved cars. The other two were thanks to the road itself. Raised castings on the street (where the top layer of pavement is stripped off) and black ice caused my worst crashes. Add in metal plates on the roadway (when wet, these are a slip-n-slide for your bike), huge gaping potholes that your bike tires have no chance of smoothing out, and railroad tracks...the most dangerous thing is the road itself. Cars can be dangerous, but if you are vigilant and take steps to protect yourself, like following the rules of the road, they are not your worst enemy.

6. Rewards make biking worth it.
Yeah, cycling isn’t always what I want to do, so I often use the reward system for myself. I have a great vacuum-sealed commuter mug that I take into the Uptown Espresso on my way to work, a shop that isn’t on the bus or driving route. If I commute by bike to and from work the entire week, I can get a cinnamon roll on Friday. You also get some health and job rewards including a work out, fresh air, and you arrive at work very alert so you can get more done.

5. Your life is actually quite good.
The thing that bothers me the most about bike commuting is the angry people in cars that you encounter about once every three months. They love to yell at you as they speed by, only to come to a complete stop about five seconds later at the light. I finally realized that someone that feels the need to roll down their window and yell at me (while I am riding lawfully) is having a really bad life. I'm glad I'm not that upset and angry.

4. Know your rights.
It is imperative to know your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist. You are allowed to ride on the road, which is much safer than riding on the sidewalk. But your bike is a moving vehicle, so you must follow the rules of the road. These include signaling, stopping at lights, and waiting your place in line. You must wear a helmet. You must have lights on while night riding. Know your rights and use them; that lane is yours too.

3. Safety is being seen.
Cars, the road, pedestrians, and other cyclists are all a danger to you. You must be very focused when you ride, make eye contact with drivers, follow the rules of the road, and be predictable. But, above all, you have to make yourself seen. I couldn't believe the difference in my commute when I got one of those really obnoxious yellow jackets. I'm seen so much better now. In the winter, or when riding at night, I put an obnoxious reflective vest over the yellow jacket—which helps, but isn’t going to keep me from being hit. For that, you also need lights on your bike and up on your helmet, including red flashing ones. Put a white flashing light on your handlebars and use a rechargeable, super-white light on your helmet. It’ll light your way (unlike the battery-powered ones). And, since it's on your helmet, you can point it at traffic or pedestrians to make sure that they see you. I purchased a complete rechargeable set with 2 white lights and a red light for $200 at Alpine Hut, which is way cheaper than the emergency room.

2. It’s a War for Hope.
On those weeks when it rains every day, it’s cold out, and I’ve been yelled at by some angry driver, I can get kinda down on bike commuting. I have to remember why I’m out there. I am a warrior fighting the war for hope. I alone am responsible for the decisions I make, and I have decided to make the world a better place by not killing it. Bike commuting gives me hope that the world will one day be a better place. Without that hope, it's challenging to live.

1. Bike commuting is not that hard.
It really isn’t. Just pay attention, keep a sense of humor, and enjoy the benefits. Unless driving is an integral part of your job, you really have no excuse not to bike commute. You choose where you work and live. You also choose what contribution you make to the world.

Although she didn't mention it, we'd like to point out the reflective tape Dayna has all over bike, as well. Check it out in that shot above that we took yesterday on the Elliot Bay Bike trail.