Seattlest: Bike Commuting in 10 Easy Steps

Charles Redell

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:35:44 -0800

Yarek, Thanks for sharing those resources. allieger, It is kind of scary to get started as a bike commuter, but Yarek is right on. It doesn't have to be so scary that it stops you. You can ease into doing it and simply try it out to see if it is a good fit for you. Luckily, this is an excellent time of year to try and the Cascade Bike Alliance wants you to try. They do a thing every year called Bike to Work Month in May with a host of events to help new people try bike commuting. They also offer classes and weekly forums on how to do it.

Yarek

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:19:01 -0800

Yes, it is daunting to start bike commuting. For all those issues you mention and more. But there are resources out there to help you get over the inertia and even help you to get started. Like the list above, for one. But even more personal attention. My company has a bike mentor program to help get people started in bike commuting- maybe yours does too. If not, there are other clubs that have a similar thing, like Bike Alliance of Washington's Bike Buddy program. And the city has a pretty good resource page for like-minded other organizations.

allieger

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:57:29 -0800

This is a great list. I don't bike commute despite living only 4 miles from work because I'm scared. Scared of traffic, scared of drivers, scared of my own bad instincts and inexperience, scared of other bikers, scared of the potential inconvenience and difficulties seemingly inherent in bike travel, scared of being an out of shape woman on a bike...you name it. But IF I could get past the fear - I know I could learn, gain good experience, and get into better shape. Plus save some cash and do a bit for the environment. Unfortunately, even knowing all this, it's still a big IF for me. But lists like this help - help me to think more positively about biking - help me to actively consider my options more than I do. So thanks. I still may never be a bike commuter, but I guess you never know.

ozmafan

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:39:14 -0800

There are two t's in Elliott Bay.

biker

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:34:02 -0800

you guy's have to come uptodate with this,..i'm a regular german, and riding my bike to school and work for over 30 years,..and check this out! http://www.nabendynamo.de/english/index.html :P)

Charles Redell

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:16:02 -0800

Eco Geek, One of the reasons I wanted to get Dayna's list posted was her number 2. I loved that item. The other reason was that I think this is one of the most balanced ways of promoting bike commuting over cars and I thought it might start changing the tone of the conversation. Dayna is as clear about how we riders need to know our responsibilities and to act on them as she is about our rights. I too am hoping that those who drive will see this and realize that many, many bike commuters do strive to know the laws, use hand signals, stop at lights and all of those important things. Hopefully, that'll help change the tenor of the conversation.

Eco Geek

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:08:34 -0800

I think #2 is perfectly phrased. We bike commuters have to avoid coming off as holier-than-thou, but at the same time it is ok to be proud of yourself for doing the "right" thing. I hope this disccussion doesn't disintegrate into the usual bikers-are-scuflaws vs. drivers-are-trying-to-kill me back and forth that you see in the PI comments section anytime a bike is mentioned in a article.

Yarek

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:42:10 -0800

I especially have to agree with #9, about not needing a shower. This is the most common question, complaint, misunderstanding etc. that people seem to have about bike commuting. Especially here in Seattle, where the weather tends toward the cool side, there really isn't too much sweat to worry about. Even so, I allow myself 20min or so to cool down after riding into work (during which I just check email anyway), then change into a fresh change of clothes and it's a regular workday. Great post!

Katelyn

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:01:56 -0800

And to think I was just getting good at rationalizing my annoying car commute. This is a really helpful post, thanks Dayna!