What should I know about commuting via bicycle?

Question

My fiancee and I recently purchased a new home. It is close to the grocery store and our places of employment. I was thinking about buying a bicycle to commute to work and the grocery store. What are some basics that a first timer should know? i.e. Accessories I'll need, traffic basics, securing my bike, etc.

Answer 1

you have the same rights on the road as a car, and the same resposibilities...

mirrors and helmet reccomended...

get a lock chain if you;re worried about your bicycle being stolen...

Answer 2

The first thing you need to know is that your life is about to improve dramatically and in ways you may not even realize!

No gas. No insurance. No parking costs and bonus workout time so you might get to cancel that gym membership!

This is totally exciting and I am stoked you'll be joining me in the bike lane!

First the bike.  Go test ride at your local bike shop and fearlessly ask a ton of questions.  No intimidation allowed and never go to a big box store for your bike.  

You need to make sure that your fitted properly for your ride.  Have them fit you even if you don't purchase and give you the dimensions.

Now get a helmet and some simple front and rear lights  - even if you don't think you'll ride at night... get them, put them on, use them!

Wear whatever you are comfortable in- there's no rule about lycra! - watch the chain for loose clothing.  Experiment prior to your commute if you wear skirts - some are OK, others... well you can imagine.  (I don't mind, but you might!)

You might want a basket or a bike rack with saddle bag(s) for the grocery store.

If there is a secure place at work to lock your bike (only you and coworkers have access) you can get by with a cable lock.  If not find the best bike rack around and definitely use a "U Lock".  

Do a Google search for "Sheldon Brown" - he's got more advice on this stuff too.

Try this site to plan a route or hook up with a local bike club online to see where you can get a map.

http://tripplanner.bycycle.org/

Does it rain a lot where you live?  Fenders!!!  90% dryer I kid you not.

You might also join an online bike forum for more tips.

Good luck and happy riding!

Answer 3

Always remember that between you and a car- the car will always win. Never "take" the right-of-way. Obey traffic signs like you are driving a car- they pertain to bicyclists the exact same way. Always use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors. Wear a helmet. Use a good bike lock. Be very careful when riding on the sidewalk- pedestrian always have the right-of-way.

Answer 4

Excellent plan.

Some tips from a cycling country:

- don't spend silly money on a commuting bike.  Expensive bikes make better booty.   Think commuter bike, not sportsbike.are

- get a chainlock to attach your bike to something. That will make it impossible to lift it and break the lock later.

- Think about bags (if you're going to the store).

- What's your climate? If you run the risk of rain-surprise, make sure your bike has mudguards, to save your back!

Answer 5

Raincoat . . .

Be sure to get "Mr Tuffy" installed under both tires.  I got sick and tired of fixing flat tires after walking home.  

Mr Tuffy is a special polymer that doesn't allow punctures to penetrate through from your tire into your tube.  It comes in various sizes to fit all size tires.  Just lay it in the tire before mounting it on the rim.  I have never had a flat with a Mr. Tuffy installed (ok, once I had a sidewall puncture, but it didn't penetrate the Mr. Tuffy)

.

Answer 6

1st timer? You should probably learn to ride first.