FAQ's:
Q: HOW DO I GET
STARTED?
A: Maybe you haven’t been on
your bike for a long time. Pull it out of the garage, give it a
tune-up (or take it to a shop for a tune-up) and climb
back in the saddle. On that first sweet downhill, you will remember why
everyone loves to ride a bike!
Go for a test ride
on your commute route. Give it a try on a weekend, when there is not a lot
of traffic. Unsure of your route? Contact one of our Bike
Buddies, they can help you plan your route and even meet you
on your commute. Or check our Map of Routes Used by Bike
Commuters (this map is best viewed on line, using the zoom feature.
However, if you can't see the routes on the map, try saving it to your
computer and reopening it.)
Is your route longer
than you are comfortable with? Why not try to “park ‘n
cycle”? Leave your car in a commuter parking lot and then bike
the rest of the way.
Set reasonable goals! Start
off riding once or twice a week. When you meet that goal, add another day.
And don’t make yourself miserable, if you don’t like to ride in the rain,
don’t! In the summer, try to ride early when it is cool. On hot days,
adjust your pace. YOU CAN DO THIS! And once you get
started, the riding will become its own reward!
Q: What are the rules of the road for
cyclists?
A:
Check out the Connecticut
Bicycle Statutes - Its always good to know what the laws are
regarding bicycles. Start here for Connecticut - Sections 14-286
through 14-289. Your locality may have regulations of its own
(ex. rules about riding on sidewalks).
Q: Don’t I need an expensive bike and
specialized clothes?
A: Any bike in good, safe mechanical condition and clothes
suitable to the weather will do. You will probably want some kind of
storage system on your bike – a rack and panniers work well. Some people
like to use a backpack. Be sure to wear a helmet and have a
lock.
Q:
How do I carry that big stupid bike lock?
A: Leave it on the rack. If you use the same rack
every day, just leave you lock there - but don't forget your key. It
saves a lot of weight on you and room in your bags. I actually have
several locks that I leave in the two or three most common of my
destinations.
Q:
I live 25 miles from work. How could I bike to
work?
A: You can park ‘n ride your bike from one of the many free
commuter lots. Drive to a lot that is located at a comfortable biking
distance from work, park your car and bike the rest of the way. This has
the added advantage that if something comes up or the weather turns bad,
you can leave your bike at work and take the bus home. And after riding
several weeks, you may find you want to make that 25 mile bike trip once a
week!
Q:
How would I figure out what route to take?
A: Take a look at the routes that other cyclists use (Map
of routes used by bike commuters,) or contact one of our bike buddies
who can give you some routing advice. And be sure to go for a test ride.
Give it a try on a weekend when there is not a lot of traffic.
Q:
How can I find someone else to ride in with?
A: Contact one
of our Bike
Buddies, they can meet you on your ride.
Q:
How can I bike to work with my busy schedule?
A: Consider the
traffic on your route and the length of your trip. Many people find that
bike commuting only adds a few minutes to their commute time. And they
have the added bonus that they have made time for a workout in their busy
day.
Q:
There is no shower at my office. Where should I clean
up?
A: For a short commute, you
may find that you don’t need to shower. If you do need to shower, the
Downtown YMCA and the Taking Care Center have agreed to make their shower
facilities available on bike to work event days. There is no fee any day
for bike commuters to shower at the downtown YMCA. Contact CRCOG
(522-2217) to pre-register.
The East Hartford BTW
events are held at the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Club which has allowed
use of its bathroom and shower facilities on BTW Event days. The
Pratt & Whitney East Hartford campus does not have showers onsite for
employees, but there are several employee led teams that are trying to
change that.
Another option if you are changing in a
restroom (or large handicapped stall) is to pack handi-wipes or some type
of alcohol wipe with your change of clothes. This is good for a
quick sanitization of areas most likely to get fragrant. Its also
good to keep a spare pair of socks and a deodorant bar in your desk
drawer.
Q:
How about nearby bathrooms for the Downtown BTW Events?
A: At the
downtown events the Taking Care Center has nearby bathrooms that are
available for commuters that might need a pit stop. East Hartford
has bathrooms in the P&W Aircraft Club facility.
Q:
What about my work clothes?
A: Different
bikers use different strategies. Some bike in their work clothes. For a
more strenuous commute, you can carry your change of clothes in a pack or
a bag on your bike (bike rack with panniers). Or, on non-biking days you
can bring several days of work clothes for your bike commute
days.
Q: What if
I’m out of shape?
A: Ease yourself into biking. If you go at an easy pace, you will
find biking no more strenuous than walking. And you will be surprised by
how quickly your body responds and is capable of more.
Q:
What if there’s no place to lock up?
A: You might be able to take your bike right up into your office.
Check on nearby parking garages, many of them have bike racks. Otherwise,
lock your bike to an immovable object, use a cable or U-Lock, and for extra security,
be sure it is in a visible location. Stay away from building exits
and stairs, or you may block a fire exit and your bike won't be there when
you get back.
Q:
What do I do if it rains?
A: A raincoat and a shot of lube on the bike’s working
parts will keep both you and the bike from rusting. But don’t make
yourself miserable, if you don’t like to ride in the rain,
don’t!
I've recently learned
the beauty of Gore-Tex rainwear. Believe me, if you are an
all-weather commuter, the expensive gear is worth it.
Q:
Is commuting by bicycle dangerous?
A:
Like any outdoor activity, there are
risks. Don't forget there are also risks involved with driving while
talking on a cell phone and eating a Southwestern chicken wrap.... you
know you've done something similar.
With advice from more
experienced bicyclists or from internet biking sites, and the proper
equipment, risks can be minimized. And remember, the best strategy for
safe cycling is to follow the rules and be predictable. Cyclists should
follow the vehicle code, obeying traffic control and riding on the right
side of the road. If you ride when it is dark, be sure you have adequate
front and rear lights.
Cyclists that follow the rules of the road have 80% fewer
accidents than those that don't - another reason to stop at the
red-lights and signal your turns.
Don't forget that
driving your car has plenty of risks as well, including the long term
risks of serious health problems resulting from a sedentary
lifestyle.
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