Leave the car at home – your body and your bank account will thank you for bicycling or walking to work.
Biking and walking are two of the easiest ways to commute. Physical activity helps you stay fit, reduce stress, sleep better, and feel better overall. Here are some tips on how to get started. And some more tips for beginners.
You will save thousands of dollars a year, avoid getting stuck in traffic, reduce air pollution, and have fun.
Commuting by bike allows you to arrive at work energized for the day and clear your head as you ride home. If your trip is long, consider biking part of the way and parking your car. Or you can bike to a bus stop and put your bike on the bus.
Check out 13 good reasons to commute by bike and the 10 Top Excuses. Check out these health benefits of bicycling.
Not totally sure how to commute by bike? With a little planning about routes and safety, you can become a confident and skilled rider. Consider these tips for commuting by bike.
Looking for a biking buddy? Register on our free, no-obligation database to find a match. By logging your bicycle commutes, you become eligible for the free commuteSMART club, which includes the Emergency Ride Home program and monthly drawings for prizes.
Bike to Work Week is the third week of May. All over the Seacoast and the country, people will be biking to work – for a day or all week. Find out more about this fun annual event.
Share the road
Signals and signs
Safety
Route choice
Bike parking
Clothing
Showering
The bike
Maintenance
Weather
From League of American Bicylists, Inc.
Fight pollution
Stay fit
Avoid traffic delays
Save money
Enjoy your commute
List provided by the League of American Wheelmen, Inc.
Arrive at work invigorated and walk off the day’s stress. You may want to start with one or two days a week, gradually building up to full-time, or just staying at part-time. Most walkers commute about a mile (one way) to work, but everyone is different. Here are some suggestions to get started:
To stay safe walking, follow these rules of the road excerpted from Wendy Bumgardner, About.com, updated July 22, 2008.
You don’t need fancy gear to start walking. It doesn’t hurt to have a pair of shoes, some socks, and some clothing, but really you could go for a walk without any of those items. We’ve heard walking is more comfortable if you wear a pair of shoes, but we’re not pushing anything here. We’d really appreciate it if you at least put on a pair of shorts, though! Walking is the ultimate free and easy way to get around town. If you want some “gear,” check out some of the following options: Shoes – A good pair of shoes will keep you from getting blisters or cutting your feet. A good shoe should fit comfortably; have a flexible sole, and plenty of toe room. Socks – Comfortable socks are just as important as good shoes. Coolmax socks can wick away moisture better than the standard cotton sock, but we won’t send out the sock patrol if you choose to wear regular socks. Clothing – Go for comfort. Make sure you can move your legs comfortably. Clothing made from wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from your body can make walking more comfortable. On cold weather days, layer your clothing so items can be removed as you warm up. On sunny days, add a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Water – Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. If you are going for a shorter walk, drink some water before you head out and more when you return. If you will be walking for longer than 30 minutes, take your water along. Accessories – Bags, backpacks and other carriers (waist belts, and the ever-popular fanny pack), iPod, or exercise monitors (heart rate or pedometers), strollers, folding laundry/grocery carts and little red wagons can come in handy for hauling. Though far from necessary, they can add convenience to your walk. Safety & Security – Wear reflective bands and carry a flashlight at night. Always have your identification, emergency contacts, and when possible, a cell phone.