Overcoming Bike Commuting Concerns
"I'm out of shape"
Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work.
"I'm out of shape"
Ride at an easy pace; in a few months you will be in great shape.
"I'm out of shape"
Consider an e-bike (lots of bikeshare services have them now!) or bike part of the way and take transit for the rest
Take an E-bike Workshop
"It's too far"
Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day.
"It's too far"
Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your commute.
"It's too far"
Ride to a coworker’s house and carpool to work.
"I'm not sure if my bike still works"
Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike.
"I'm not sure if my bike still works"
If you can’t maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route.
Take a Fix-a-Flat Class!
"I'm not sure if my bike still works"
Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you start riding.
"IT TAKES TOO LONG"
Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or less as by car.
"IT TAKES TOO LONG"
Trips of less than three miles will be quicker by bike than by car.
"IT TAKES TOO LONG"
The average commuter travels at 10 mph (and faster by e-bike)—the more you ride, the faster you will get.
"I don't know how to ride a bike"
Take a free Adult Learn to Ride workshop with HBL!
Sign up for a class!
"I have things to carry"
Add accessories like a cargo rack, basket, or handlebar bag to add carrying capacity.
"I don't know where to ride"
Take a free workshop with HBL, or consult with a bike buddy
Pair me with a pedaling partner
"There's no bike parking"
Look around for a storage area in your building or office.
"There's no bike parking"
Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office.
"There's no bike parking"
Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside.
"No place to shower"
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"I don't want to get stinky"
Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only.
"No place to shower"
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"I don't want to get stinky"
Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there.
"No place to shower"
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"I don't want to get stinky"
Most commuters don’t shower at work; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry.
"But what about rain?"
Fenders for your bike and rain gear for your body will keep you dry.
"I don't want to get rained on"
If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day.
"But what about rain?"
Take transit or drive if you don’t have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain.
"The roads aren't safe"
Join bike advocacy groups to join our work for safer streets.
Join HBL!
"The roads aren't safe"
Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights.
Take a free bike class!
"The roads aren't safe"
You are at no greater risk than driving a car.
"The roads aren't safe"
Wear a helmet every time you ride.
Learn about bike laws
"I'm out of shape"
Ride at an easy pace; in a few months you will be in great shape ⬤ Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work 🚲 Consider an e-bike (lots of bikeshare services have them now!) or bike part of the way and take transit for the rest