| ©2004 Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council P.O. Box 17164, Lansing, Michigan 48901-7164 (517) 214-5684 jessicayorko@sustainablesolutions.biz |
| Smart Commute - Prepare |
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Smart Commute bike
commuting classes
commuting classes
Bingham walks and bikes
to school
to school
Bike lanes on MSU
campus
campus
Smart Commuting by bus
Mayor Virg Benero walks
Bingham students to
school
Bingham students to
school
6. There are many other helpful websites and online resources on bicycle commuting and on
riding with traffic. One very comprehensive site is at:
www.bicyclinglife.com/PracticalCycling/commuteguide.htm.
riding with traffic. One very comprehensive site is at:
www.bicyclinglife.com/PracticalCycling/commuteguide.htm.
Preparing for bicycle commuting
An excellent resource on bicycle commuting is the Bike Commuter
Manual (PDF), developed by Shimano and the League of American
Bicyclists (click here to download).
Below are the Smart Commute '06 recommended steps for preparing
to Smart Commute, which is largely a compiliation of information from
other sources such as the Leauge of American Bicyclists, League of
Michigan Bicyclists, and other Smart Commute resources.
An excellent resource on bicycle commuting is the Bike Commuter
Manual (PDF), developed by Shimano and the League of American
Bicyclists (click here to download).
Below are the Smart Commute '06 recommended steps for preparing
to Smart Commute, which is largely a compiliation of information from
other sources such as the Leauge of American Bicyclists, League of
Michigan Bicyclists, and other Smart Commute resources.
2. Make sure you have the equipment, supplies, and attire you will need to be comfortable.
**Click here for a wiki pages that explains the different types and styles of bicycles, click here for a
YouTube video showing different types of bike, and click here for a page explaining how to create a
proper bike fit.
Other accessories and supplies:
- Helmet. A must-have. Helmets are getting more and more lightweight and stylish, so there's no
excuse. Protect your brain. ($30-$160)
- Tire Fixing Tools. If you ever get a flat while you're out, you'll need to have a patch kit ($5), a spare
inner tube ($5), and a frame pump ($15-$60) with you. Keep your patch kit and tube in a seatbag
for easy storage ($15).
- Backpack and/or bike messenger bag. ($15-$60). Great for transporting the things you need for
your work day. If you attach a rear rack to your bike, you can attach your bag to a rack rather than
wear it.
- Bike Clothes. Shorts and skorts with the built-in padded chamois liner can make your ride more
comfy. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep your warm and dry. A set of waterproof pants and rain
jacket are good for rainy days. ($30-$100)
When the weather is hot: being on a bike can be much more comfortable than driving, because the
open air and breeze will keep you cool.
When the weather is cold: moving will keep you warmer than you think. Wear a cap or ear warmers
under your helmet. Wear light layers so that you can remove layers in case you get too warm.
- Bottles and Cages. To attach water bottles to your bike ($10).
- Gloves. Palm padding cushions your hands and protects your skin. ($10-$40)
- Floor Pump. Having a floor pump with a guage to keep at home is a good idea. ($15-$60)
- Bike Lock. You'll need a good one to keep your bike from "riding off" while you're working. A
U-Lock made of strong metal is your best bet.
**Click here for a wiki pages that explains the different types and styles of bicycles, click here for a
YouTube video showing different types of bike, and click here for a page explaining how to create a
proper bike fit.
Other accessories and supplies:
- Helmet. A must-have. Helmets are getting more and more lightweight and stylish, so there's no
excuse. Protect your brain. ($30-$160)
- Tire Fixing Tools. If you ever get a flat while you're out, you'll need to have a patch kit ($5), a spare
inner tube ($5), and a frame pump ($15-$60) with you. Keep your patch kit and tube in a seatbag
for easy storage ($15).
- Backpack and/or bike messenger bag. ($15-$60). Great for transporting the things you need for
your work day. If you attach a rear rack to your bike, you can attach your bag to a rack rather than
wear it.
- Bike Clothes. Shorts and skorts with the built-in padded chamois liner can make your ride more
comfy. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep your warm and dry. A set of waterproof pants and rain
jacket are good for rainy days. ($30-$100)
When the weather is hot: being on a bike can be much more comfortable than driving, because the
open air and breeze will keep you cool.
When the weather is cold: moving will keep you warmer than you think. Wear a cap or ear warmers
under your helmet. Wear light layers so that you can remove layers in case you get too warm.
- Bottles and Cages. To attach water bottles to your bike ($10).
- Gloves. Palm padding cushions your hands and protects your skin. ($10-$40)
- Floor Pump. Having a floor pump with a guage to keep at home is a good idea. ($15-$60)
- Bike Lock. You'll need a good one to keep your bike from "riding off" while you're working. A
U-Lock made of strong metal is your best bet.
1. Create a smart commuting plan that will work for your situation.
If you would like to bicycle commute but are concerned that it may be too
far, try the following:
www.cata.org for bus route info.
accordingly. Start slow and build yourself up to a faster pace over time.
As a rule of thumb, if you can walk a mile, you can easily pedal five. Most people, even when they're
not in top shape, can walk three miles (= ability to pedal 15 miles).
Not sure about safe bicycling routes to and from your workplace? Check out the routes section of
this website for low-traffic, pleasant routes to downtown Lansing and MSU from Haslett, Okemos,
Holt, Delta Township, South Lansing, East Lansing, and other areas. Click here for routes.
Also check out the Tri-County Bicycle Association's Crosstown Maps.
If you would like to bicycle commute but are concerned that it may be too
far, try the following:
- Bike one way and take your bike on transit the other way. You
www.cata.org for bus route info.
- Start from a park-n-ride, bus stop, or other parking area and
- Build up to longer distances by riding your route both on weekends
accordingly. Start slow and build yourself up to a faster pace over time.
As a rule of thumb, if you can walk a mile, you can easily pedal five. Most people, even when they're
not in top shape, can walk three miles (= ability to pedal 15 miles).
Not sure about safe bicycling routes to and from your workplace? Check out the routes section of
this website for low-traffic, pleasant routes to downtown Lansing and MSU from Haslett, Okemos,
Holt, Delta Township, South Lansing, East Lansing, and other areas. Click here for routes.
Also check out the Tri-County Bicycle Association's Crosstown Maps.
4. Tips and tricks on maintaining a stunning appearance and non-offensive smell while Smart
Commuting.
** Start as a fair weather bike-commuter. Keep rain gear at work so that if there is a turn, you will
have the spare (brightly colored) protection. Or, put your bike on a city bus and take the bus home.
**Save race speeds for the trip home!
** Stay cool: most mornings are cool enough to keep you from getting too sweaty. Also use
waterproof and breathable fabrics.
** Keep baby wipes, deodorant, witch hazel, and talcum powder at your office in case you need to
freshen up. These will all prevent body odor if you've worked up a sweat on your way to work.
** Wear more athletic clothing during your commute and change at work. Keep sport coats/jackets
and dress shoes in the office. Bring clean shirt/slacks/skirts in your rack bag. Or bring clothes to
the office on non-riding days.
Commuting.
** Start as a fair weather bike-commuter. Keep rain gear at work so that if there is a turn, you will
have the spare (brightly colored) protection. Or, put your bike on a city bus and take the bus home.
**Save race speeds for the trip home!
** Stay cool: most mornings are cool enough to keep you from getting too sweaty. Also use
waterproof and breathable fabrics.
** Keep baby wipes, deodorant, witch hazel, and talcum powder at your office in case you need to
freshen up. These will all prevent body odor if you've worked up a sweat on your way to work.
** Wear more athletic clothing during your commute and change at work. Keep sport coats/jackets
and dress shoes in the office. Bring clean shirt/slacks/skirts in your rack bag. Or bring clothes to
the office on non-riding days.
3. Understand bicycle safety information and bicycle commuter responsibilities according to
traffic laws. The most comprehensive guide for this information comes from the Leauge of
Michigan Bicyclist's booklet, What Every Michigan Bicyclists Should Know. To obtain a copy, contact
us or contact the LMB at 517-334-9100, office@lmb.org.
We have also compiled a list of basic bicycling safety information (click here) for your use.
traffic laws. The most comprehensive guide for this information comes from the Leauge of
Michigan Bicyclist's booklet, What Every Michigan Bicyclists Should Know. To obtain a copy, contact
us or contact the LMB at 517-334-9100, office@lmb.org.
We have also compiled a list of basic bicycling safety information (click here) for your use.
5. Check out Bicycle Commuting Lessons
Presentations, packets, and classes offered by Mid-MEAC and community volunteers throughout
the year.
Presentations, packets, and classes offered by Mid-MEAC and community volunteers throughout
the year.
the day! It wakes me up and clears my head before my day really begins. I’m healthy, I feel strong, and I eat what I want for lunch. Commuting by bike keeps me young and alive.” — Tim Brady, Machinist |
Biking along the Riverwalk
