9 Tips for Commuting by Bicycle on Bike to Work Day, May 20
Are you looking for ways be more physically active? Maybe you’d like to drive less. Maybe you’d like to skip the hassle of hunting for parking. Maybe you just like trying new things.
Whatever your reason, it’s a good reason to try commuting to work by bicycle on Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20!
People who commute to work by bicycle are healthier, happier, less stressed and more focused, on average, than people who commute by car. Below are nine tips to get you started.
9 Tips for Bicycle Commuting
Determine if bicycle commuting is feasible for you. Use something like Google Maps to check how long it should take to ride from your home to work. Are you physically able to ride that distance or amount of time? Is there somewhere secure you can lock your bicycle at work? Are you allowed to bring your bicycle into the building?
Care for your bicycle. Make sure your tires have air, brakes work well and that there are no weird noises (Video: ABC Quick Check). Buy a sturdy lock that is not easily cut and learn how to properly lock your bicycle to reduce risk of theft. Learn how to change a flat and purchase the necessary gear or have a backup plan in case you get a flat an are unable to fix it yourself.
Identify a route. You can start with suggestions from Google Maps, but Google often suggests roads that are dangerous for biking. Can you find alternative routes with slower, quieter streets? Use our Denton Bike Routes and Conditions Map to help you decide.
Practice riding your route outside of work hours, like in the evening, to see how it feels. This will help you feel more confident the day you ride to work.
Think about cargo. Decide how you’ll carry things you need to take to work. If you’re just starting out, a backpack may be easiest. If you start bicycle commuting regularly, consider investing in a bike rack and panniers.
Plan for sweat. You can reduce sweating by riding slower, avoiding hills, choosing shady routes or using an e-bike, but in the summer, sweat is inevitable. Wear cool, breathable clothing on your ride and bring work clothes to change into once you arrive. If needed, freshen up with wipes, a washcloth or paper towels.
Use public transportation if needed. If you live far from work or have to cross a dangerous road to get there, consider using a bus, train or GoZone for part of your journey. All DCTA buses have bike racks on the front, you can request GoZones with bike racks and bicycles are permitted on the A-Train. Bring your bicycle onto a DCTA bus or train on Bike to Work Day and get free rides. Offer does not apply to GoZone. Learn more about using DCTA with your bicycle
Brush up on bicycle laws and safety. The League of American Bicyclists has safe cycling tips and safe cycling videos you can review. Below are some highlights:
On a bicycle, you are considered a “vehicle” and must follow the same traffic laws as when you are driving. This includes riding with traffic (not against it), stopping at stop signs and red lights, signaling turns, riding the correct direction on a one-way street, etc.
A white front light and red rear reflector are required by Texas law when riding at night.
It is legal to ride on sidewalks in Denton except downtown, where you can be ticketed. However, riding on the sidewalk reduces your visibility to motorists and therefore increases your risk of being hit. Riding on the road is generally safer, because motorists are more likely to see you.
A bicycle helmet is not legally required for adults in Texas but it is strongly recommended.
You are legally permitted to ride in the center of a travel lane if it is 14 feet wide or less. Most travel lanes in Denton are 10-12 feet wide. Riding in the center of the lane keeps you safer by encouraging motorists to change lanes when passing instead of trying to squeeze past you in the same lane.
Have fun! Biking to work is very different from driving to work and can be a lot of fun! Keep in mind that the more you commute by bicycle, the better you will get at your route choice, carrying cargo and dealing with sweat once you arrive to work.
Read more bicycle commuting tips from the League of American Bicyclists.
Bike to Work Day 2022
Friday, May 20 is Bike to Work Day. Below are the activities Bike Denton is aware of:
Energizer Station
7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Emily Fowler Library (502 Oakland)
Stop by for breakfast goodies and to chat about opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Parkway Street.
Hosted by the City of Denton.
Bike to Lunch
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Downtown Denton
Round up some coworkers and bike to downtown or somewhere nearby for lunch. This is an informal event with no set schedule or destination.
Additional Activites
Bike with the Mayors | Saturday, May 21 at 7:45 a.m. | Downtown Denton Transit Center
Catch the 8 a.m. A-Train in downtown Denton and ride it to Lewisville. Bicycle from Lewisville to Denton with mayors from Lewisville, Corinth and Denton.
Free Grab-and-Go Bike Kits | The entire month of May | Emily Fowler Library (502 Oakland St)
Emily Fowler Library is giving away free grab-and-go bike kits while supplies last. Kits contain local biking information, a patch kit and a bike light.
