Biking to Work: A Beginner’s Guide

The bicycle injury attorneys at Kass & Moses believe that biking to work is an excellent alternative that incorporates exercise and eco-friendly transportation. Perhaps you have been riding a bicycle in your leisure time for years, or maybe you are simply searching for a more economical way to get to work. Maybe you want to incorporate your workout into your daily schedule or perhaps you just want to lose a few pounds. Whatever your motivations may be, biking to work is an excellent, healthy, and environmentally-conscious choice. But before you hop on the bike with your briefcase, there are a few things to consider.

Before You Being Biking to Work:

• First, lay out your route. The route you drive by car may not be the same route you want to take on your bicycle. Consider traffic density, bicycle lanes, the number of intersections you will encounter, and the total distance when planning your ride. Consult your GPS or Google Maps and make a trial run. It’s much better to encounter issues when you aren’t under the gun to get to work on time!
• Next, plan your attire. Some people are fortunate enough to work in an environment that allows casual dress. Most of us, however, have to dress for the job. Your business suit may look dapper, but you probably don’t want to wear it when you are biking. Also, carrying it along may not be a great alternative. Consider leaving clothes and shoes at work and then changing each day when you arrive at the office.
• Plan for fuel! If you have a fair distance to go, remember to fuel ahead and during your ride. Keep a couple gels on hand and remember to stay hydrated. Of course, this is true for any ride!
• Consider a satchel rather than a purse or briefcase. These are designed to be worn close to the body and fit around the neck and over the shoulder so they don’t hang unwieldly. When selecting a satchel, try to find the smallest size that will reasonable accommodate your needs.
• Plan where you will park your bike. Your office may allow you to bring it inside or may have an area where bikes can be locked. Keep a bike lock on hand, always.
• Be prepared! The weather may be beautiful in the morning when you head in to the office, but remember that rain can occur at any time. Be prepared! Keep a plastic poncho in your satchel at all times and don’t be afraid to use it. In addition, keep an extra jacket or sweater at the office in case you need it.
• Remember that it’s a round-trip journey. Calculate the total miles and make sure your body is accustomed to handling at least that many each day. You don’t want to be stuck at work, cramping from your morning ride and not wanting to bicycle home!

Overall, riding a bike to work is a tremendous pleasure with numerous benefits. Just be sure you are prepared, always wear a helmet, and stay safe. The bike injury lawyers at Kass & Moses wish you safe travels!

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