Simplifying Your Daily Commute
I have been commuting by bicycle for more than 30 years. My commutes have been incredibly enhanced by having local Multi-Use Paths for long sections. Still, getting out in traffic, climbing hills, fighting wind and weather as well as just being ready for work, when you get there, can be a challenge.
As with any bicycle ride, it is important that you control your lane. This is on the street, in a lane or on a MUP. There is not room enough for you and another vehicle in your lane. Squeezing to the side only invites others to try that sharing. Not only do you end up in the gutter, where almost all punctures occur, but you could be struck by a motorist (motorists on crossing streets or turning, don’t notice you…there’s more, but for another blog). We all need to learn that it is proper to slow and wait for an opportunity to change lanes when passing.
Dressing for conditions is the same as walking in them, hunting, fishing or camping. If you don’t have an e-bike, you’ll change when you get to work anyway. If you do, it just goes over what you wear. It’s not that tough cleaning up in a restroom. I did it for years when wearing a suit was required! Never once did anyone complain. In the 90’s it was not uncommon to be asked who the weirdo was that rides a bike to work. Folks were astounded to learn it was the suit in front of them.
The e-bike has made this all soo much more simple. Dress for where you are going. If it’s hot, slow your cadence and up your boost. If it’s cold, extra layers aren’t going to slow you down. Wind becomes irrelevant, as do hills. The stop and go of riding in traffic is no longer a factor.. Your assist can get you through any intersection more quickly than a normal motorist. You arrive at work relaxed and exhilarated rather than bedraggled or worse, frazzled from motoring in traffic.