More people are bicycling to work than ever. According to a recent report by USA Today, the number of bicycle commuters has increased by about 60% in the past decade. In 2008 through 2012 about 786,000 people were commuting by bike in the U.S. Although bicyclists account for less than 1% of all commuters, many who do it find it both relaxing and energizing. If you are considering bicycle commuting, you need to know some basic safety tips before you begin.
Safety Tips
- Know the law and rules of the road.
- Plan your route ahead of time and give it a dry run on your day off.
- When planning your route, figure in heavy traffic times. Try to use bike paths and less travelled roads whenever possible.
- Leave early so you are not distracted or taking chances because you are in a rush.
- Don’t forget important safety gear including lights and reflective clothing.
- Consider taking a class even if you already know how to ride a bike, especially if your commute is in city traffic.
- Always take rain gear with you. You never know when the weather will turn.
- Ride in the middle of the lane whenever possible.
- Be courteous to drivers. When you commute, you are likely to encounter many of the same drivers every day.
Remember that you will need to get cleaned up once you get to work, so plan accordingly. If you don’t want to carry your toiletries and clothing with you every day, consider storing a week’s worth at work.
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