With a little preparation, biking to work can be fun. If you are just starting, set a goal to ride once a week, and once you learn how fun and easy it is, you can slowly begin riding more frequently
- Check your bicycle and yourself, especially if you haven’t ridden for awhile
- Make sure your brakes work
- Pump up your tires to their recommended air pressure (soft tires make riding a lot harder)
- Consult with one of the Keweenaw’s bike shops or the Outdoor Adventure Program if you have any questions or concerns
- Check with your doctor if you have concerns about starting an exercise program
- Find a good route from your home to your campus destination. Try out different routes to find the one that works best for you. The best route to work by bike may not be the same route that you drive. Ask co-workers who already bike commute for advice
- Wear a helmet! Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, even when you are pedaling along slowly on a bike path. No trip is "too short" to wear a helmet
- Dress appropriately. In nice weather many bike commuters ride in their work clothes if they don’t have far to travel. However, many people choose to carry their work clothes in a backpack or pannier and change at work