Cycling has been one of my life long passions. Since my first trip around my driveway on a plastic “Big Wheels” I have been iterating as I find ways to incorporate regular peddling into my life. There have certainly been times in my life where I have had more time for cycling. The summer after High School I bicycled across the US clicking off over 4200 miles during a two month period. During my Ski bum years I worked nights and was able to get many hours of Mountain biking 5+ days a week. Over the past few years kid and work priorities have limited my ability to get out for as many of these uber rides, however, I have found a wonderful way to weave bicycling back into a regular pattern of life through commuting to work by bicycle. My commute consists of a relatively flat 8 mile each way route. A have a few route options all of which offer different experiences and benefits depending on my mood and the conditions. I have learned quite a lot over the past year as I have experimented with different techniques that have made my commuting experiance more enjoyable, convenient and safe.

I feel so fortunate to have discovered this perfect way to get to work. I realize not everyone has the circumstances that allow them to incorporate cycling commuting into their routine, however i do thinks that with a little creativity many people could incorporate bicycle commuting at some level. Here is my sales pitch and a few random tips:

-Stress relief-My favorite thing about my daily commute is the opportunity it gives me to mentally prepare for the day and unwind and index my thoughts at the end of the day. Juggling all the pressures that come with a a busy work and personal life can be stressful. The 30-40 minutes at the start and and of the workday is a great stress reliever

HealthBicycling at a moderate intensity for 60-80 minutes a day burns about 1200 Calories. This is a good start to an exercise program and unlike sitting on a cardio machine at a gym time flies. Once you build this into your routine it is much easier to stay on track with then an early morning or evening trip to a gym that can easily be deferred when life gets busy

Neighborhood awarenessThis was an unexpected benefit of commuting. Traveling on different routes to and from my office has exposed me to streets and neighborhoods that I would not even know about. When you are traveling at 10-20 miles an hour you notice so much more. Random observations made while cycling to work are a wonderful part of the experience. Instead of getting into the bubble of a car traveling on the highway you have a heightened sense of the sounds, smells, people and aesthetics of the neighborhoods you travel through. I find myself selecting my routes based on my mood. Sometimes I feel choose the quiet,low traffic routes so I can zone out and think. Other times, I choose to travel down State street a busy street commercial street which stimulates the mind with a random collection of diverse businesses and people.

I am still learning how to improve my comfort and safety while commuting but here are a few tips:
1- Know multiple route options- A friend who commutes regularly gave me this advice. Explore the different route options. If you experiment with different routes, you will have more options and choices depending on the conditions. For example some routes may be best when you are in a hurry and just need to get to work or home quick. Other routes might be the safest route when it is dark or if their is inclement weather. In addition to these considerations having more then one way to go from point a to b will make your commute more interesting, so avoid getting into a route rut.
2-Gear You really don’t need a lot of specialty gear for commuting. As long as you have a reliable well maintained bicycle and a simple backpack you can have fun cycling to work during long days and warm weather months. . As the day get shorter and cold weather approaches you can make your commute much more comfortable and safer with some key gear. I justify the expense by considering all the gas money I am saving 🙂 Here is a short list of the gear I have found most helpful:
-Lights- As the days get shorter you can never have too much light. Even during the day I find a bright flashing lights really grabs distracted drivers attention. I use a Night Rider 600 rechargeable LED light as my primary light. Technology has really improved in the last few years. I like this light because it does not have a separate battery pack, it can be recharged and it has a variety of flashing and brightness settings. I use a simple planet gear rear blinking red light. I am considering getting a few more blinkers so I can have a front blinker running at the same time as the primary spotlight. I am also looking into some illumination for the side view.
-Bright and reflective clothes- Last year I received a bright yellow light windbreaker jacket that converts into a vest. Anything you can do to make yourself more visible and grab attention will help. I am thinking about adding some more reflective stickers to my bike as well.
-Warm clothes and layers- Dressing for winter commuting is an art form. Similar to dressing for cross country skiing, layers are best. Windstopper options can be a lifesaver on bitter cold days. I have neoprene booties that slip over my biking shoes, which are key when it is less then 45 degrees.
-Studded tires- If you are committed to riding year round and live in an area with snow and ice, then having a second set of rims with studded tires are a good option. Last year I purchased my first pair of studded tires. I was really impressed with them and I am able to ride even on the ice and snowy days.
-Bad air filter- During inversions Salt Lake has red air days with high level of particulates in the air. My neighbor did some research and recomended the Respro City Face Mask and filter. I just got one last night for hanukah so I will keep you posted on how it works.
Happy Cycling!