10 Tips for Success with Bike Commuting You Should Know

Keeping fit with bike commuting is awesome; however, your success depends on your level of organization and game plan. I've compiled some of the most important tips you'll need to achieve success engaging in bike commuting.

Tip 1: Route Planning

Figure out a safe route before getting started. It won't be an easy task since there are many missing paths on maps. However, spending ample time getting this done is worth it, as you'd have a bike route map ready to go. But of course, you shouldn't blindly follow any map since you may encounter less steep paths or those that are quieter while playing them. It's also always a good idea to speak with other cyclists and try out several options.

Tip 2: Have a Backup Plan

You can never be too careful as sometime in your bike commuting, something may go wrong. It could come as a medical problem or a mechanical problem, so it's best to have something as a fallback option to get you out of that spot. It's best to have a credit card and a cell phone available or if you can handle fixing your bike yourself, a repair kit is great.

Tip 3: Bike Lights are a Necessity

You want to have bike lights both at the back and in front of your bike. Don't ignore backup lights while getting your lights. Don't just use the lights at night, use them during the day as car drivers do. Bike lights aid visibility for oncoming vehicles like buses and trucks, so you want to keep them on during the day.

Tip 4: Organizing Clothing

See to it that you have a supply of clean professional clothes already stored at work. A few bike commuters plan ahead, taking a stash of one week's supply of clean business clothes every week. That said, consider the elements and get waterproof cycling gear.

Tip 5: Plan for Rain

Again, you need waterproof cycling gear. You don't want to be soaked wet while on your hybrid bike commuting to work. There are lots of waterproof gears like pants, glove, and jackets for bike commuting.

Tip 6: Blind as Bats

Presume motorists are blind as bats and can't see cyclists. Use your bright bike lights, dress brightly and cycle defensively.

Tip 7: You're Invisible

Remembering and following the instructions in tip 6 is one thing. However, keep cycling like you're invisible because most times, you probably are. Just be sure to follow all traffic rules and drive safely. If there's a separate bike lane available, follow it.

Tip 8: Be Predictable

Commuting on a bike is dangerous enough, don't make it worse. Unexpected behaviors like riding on the wrong side should be avoided. Cycle safely and of course, obey traffic rules.

Tip 9: Stay Clear Of Rush Hour

Avoiding rush hour is one thing you should consider. It's fun and safer too riding in crisp non-peak hours. Less traffic means less worry for you.

Tip 10: Your Bike Matters

Finally, you need a bike with decent quality. Commuting on a bad bike is a recipe for disaster. You can also add several accessories (lights, mirrors, bell, fender, and rack) to your bike to make your bike commuting relatively safer. Overall, opt for the highest quality commuter bike within your budget and then pimp it with all the safety essentials for hitch-free commuting.