Bike to work Week, Myths Debunked!
With many of us heading out on our ebikes for all sorts of adventures and maybe considering moving to commuting on earth-friendly-pedals, we thought it would be worth debunking some of the myths about riding a bike to work. It’s time, after all, for you to get out, breathe some fresh air, move, enjoy the time spent getting yourself there, and Bike to Work Week (May 15-19, 2017) is the perfect time to give it a try! So, here are the most common concerns we hear and how you can address them.
It’s dangerous…
Safety, it’s probably the biggest factor that keeps us from traveling by bike. Sure, cycling involves some risk, but so does driving, walking, and almost all other activities that get you from here to there. Cars crashing with cyclists made up 2% of car related fatalities in 2014, which sounds like a lot until you compare it to the number of car related pedestrian fatalities during that same time–they made up a whopping 14% of those deaths. Follow a few simple rules: remove earphones, wear a well-fitted helmet, wear visible gear (neon green, orange or yellow) with reflective patches, ensure you have a great bike light front and back and have it on while you ride, ensure tires and brakes are adjusted and optimal, pay attention to cars, potholes, road debris, and listen for emergency vehicles, and don’t consume alcohol. When the weather is bad, allow more room to stop and in all weather, keep an eye out for car doors opening along your bike route. On the road, you and your bike are “motorized” vehicles so follow the laws the same way you would if you were behind the wheel. For more detailed information and some great safety recommendations, see The Nation Highway Transportation Administration site https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicyclists . Even with the huge increase in the number of bike commuters over the last 12 years (up 64%) the injuries and deaths have increased less than 1%, so grab a few coworkers, and head out together, it makes it safer, and even more fun!
You need a special bike….
Here at Shocking Rides, we know the advantage to a great electric bicycle (you can choose your effort level, and therefore your perspiration level, and fast, is an understatement) with that said, almost any bike will get you there feeling healthy and happy—as long as it has been checked out for safety. Extreme terrain, off-road, commuting, folding, utility/cargo, all will yield a path to work that is not only pleasant but also good for you.
You need special clothes…
Spandex is definitely not required for an excellent, comfortable commute to work. Though you want to have the hi-vis presence discussed above (Its Dangerous…) plenty of traditional jeans are sturdy enough for pedaling. Some manufacturers make cycling pants that double wonderfully as work slacks. Check out Levi’s commuter jeans, Betabrand Bike to Work pants and Giro Mobility trousers. They all have just the right amount of coverage to handle the commute and fit in at the office. And you can use the money you save on gas to treat yourself!
It’s all or nothing…
While commuting by bike daily is an amazing, lofty goal, keep in mind that becoming a bike commuter doesn’t mean you have to pedal every day or the whole way. You can shorten long commutes by mixing in public transit (most buses and trains let you bring your bike along) or even driving some part of the commute with your bike and riding the second leg in. Consider a Shocking Rides folding ebike for multi-modal commutes, or a Shocking Rides ebike with speed for longer needs. Start small and plan to ride one to two days a week. We are betting you will get the bug and want to ride more often and farther—reaping the anti-stress benefits of being on your bike.
It’s faster to drive…
If you are a city dweller there is a very large chance that pedaling your way to work will be faster than sitting in traffic. Most cities have traffic-slowing-thoroughfares that hit 10 mph on a good day. On your bike, you won’t get stuck in so much traffic, you won’t have to hunt for parking, and the stop and go frustration of rush hour traffic will be “in your rear view mirror.” If your ride to work is so long that it actually is faster to drive, you can justify your cycling by the gain in health benefits and saved gym time, or amp up your speed using electric bicycle pedal assistance (20-28MPH).
You won’t be able to carry everything you need…
There are so many ways to lug your stuff to work—backpacks, messenger bags, racks, baskets, panniers, handlebar bags, seat post bags, frame bags and even fanny packs. ‘Nuff said, this one is debunked.
You’ll get super sweaty…
For part of the year—depending on your climate—you may find yourself warmed up to the point of wet shirts. Of course, using an electric bicycle allows you to control this fabulously. Use more battery on your way to work with pedal assist, and use the trip home to get your true workout. If you happen to show up to work feeling the need for a shower (and not having one available there) consider checking with local gyms nearby that may let you use their facilities for a small fee, or check into Action Wipes—who make natural, environmentally friendly products for this very thing. Combined with a change of clothes from your handy carrying bag, you’ll feel fresh and ready to get to work.
You can’t ride in the dark, rain, cold and heat…
These are all doable if you take the right steps and do a little planning. In the dark, having the reflective gear and lights that we discussed above for safety is critical. USB-rechargeable lights are especially useful. When the weather calls for downpours and drizzle, riding in the rain is much more pleasant if you invest in a good rain jacket, shoe covers, and fenders. For the sub-zero to brisk days, get yourself as many warm layers as it takes, and leave room in your “stuff holders” to store layers should you layer up or down. Excessive warmth and sunshine calls for great sunscreen, sunglasses, light colors, lots of hydration and perhaps an early departure for lower temp riding. You’ll feel amazing having conquered the elements on your bike, even when others won’t.
With the above myths busted, and our previous article Bike to Work Week May 15-19th, Here’s how! you are now armed to take that next step to ride your pedals and ebikes to work. You’ll be ever so glad that you did.
Here’s to happy riding!
