Let's Bust The Bike-Commuting Myths

From the League of American Bicyclists via a bikingbis tweet.

Busting the 10 bicycling myths

1. I'm out of shape

-- Ride an easy pace, in a few months you will be in great shape

-- Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work

-- You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter

2. It takes too long

-- The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you become

-- Trips of less than 3 miles will be quicker by bike

-- Trips of 5 to 7 miles in urban areas take the same or less by car

3. It's too far

-- Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day

-- Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your route

-- Ride to a coworker's house and carpool to work

4. No bike parking

-- Look around for a storage area in your building or office

-- Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office

-- Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside

5. My bike is beat up

-- Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike

-- If you can't maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route

-- Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you ride

6. No showers

-- Most commuters don't shower at wor; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry

-- Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there

-- Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only

7. I have to dress up

-- Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive

-- Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners

-- Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding

8. It's raining

-- Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry

-- If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day

-- Take transit or drive if you don't have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain

9. The roads aren't safe

-- Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights

-- Wear bright clothing

-- You are at no greater risk than driving a car

-- Wear a helmet everytime you ride

10. I have to run errands

-- Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity

-- Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building

-- Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking

-- Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use