Bike Commuting

How to get started

So you've never commuted by bike before. How do you do it? How would you get there while staying off big streets where you wouldn't feel safe? What would you wear? Well, you've come to the right place because we have the answers for you!

First things first. You may know how to get to work by car or transit, but how do you get there by bike? Arlington, and the region as a whole, has a great network of trails. In addition, the network of on-street bike lanes is expanding too. To plan your route, you can either use the maps at the links below to determine a route yourself or have an experienced bike commuter help you. If your commute will take you across jurisdictional lines, the ADC regional bike map is a good investment.

Washington, D.C. Area Bike Maps:

If you feel you don't know the trail or bike lane network well and would prefer route assistance, contact WABA, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, who is happy to help you. WABA also has a "bikepool" service where they can put you in touch with other people in your neighborhood who bike to work to help you find the most comfortable route.

What to Wear?

What you wear for your bike commute will depend on many factors, including outside temperature and time of day. For short commutes of up to two miles, you may be fine simply wearing your work clothes. For longer trips, you may be more comfortable in bike clothes, such as spandex shorts, jersey, and sneakers. You can change to office clothes in the restroom or locker room once at work. If you do this, consider bringing dress shoes and other dress clothing to work a few days ahead of time to lighten the load on your bike.

More Bike Commuting Suggestions:

Try a practice run on a good weekend to find a good route and see how long it takes. Find a co-worker or friend who bikes and commute with them. Start by trying just one day a week, perhaps on "casual" Friday. If you live far from work, try using Metrobus or ART's bike-on-bus racks as part of your commute. Use bike panniers or a rack trunk instead of backpacks (cooler in hot weather). Bring bike lights in case you come home later than planned. Take Metrorail and Metrobus if caught at work in the rain or snow, and on Code Red Days. Join the Guaranteed Ride Home Program in case of an emergency.

The Editor's Experience

Examples of commuter bikes

Confident City Cycling Classes

BikeArlington is hosting six Confident City Cycling classes in 2008. These classes, which are FREE, will include the following topics:

Rules of the Road: Knowing is half the battle! Did you know that you have to adhere to the same rules of the road as a car or truck does? Did you know that you have the same rights that the operator of a car or truck does? Well its true- you do! Our course offers some great tips and tricks for safely and legally using our roadways.
Avoiding the Common Causes of Crashes: Believe it or not, most crashes are avoidable. Learn what to do if a car turns suddenly in front of you, if you have to stop suddenly, what to do to avoid the dreaded car door and much more!
Lane Positioning: Do you ever feel like cars are passing you too closely or running you into the gutter? Learn proper lane positioning to encourage drivers to pass you at a safe distance. Also learn how to safely cross lanes of traffic in order to made turns or avoid obstacles in the road.
Improving Pedaling Efficiency: Bicycling shouldn’t be backbreaking work! The bicycle is one of the most efficient inventions of all time- make the most of it! Learn how to shift gears in anticipation of a hill, achieve a good cadence, and minimize the wear and tear on your knees.
Useful Accessory Equipment: We all know you need a helmet, but learn some other helpful and handy equipment to make your ride more enjoyable.
Basic Bike Maintenance and Repair: Everyone who rides a bike should know some basic repair and maintenance skills. Learn how to change a flat tire and other emergency repair tips.

For dates and locations of these classes, check-out our News & Events page.

Bike Commuting Links
The sites listed below contain many useful tips on equipment, safety and riding behaviors useful in bike commuting.

**NOTE: The comments and opinions expressed on these linked sites are solely the site author's; Arlington County in no way endorses them. Keep in mind that bicycle laws vary from state to state and from locality to locality when reading these sites. Only Virginia State and Arlington County laws apply in Arlington County.

Opinion as to what is a good "Commuter Bicycle"
by David Madajian, Bicycle Transportation Advocate

DC Area Trails
A wealth of information on local trails

DC Area Bike Rentals

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG)
Bike Commuter Handbook
A good guide to bike commuting in the Washington area

Rock Creek Park Map

The Capital Crescent Trail Site

Friends of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail

Virginia Department of Transportation Bike Pages

Arlington National Cemetery Map

Fort Myer Map

Further A Field: A Guide to bike-friendly Bed & Breakfasts and Inns along or near the bike trails.

Commuter info from Madison ,Wisconsin
Good diagrams of road situations

Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips From San Francisco

Traveling to other cities? A great Bike-on-Transit Guide.
www.Bikemap.com

CyberCyclery-VeloNet
Large site with links to world-wide tours, news lists, and more.

Potomac Pedalers Touring Club
Big local club; good rides and nice people.

Virginia Bicycle Federation

Freewheeling Press
Maps and books for routes nation wide.

						Search Sitemap