Bike Commuting 101

Commuting by bike can help you meet your fitness, sustainability, or savings goals.  It’s economical, it’s healthy, and it’s easier than you think. 

Tucson is also a great place for bike commuters and many local resources exist on the web and in town to help you get started.  In this section, we’ve organized some resources into a checklist to help you get started. 

Get a tune-up.  Your bicycle should be in good working order before you begin your ride to work.  The Tucson region has over 30 bicycle shops that offer repair services.  Check out our “Discounts” (link to page) page to find out what deals your local shop is offering commuters during Bike Fest.  You can locate your local shop on our Google Map. 

Get comfortable on your bike.  Go for a short ride around your neighborhood to get a feel for your comfort level.  Do you feel in control on your bike?  Do you feel safe riding in a striped bike lane?  Are you familiar with Arizona’s bicycle laws?  It may be a good idea to take look over some of these online resources or sign up for a free bicycle safety class. 

• Share the Road Guide – Learn Arizona’s bicycle laws and some tips on riding safely alongside of traffic.  You can pick up a free copy from the Public Works Building at 201 N. Stone Ave. or check out the online version here.
• FREE Bicycle Safety Classes – Sign up today!
• Bicycle Safety Videos – Brought to you by the University of Arizona
• Helmets – Everything you’d ever want to know about helmets and more!  The bottom line—invest in a helmet.

Plan your route.  You can pick up a free Tucson Bike Map from your local bike shop.  When planning your ride to work, plan on sticking to bike routes, residential streets, or shared use paths.  It’s easy to think like a motorist when traveling form point A to point B but typically the driving route is not the best way to bike there.   

• FREE Tucson Bike Map (front and back)
• University of Arizona Bike Map
• Google Maps – Try the “Walk there” option when searching for directions.

Plan your clothing.  That’s right; you may need to throw some work clothes in your backpack or in a pannier.  Be sure that the clothing you’re biking in is not too tight or loose around the legs.  You may also need a leg strap to keep your right pant leg out of your gears.  For longer commutes, cycling-specific clothing may be most comfortable.  Whatever the wardrobe, be prepared to sweat.  It’s natural and indicates you’re getting some exercise. 

• Bikecommute.com – This website has a good article on bike commuting and work clothes.

Find bicycle parking.  Hopefully you can locate some bicycle parking near your workplace.  If that racks are not sufficiently secure, you may need to find a place for your bicycle inside.  When locking up your bicycle, a U-lock style lock is recommended over a standard cable lock.  If there is not bicycle parking available at your workplace, consider speaking with your employer about installing racks.  You can also contact the City of Tucson Bicycle & Pedestrian Program to recommend locations for future bicycle rack installation. 

• How to lock your bike – some good instructions brought to you by the National Bike Registry.

Log your trips.  Whatever your reason is for choosing to bike to work, a simple log of miles bikes can help reaffirm your motive.  All sorts of tools exist on the web to help quantify your savings from leaving your car behind and biking to work.  Knowing your distance and average speed to work can help quantify calories burned, gas saved, time saved, and your workout duration.  A simple bike computer that installs on your bike may cost $10-20.  You can also use the following resources to keep a log of your bike commutes:

• MapMyRide.com – Search a database of bike rides already mapped in Tucson or create your own. 
• Plus3Network.com – Map your bicycle commutes and earn money for a non-profit organization.

Get involved.  Meet other cyclists, commuters, or general enthusiasts and advocates through local cycling organizations. 

• BICAS – A self-proclaimed education center that uses bikes to promote a healthy environment, art, and recycling.
• GABA – A local cycling club that organizes group rides, publishes a newsletter, and offers a few cycling safety and skills courses.
• El Grupo Youth Cycling – Tucson’s youth cycling club
• The Cycling Club at the University of Arizona
• Bicycle Advisory Committee