Have you been dreaming about biking to work? This could be the year to do it! It’s easier than you think. It takes a little planning, some preparation, and the bike you already have (with a little TLC) may be enough to enjoy smooth sailing.

CAT is organizing two bike rides during the week, at Easton City Hall (Wednesday, May 15, 4:30pm) and Bethlehem City Hall (Thursday, May 16, 12noon) but wherever you ride, you can also log your miles remotely to contribute to the collective total!

Links to register and log your rides can be found on our LVBike2Work 2019 page.

Bike to Work Tips

1. Check your bike over or take it to your favorite bike shop. Do it yourself: ABC Quick Check – pump your tires to rated pressure range, squeeze your brakes and make sure they grab, check that your chain pedals smoothly (apply oil to chain if squeaky), and make sure your handlebar is straight and stem is tight. Lastly make sure quick releases are secure. Accessories that can be helpful: rear rack and panniers for carrying your daily needs, bike lock, headlight and taillight, helmet, fenders, water bottle cage, small toolkit (tube, patches, tire levers, mini-pump, multi-tool, rag, latex gloves), cyclometer or smartphone GPS (not necessary, but interesting)
2. Map out your route. Five miles or less is ideal. When mapping your route, you can scan the map for interesting, less traveled roads (also to avoid or add hills) or multi-use trails that can parallel higher-traffic’d streets! Practice your route after work, or over the weekend to gauge your transit time.
3. Find out where you can freshen up or change clothes if needed, when you get to work.
4. Dealing with traffic, i.e. fellow humans behind the wheel
   1. Know the rules of the road (ride with traffic, stop at stop signs, avoid sidewalks, lights at night)
   2. Most drivers are willing to work you, especially if you can communicate your intentions and needs. Cooperation with clarity is the goal.
   3. Gain awareness of most common types of bicycle crashes, so you see the signs and avoid them.
5. When the day comes:
   1. 1. Be ready to be more hungry, drink more water (starting the day prior), and be more relaxed throughout your day.
      2. Get an early start and plan to arrive 1/2 hour to an hour before your workday begins.
      3. Enjoy your ride!
      4. Too tired to ride home? Put your bike on LANta Bus – no sweat!