#becomeabikecommuter
Last New Year’s resolution was to take a step further in a more environmental friendly lifestyle, by adopting a bicycle to work scheme and become, as much as possible, a bike commuter.
The opportunity did not arise at the time, because living in hilly Madeira island in Portugal posed two major requirements: have a place to safely store the bike, and the logistics to get to work preferably not too sweaty. The other usual limitations are lifestyle related, such as driving kids to school, going very long distances everyday, and other tasks that require other transportation vehicles. Not everyone has favourable conditions to go bike commuting, and must be respected.
Many other aspects are in my favour: I love sports, I love cycling, I do triathlon, and I wish I could have more time for training. As a plus, I choose great views and piece of mind over speeding anytime.
So recently I was fortunate to start this lifestyle with a Cannondale Synapse NEO gravel e-bike, equipped with Bosch 3rd Gen 500W motor. All problems solved.
This is NOT an article to discuss e-bikes over traditional ones, or to debate technical gear choices. All bikes are cool (cyclists now what I mean). The goal is just to highlight some beginner issues that I believe are relevant for anyone thinking about changing their mobility concept.
The Global Cycling Network (www.gcn.com) has lots of cool videos about tips and hints for bike commuters (along with a great team and funny videos), so here are my observations on what you need to think in order to join this community.
Respect to be respected
Your bicycle is your Excalibur. However, that does not mean you are suddenly king of all roads and are not obliged to any traffic rules anymore.
Respect traffic, you are still in a vehicle, with people waiting at home or caring about you somewhere.
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You are cool now, so set the standard of coolness and road empathy, and people will follow.
It is not (just) about physical condition
Unless you have serious mobility limitations, cycling is primarily about having fun. Its about enjoying your surroundings with a stupid smile on your face because you are: reducing costs, improving your physical and mental condition (proven facts), skipping traffic, avoiding parking lines, and many other benefits.
Time cannot be multiplied, but it can be organised
Lets assume (my case), that you have a 10km ride that will take you 15–20 minutes by car, adding the extra time for going from the car park to work. Maybe the bicycle travel will take longer, and maybe you need to wake up earlier, but you will feel revitalised.
Stop by for some coffee along the way, watch the sunset that would be otherwise just one more nice set along the drive, maybe take some pics to remind you how cool you are now because you are setting new positive goals.
When coming back from work, if you want to stop on the local bar for a quick recharge, do it! Worst case scenario, you come home later, but your workout is done! For marriage retention, you can always clame you ran into wet and steep roads, or other eligible excuses (maybe another article on these…).
In the end of each journey, the only guarantee is that you will never feel worst than when you started.
Gear up, but don't over do it
Don’t worry about bike packing your ride like you were on a BMW GS1250 ready for an intercontinental travel, unless you actually pretend to.
Be light, and keep in mind the essential stuff you really need to carry: water, a spare tube or a quick patch at least and tyre levers, a small pump, a comfortable backpack for your laptop, mudguards for keeping your clothes clean, a light windbreaker/rain jacket, extra sockets and underwear (yes this one only commuters think of).
I cannot stress enough that visibility is important. Cyclists are cool and stylish, so we dont want to look like Christmas trees on wheels, but reflective gear, front and rear lights, are a must have. You want to enjoy the ride, not think about if you are safe or not.
You may think about the costs here, but bare in mind that a good helmet can be paid by the saving in vehicle maintenance, and it keeps you safe — there is no price for safety.
Consistency is key
Let's not exaggerate and commit to cycle during a typhoon, but consistency is key to see results coming. Legs, heart and lungs will become stronger. Confidence and clarity can also be positively affected, so first step, or pedal in this case, is just one rotation away. Have fun, remember that you are doing only well, to yourself and the environment, keep track of all cool small benefits, and after a while look back and decide if you want to return to the regular automobile routine.
