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There are 135 miles of biking and hiking trails within the metro area,
many of which follow the area's natural river systems. Two of these
rivers converge Downtown, making it possible to bike to work from
almost any direction.
To access maps of trails throughout Denver, visit www.denvergov.org or click here.
courtesy of Bicycle Colorado
- Start Easy - Pick the day that will make it easiest to start bike commuting. Some people like to begin by choosing a “casual Friday” or a day with no morning meetings to worry about. If you feel like the distance to work is too far, consider driving to a certain point and biking the rest. Set a goal and get started.
- Prep Your Bike - Be sure your bike is tuned and in good working order. You may consider adding tire liners or other flat prevention so you can worry less about having to change a tire on the way to work
- Choose Your Route - Many people avoid bike commuting because they can’t imagine biking on the roads they usually drive. In fact, that is often the worst route for cycling. Obtain a local bike map or check in with your local bike shop to plan a safe and enjoyable route to work. Test your route by riding it on the weekend to give you a good sense of the terrain and the amount of time you’ll need. Keep in mind that traffic patterns might be different on the weekends, and that multi-use paths may be pleasantly empty during the weekday commute.
- Carrying Your Gear - Many people avoid the “how to carry it” question by bringing a change of clothes and other necessary items to work on the days before they bike to work. If you do bring it along, you have the choice of carrying it on your body (with a messenger bag or backpack) or on your bike (with a rack and panniers). There are advantages and disadvantages of each method, and you might want to experiment with each. Be sure that whatever method you use you feel comfortable on your bike and take time to adjust to the differences of your center of gravity, bike handling, checking for traffic, and so on.
- Parking and Security - Scout your workplace ahead of time for where to park your bike during the day. Some companies will allow you to bring your bike into the building, while others may have outdoor facilities. Wherever you park, invest in a good lock and get instructions on how to use it effectively. If no good parking exists, here’s your chance to do some bicycle advocacy work! There are a number of good resources to help employees make the case for better biking facilities at the workplace. Check with Bicycle Colorado for ideas.
- Clothing and Weather - Be sure to wear bright and/or reflective clothing. Plan ahead for Colorado’s afternoon thunderstorms and other weather changes by bringing raingear and/or layers. Some veteran commuters will post a checklist by their bike in order to be sure they have what they need each day (both for the ride and at work) and the types of gear they need for various weather conditions. You may want to have a small “cleanup kit” at work with washcloth, brush/comb, and deodorant to get ready for the day.
- Be Safe - Be sure to always wear your helmet. Be visible -- if your job schedule includes early morning or evening hours, be sure to have a headlight, taillight, and reflectors. Communicate with drivers, other cyclists, and pedestrians using eye contact, hand signals, your voice, and a bell.
- Get Others Involved - Bike commuting creates a great opportunity to interact with coworkers and neighbors. If you are already a bike commuter, consider being a mentor or resource for others wanting try. Help them choose routes, or offer to ride with them on their first attempts. Some communities, such as Fort Collins, have started “Commuter Bicycle Coach” or similar programs to encourage more people to ride to work. Find out about your community’s support for bike commuting, such as “guaranteed ride home” programs, and work to publicize, strengthen, and expand them. Share your enthusiasm!
- Visit Bicycle Colorado to get more tips and information on bicycle commuting at http://bicyclecolo.org/index.cfm.
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