Biking to work, to school or to do errands is ideal when your trip is less than 5 miles. Once you discover the freedom, convenience, and fitness benefits of biking, you will wonder why you didn’t start riding sooner. Enjoy the ride! Benefits of bicycling:
- Get in shape on the way to work
- Biking, after an initial investment in equipment, is relatively inexpensive
- Do your share to help the environment
- Qualify for great Commuter Incentives – ‘Wheels to Reels” Program
A Word About Helmets
You should always wear a helmet while riding. A good helmet (with ANSI or SNELL safety certificate) can be purchased for as little as $20. It should consist of an outer polycarbonate or fiberglass shell, an energy-absorbing inner liner made of semi-rigid foam, comfort pads, and an adjustable strap. Replace your helmet if you have an accident and break the foam liner.
Getting Ready
Before starting out, take time to consider the following:
What route will you take?
Call 543-3325 and request a City of Santa Rosa Bike Map, or click here. It's packed with detailed information you'll need to get going. Use a map to draw a potential route that avoids freeways and steep hills. Explore the area for alternate routes. If your commute involves a bridge, don't despair--all Bay Area bridges provide access (either by path or shuttle) for bikes.
What are your worksite's facilities?
The lack of safe and convenient parking is the biggest problem facing many "would-be" bicycle commuters. Left on the street for hours at a time, bikes are too often easy targets for theft and damage by individuals, as well as damage caused by inclement weather. On-site, indoor bicycle parking provides the best solution. Unfortunately, not all building managers recognize the benefits of allowing employees to bring bikes inside, and many buildings have banned bikes. Does your employer offer bike lockers or showers? If not, you could try storing your bike in a nearby building and carrying your work clothes. Many employers want to help employees use alternatives to driving alone, so ask your employer if lockers or showers can be installed or provisions can be made for bicycles inside your building.
City of Santa Rosa grant-funded bike rack program
The City of Santa Rosa administers a Transportation Funds for Clean Air Grant to support “non-polluting” ways to travel. If your work site does not have a bike rack and there is a concrete area where a bike rack could be installed, the City of Santa Rosa will purchase and install a rack. Usually the ribbon rack or inverted U rack is purchased. Trader Joe’s, Pepe’s on Fourth Street, Becoming Independent, and Southwest Community Health Center have received grant-funded racks.
What kind of equipment will you need?
Essential items include a sturdy bike that fits you properly, a helmet, biking gloves, and a strong lock. Depending on the length of your ride, how often you plan to bike, the terrain and the weather, you may need additional equipment.
Ask neighbors and/or co-workers if they ride their bikes to work
Friends who ride to work can give you tips on routes, safety, and parking. If they live near you, ask if you can ride with them for the first few days while you get used to your route and traffic patterns.
Check your equipment.
Take an inventory of necessary items. If you already have a bike, be sure it's tuned-up and equipped with reflectors. If you don't have a bike, or want recommendations about the best types of equipment, ask friends and co-workers who ride to work. Talk to fellow bicyclists and check with your local bike shop. They can show you all the newest models and equipment. You'll need a good, comfortable helmet (with "ANSI" or "SNELL" safety certification), biking gloves, and a strong lock. Consider a rear-view mirror, repair kit, a mounted water bottle, bicycling shoes, and wet weather gear if you plan to ride in the rain. Law requires a headlight, if you ride at night.
Ride the route on your day off.
Carry the same amount of clothes and other items as you would on a workday. Is the route too steep? Explore alternatives. Imagine traffic conditions during regular commute hours, and remember that your route will look different after dark.
Know in advance where you'll park.
Get clearance to use lockers and parking areas. If you park outside, you may want multiple locks. Ask co-workers to be aware of your bike and to interrupt any suspicious behavior.
Know the rules of the road.
You are recognized as a legal driver of a vehicle. Therefore, drive your bicycle as you would any vehicle. Obey all traffic laws. Both the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California State Automobile Association can provide you with rules for cyclists.
Safety tips:
- Share the road.
- Don't assume motorists can see you.
- Ride on the right, but not too close to parked cars. Drivers might open a car door without seeing you.
- Never ride against traffic.
- Follow signs, signals, and pavement markings.
- When turning left, merge with left-turning traffic or walk your bike across as a pedestrian if traffic is heavy.
- Inform others of turns by using hand signals. These are the same as motorists' hand signals except that for turning right you can use your right arm and point.
- Slow down and yield for pedestrians.
- Be predictable.
- Avoid sudden swerves.
- Common sense, courtesy, and caution are the three C's of good cycling.
- Watch the road.
- The American Automobile Association suggests using an accident avoidance technique called "SIPDA": scan, identify, predict, decide, and then act.
Issues and Answers:
Riding a bike in traffic during commute hours is dangerous.
For maximum safety, take your rightful place in traffic and obey all traffic laws. With advance planning, you can find a route that avoids heavy traffic and other potential hazards.
Biking will make my commute take even longer.
Most commutes will take longer by bicycle although some people have found it actually cuts down on their transit time. If it does take longer, consider that the time you spend on your bicycle is probably more relaxing and rewarding.
I don't own a bike and my commute is already expensive.
You may need to make an initial investment, but even if you buy a new bike and equipment, it should pay off in lower commute costs in no time. It's best to purchase a bike from a bicycle dealer who will fit the bike to you and provide follow-up adjustments and repair. Some dealers carry used bikes.
My clothes will be wrinkled when I get to work.
On a short, relatively flat ride, you may arrive in good shape. For longer rides, you'll find that racks, bike bags and special panniers are great for carrying a change of clothes to work wrinkle-free. You can also leave your work clothes at the office, or take the bus when you have special meetings that require dress attire.
Santa Rosa Bike Shops:
AA Cycle World
Tel: 707-578-9329
4918 Londonberry Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Specializes in wheel building and custom bikes.
Bike Pedaler
Tel: 707-571-2428
Fax: 707-573-0116
Web: norcalcycling.com/stores/bicycles_bp.shtml
605 College Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Cycle Dynamics Bike Shop
707-545-2453
5286 Aero Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Dave's Bike Sport
Tel: 707-528-3283
353 College Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Specializing in high-end road and mtn bikes. Custom bike fitting, clothing, & apparel.
Ibis Cycles
707-523-1919
11 Barham Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Rincon Cyclery
Tel: 707-538-0868
Fax: 707-538-0879
Web: www.rinconcyclery.com
4927 Sonoma Highway
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Full service bikes shop offering mtn, road and youth bicycles and accessories, rentals, car racks, and a full service shop.
Santa Rosa Cyclery
Tel: 707-537-2254
Fax: 707-537-2234
4325 Montgomery Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
www.santarosacyclery.com