Issues > May/June 2007 (#120) > Shifting Gears: 12 Tips on Moving From the Fast Lane to the Bike Lane

Shifting Gears: 12 Tips on Moving From the Fast Lane to the Bike Lane

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After the ride:

11) Secure a spot. If at all possible, bring your bike indoors to a safe spot. Ask around if there's any place convenient to store it at work. If your boss or building manager won't allow bikes indoors, try to figure out why and work with that, says Simons. She also suggests that you ask to use the freight elevator, if one exists, and to store your bike by your desk if you have room (and if your employer or building manager hasn't provided storage space). Otherwise, she says, "write to your employer or building manager to convince them to allow bikes inside. A lot of companies are trying to promote their environmental image and their commitment to these values. This is an easy way for companies to show they're really walking the walk." For more tips, check out Transportation Alternative's "Gaining Indoor Bicycle Access" blueprint.

At home, keep bikes inside your garage, house, or apartment. (Wall-mounted bike racks can help save space.) If you must keep it outside, be absolutely sure to lock your bike securely to a rack or other strong, sturdy object using a high-quality lock, like the Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboutit 3-foot chain lock ($72; www.amazon.com). Avoid locking to posts or parking meters&#151:thieves may be able to lift your bike off them. Chaining both tires and removing the seat is another good way to deter bike robbers.

12) Keep it clean. Enormously helpful but often neglected, wiping your bike down after a ride will keep it running smoothly. Dirty gears, chains and brake pads will make you work harder to go just as fast and far. Also, lube the chain after every few trips for the easiest ride. While most bike cleansers, degreasers and lubricants are petroleum-based, there are some great plant- and vegetable-oil-based alternatives, which you can read about here.

For even more local info, punch in your city or town on the League of American Bicyclists' directory to find everything from regional advocacy groups and event listings to repair shops and safety courses—all of which should help get you out of the auto and onto a bicycle for Bike-to-Work Week.

Resources

"Waiting to Inhale: How to Avoid Breathing Polluted Air and Avoid Producing It Too," GG #113, www.thegreenguide.com/doc/113/healthnews

"Keep Your Bike Running on Vegetable Oil," www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/lube

League of American Bicyclists, www.bikeleague.org

Transportation Alternatives, www.transalt.org

For an entertaining look at bike commuting, read Alan Durning's two series, "Bicycle Neglect" and "The Year of Living Car-lessly Experiment," at www.sightline.org.

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