The ultimate do's and don'ts from seasoned bike commuters

The ultimate do's and don'ts from seasoned bike commuters Momentum Mag

In the heart of bustling cityscapes, a quiet revolution is taking place as more individuals choose the rhythmic hum of pedals over the honking symphony of traffic. Bike commuters, once a niche group, have grown in number and evolved into a lifestyle, a conscious decision to navigate urban landscapes on two wheels. The stories of seasoned bike commuters unfold as they share the valuable lessons learned from countless rides through concrete jungles.

Time as an Ally: Rethinking Your Commute
The first lesson these bike commuters is a simple yet transformative one – give yourself more time. Departing from the frantic rush of daily life, these commuters urge fellow cyclists to plan for a commute that takes longer than expected. This deliberate approach allows for a stress-free arrival, eliminating the temptation to rush through traffic signals. The result? A more relaxed, enjoyable journey, free from the pressure to break traffic rules.

Choosing the Scenic Route: Beyond the Beaten Path
Navigating the urban maze involves more than following the familiar routes. Seasoned bike commuters encourage the exploration of alternative paths. Instead of sharing lanes with impatient drivers, they weave through hidden trails, discovering shortcuts that bypass car-heavy intersections. This deliberate deviation from the ordinary transforms the daily commute into an adventure, revealing the city’s secret pockets of tranquility.

Owning Your Lane: Asserting Safety Over Convenience
On shared roads, the lesson is clear – assert your presence. These cyclists advocate for owning your lane, positioning yourself at the center to command attention. While this may incur frustrated glances from motorists, the trade-off is enhanced safety. By forcing cars to slow down and maintain distance, this bold move becomes a strategic choice for survival in the urban jungle.

Lights On, Always: Illuminating the Path
As the SUN sets, visibility becomes paramount. Front and rear lights aren’t just accessories; they’re a proclamation of presence. The seasoned commuter ensures these lights are always on, serving as guides through darkened streets and alerting others to their presence. Regular checks of charge levels or carrying backups in the ever-reliable commuter bag become rituals in the cyclist’s commitment to visibility...

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Here are more commuter tips from a seasoned Silicon Valley recumbent commuter (still alive!):
- ALWAYS assume they don't see you! If ever in doubt, I physically WAIVE MY HAND to the driver - if he does not acknowledge or waive back, then he does not see me and I take evasive action. The physics is always against you on a commute.
- Wear a red flashing signal on your signal hand. Cars are NOT looking for cyclists at rush hour - they are focused on being late and driving home as fast as possible - this will help them SEE you when you are moving in lane.
- There is no such thing as too many LIGHTS. I go 3 or even 4 back lights, always on day or night, not including my helmet light. Make them see you. There's no penalty to being seen. I mix flashing and non-flashing.
- Map out your route beforehand. A bit of planning to find a safe route with safe crossings is worth everything.
- Don't use expressways or heavy traffic roads - even if they have bike lanes! Again, traffic at rush hour, dawn or dusk, are simply not looking for bikes! They are looking for other cars, and thinking about being late, their route, their boss, etc. On heavy traffic roads, their focus is 100% on other drivers - they don't want that accident. No law, no bike lane, no power on earth, will change that focus during that time. Just don't, even if it's longer.

Just some thoughts - do these and you will have fun and health and joy on your rides. Be dumb or aggressive on a commute, and you are dead - it's that simple. Now go have some fun!