My Experiences with Biking to Work and How to Do it Yourself

 I decided to pick this topic because over 57% of people live close enough to work to take themselves via bicycle. My goal is to help you realize that commuting to work can be challenging yet super fun. I found it extremely difficult to adapt to not only the beaming heat searing the streets in Phoenix, but, also, to mentally accept the need to drive to wake up and also to hop on the bike and ride back home after a long day at work. It's definitely not the easiest thing you could do everyday. But, once you overcome those challenges, you'll be unstoppable.

Yes, I used to commute via bike in Phoenix...mid summer. Those three miles were always strenuous. I didn't own a car, so commuting any other way wasn't really possible for me. The train did help some, but for the most part, it was just me and my feet on the pedals. Sweat dripping off my face and burning my eyes, I look down at my bike and smile. The serotonin my body is releasing is making me feel really happy to be alive.

Cycling to work at a bicycle shop - that ride was mostly streets and sidewalks. It was in the suburbs of Chicago, and the funny thing is, I was the only one from that shop who would ride their bike to work. Eventually, everyone else caught on and decided to ride their bikes, too. The power of persuasion!

While at my current job, my car's brakes decided to stop working, so therefore, my only option was to ride to work. When I first started, I noticed there were A LOT of bikes parked up next to the Amazon building. I was excited to make new cycling friends! I even got to race one of my co-workers to see whose bike was faster. I won. I had so many adventures riding my bike 20 miles a day - on graveyard shift.

HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF

1.  Evaluate your route. Is taking the trails more efficient? Do you also have to take the bus or train to get there?

2.  Try the route before you use it for commuting. You don't want to make yourself late or run into any issues that may cause you delay.

3.  Get ready to leave the house. Make sure you have a change of clothes, deodorant, and extra shoes. Everything you might need before, during, and after arrival.

4.  Commute to work on your bike.! The best part.

5.  Arrive at work and lock your bike.

6.  Leave work and ride home. Be safe, and if it's dark outside, you will need to make sure your lights are working.

Follow these six step and you'll be able to successfully ride your bike to work. Try it at least once. Have any further questions? Feel free to reach out to one of our Bike Ambassadors!

#ridemoredriveless #cyclist_lawyer #commuting #biketowork

Jess B.