Enjoy A Fall Biking Commute
September 24, 2019

Our best tips for a Fall bike to work in the New England Autumn air

Commuting by bike is a fabulous way to get or stay in shape, enjoy the outdoors, have a less stressful commute. Fall is a great season to start riding in the Alewife and Fresh Pond area of Cambridge since the temperatures are generally cool and crisp. But remember, as the days get shorter the temperature drops after sunset, be prepared in order to enjoy a nice bike ride, both to and from work.
Evidence shows that in order to create a new habit, you need to tailor your routine around it. If you want to begin eating healthier, toss the brownies and ice cream and stock your refrigerator with healthy options like Greek yogurt and vegetables. Stop binge-watching Netflix and take a walk instead of planting yourself in front of the TV after dinner. Similar steps are required to get started biking to and from work. 

For starters, planning ahead is a must. Many people like to bring a change of clothes along with work shoes, a drink, a safety helmet, and bike lock. If you plan to bring your lunch, or you’re transporting your laptop make sure you have a backpack, bag, or basket to pack them in. Built makes great sturdy lunch carriers that can be molded to jam into any backpack. They can also be thrown into the wash, for those times you just may hit a pothole with your bike on the way to work.

Set time aside the night before to get everything ready, rather than running around frantic in the morning. The easier you make it, the more likely you will stick to a new habit.

Here is a checklist to help you get started:

  • Put your helmet by the door, so it’s easy to grab on your way out.
  • Drink! Drink! Drink! You will feel better on your bike ride to and from work and it will help balance your body temp. Fill that water bottle up to the top and drink it! If coffee is your thing then check out this travel mug holder—you can take a sip at each stop (while looking both ways before you cross, of course).
  • Dress in comfortable clothing. Remember that the Fall mornings can be a bit chilly, so layering is the best idea so you can adjust as you get warmer. Aim for clothing that is windproof and lightweight, like a windbreaker and maybe a pair of thin gloves if you think your hands might get cold. It’s best to try and be as aerodynamic as possible on your bike in order to brave the Autumn winds. 
  • Pack a versatile bike lock, it makes a world of difference. This one just snaps into its holster that you put right onto the frame of your bike, easy on and off. And you know that your bike will be safe while you are at work.
  • Light it up and be prepared for the earlier sunset. The Fall season brings with it darkness sooner than you were used to in the summer, (especially with Day Light Saving’s “Fall Back” creeping up quickly).
  • ALWAYS remember your lights! It's worth mentioning lights again. At a minimum, a red rear light and a front white headlight are required by law in Massachusetts. Reflective gear and extra lights on your backpack will help you be extra visible, once darkness sets in.
  • Carry an Emergency Kit. Always keep an Emergency Kit on hand to be prepared for the “what ifs”. Some important items to have with you are hand warmers, a flashlight, a portable phone charger (make sure to keep it charged), clean socks and a healthy snack.
  • Remember to have fun. On your day off, try a few different routes, maybe some quieter streets, or a more scenic route than you usually take. You may find that it’s worth your while to add a few minutes to your cycling ride to work when you aren’t fighting for road space with the cars on the road. Check out this bike map and see if you can find some alternative routes.

TMA Members, Register for eCommuter & Emergency Ride Home

Want to see how many emissions you’re saving by biking to work? Or find a bike buddy that you can share your ride with? See if your employer or residential location is a member of the Alewife TMA that offers eCommuter.org. If so, you can register online and find helpful biking information like route planning assistance, bike partner matching, a cost-saving calculator, as well as a way to track your trips to see your pollution savings impact and monies saved.

If you have an Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program available to you, like the one offered through eCommuter, it provides peace of mind for commuters who choose to carpool, vanpool, walk, bike, or use public transportation to get to work. In the event of an emergency, transportation is provided by Lyft™, taxi or rental car – usually within thirty minutes — and at no cost to the participant.

Happy Fall Biking!

This blog post originally appeared on the TransAction Associates blog, Driven. This content has been customized for Alewife TMA and is redistributed here with permission [source: https://transactionassoc.com/enjoy-a-fall-biking-commute/].
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