Leaving your car behind and riding a bike instead is a great way to reduce pollution, while saving money and staying fit at the same time. If you have have a relatively short commute, consider replacing your seatbelt with a helmet. You may be thinking that when you’re dressed up in your business suit, the last thing you want to do is get all sweaty and show up at your desk while gasping for breath. So how can you bypass these problems? The following tips may help:
Preparation. Biking all the way to work everyday is going to take a certain amount of preparation. If you work in a casual environment, you might be able to wear jeans while biking and throughout the day. But if you work in a business casual or formal environment, then you’ll have to carry your clothes with you, get to work, possibly find a place to shower, and carry some snacks and water to keep you going. There are a number of steps involved, and you might have to pack a bag the night before with clothes, toiletries, snacks, water, etc. However, once you get into the pattern, you’ll start doing these things automatically and they won’t seem like chores. The money that you save on gas will more than make up for the inconvenience.
Photo by Richard Masoner.
Start slow. For some people, the problem with this plan arises because they have to dress a certain way at work. Others simply don’t have the stamina (or time) to bike the entire distance to their office. If you live ten miles or more from your job, a car or public transportation may truly be the best options. If you think that the distance is doable but you’re just not in shape, then get revved up slowly. Begin by riding your bike in the evenings, just for fun. Do a mile or two at first–whatever you’re comfortable with. Start increasing the amount you bike by 10-20% per week. Before you know it, you’ll be A-OK biking all the way to work.
Photo by Richard Masoner.
Outfits. You may want to try experimenting with different outfits that will be comfortable for bike riding as well as work. You can wear jeans on your way to work and then top them off with a blazer once you get there, so that your outfit looks more formal. Khakis are also very comfortable for bike-riding and can be made to work in a business-casual environment. Consider leggings which can be swapped for a skirt once you get to the office. Many women keep their high heels at work anyway, and wear sneakers on the way in. This can make bike-riding much more convenient.
These are a just few ways to get comfortable riding a bike to work. It’s fun, good for your health and good for the environment too! Do you ride a bike to work? Do you have any suggestions for people who want to start? Please let us know, using any of our social networks.
