My story is probably one a lot of people can relate to but first and foremost I started cycling because as I student living in San Francisco, finances were tight. I couldn’t stand wasting money on unreliable transit at 5 am to get to my coffee shop job and class on time. Commuting was not just an economic choice but also an environmental and health choice. I wanted to reduce my foot print and get my exercise on to keep me and Mother Earth healthy.
Luckily I was gifted a bike that very much became my only mode of transit. I wasn’t entirely comfortable cycling in downtown San Francisco on a vintage road bike so I had to convert it into an upright commuter bike. Back in those days, women’s workshops and commuter bikes didn’t exist and if they did, they were too expensive for a college student to afford. I figured it all out on my own with the help of a boyfriend who actually really encouraged and showed me how to cycle on the roads. It wasn’t easy at first, I was really nervous, but he showed me everything I needed to know how to do so confidently. From there, I was able to cycle more fiercely.
Cycling has a lot of grit and grim to deal with at times but I would remind myself often that life ain’t easy and that I am pushing myself physically which makes me feel better instantly. I learned to claim space, develop spacial awareness, and develop mental toughness. Cycling saved me time too. I got to class in 35 minutes as apposed to 45 minutes by bus, I got my half hour of exercise too without having to go to the gym. I was at my happiest and best shape of my life. I had the energy to do my morning job, full time school work, pick up a second job, and more. I felt on top of the world!
For me, bike commuting was a lifestyle! I biked to work, the grocery store, to school, to social events, EVERYWHERE! It became my riot, gym, and happiness. Even with poor cycling infrastructure, fear, and challenging attitudes that only poor people ride bikes or cyclists are annoying and elitists, I honesty enjoyed riding by cars stuck in rush hour traffic and having that healthy glow on my face when arriving to work. Even better, I didn’t have to deal with creepy street harassment as much as I would on transit.
I don’t have to cycle to work anymore as I now work from home. But I do find myself cycling away from work and home! When I travel to cities I use bike share and cycle everywhere too. I spent a summer in Paris using Velib as my only mode of transit with zero Paris cycling experience but I figured as long as I’m following the direction of the Seine river, I’ll find my way. And finding my way by bike also translated into finding my way in other places in my life that I take with me today.
10 years later, I can say that I’m incredibly proud of my 23 yr old self who took on cycling as her lifestyle and activism. With Bike To Work Day tomorrow, I’ve made a little video below to help you prep for you ride if you’re thinking about taking up two wheels…
So as mentioned in the video, there are a few key things to nail down when starting to commute to work by bike. Not mentioned in the video above, here are a few other key things to get you riding…
- Change Your Mindset: Don’t overthink it so much that it stops you from doing it. Thoughts like “I live too far from work” “It’s too dangerous” “I don’t have the energy to ride”, think of your commute as a pre work workout. Studies show that cyclists who bike to work are a lot happier and productive.
- Commute Routine: Coffee, smoothie, breakfast, stretch, shower, walk dog, pack, set up and go. Prepare you’re things the night before. Having to work at 5 am forced me into a pre-bed and morning routine that I still live by today.
- Arrive Early: I luckily had a locker at work so I was able leave shoes and bring a change of clean clothes, toiletries, school books, and lunch. You can use panniers to carry all this. Give yourself bit of extra time to refreshen up and have a cup of coffee before you start.
- Pack Your Gear: U-lock, lights (for rechargeable bring an extra cable), repair kit, helmet, rain jacket (weather can change drastically).
Once you figure out all your logistics, establish a good routine and most importantly, change your mindset, biking to work will become much easier and enjoyable. You will wonder why you didn’t start earlier! It’s all about realizing your priorities and making it happen because you will always find a way if you’re actually tried. You don’t have to bike to work every single day either; once or twice a week will already begin your journey to a healthier and greener lifestyle.
For more tips:
Claiming Space With These Cycle Safety Tips
Bike To Work: Tips To Get You Started