| Bicycle_Fixation A resource and community for people who ride bicycles to get somewhere, and to travel gently over the earth. Articles, links and image galleries provide tools for sustainable cycling. |
| Bicycling_and_Walking Bicycle and pedestrian resources primarily aimed at residents in the Arlington County, Virginia, area. Nonetheless, there are many articles and resources that could benefit any bicycle commuter. A sub |
| Bicycling_Life A useful and relevant resource for those wishing to use their bicycles for touring and commuting. Includes many articles and links that will appeal to novice and expert alike. |
| Bike_People Essays and philosophy designed for the "New Urban Cyclist". Part of the Living Room organization which endeavors to cultivate the concept of sustainable, environmentally conscious communities. |
| Bike_Web_-_Bicycle_Commuting A sub-site of John Korber's "One World, One People" project, this resource offers a compelling treatise on the merits of bicycle transportation as a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative m |
| Bike_Worker An introductory resource for those entertaining the idea of bicycle commuting. Mission statement cites high fuel prices and traffic jams as reasons to consider this mode. |
| The_Bike_Zone Run by an ex UK Local Government Cycling Officer. Focuses on a wide range of cycle campaigning issues, plus cycling history, and humour. |
| BikeCommute_com News, reviews, and articles of interest to those who choose to commute by bicycle. Also home to a database of commuter profiles submitted from around the country. |
| BikeCommuter_com Contains articles and information intended to promote awareness of the multiple benefits resulting from the development a more bike centric transportation lifestyle. |
| BikeForPeace_org Boulder, Colorado, based group encouraging passive, anti-war protest through the switch from auto dependency to bicycle transportation. General information, photographs, links, and contacts. |
| BikeForums_net__Commuting A discussion forum centered around the topic of bicycle commuting. Threads include subjects such as living car-free, safe riding, clothing selection, and common commuting issues. |
| BikeMap_com Maps and resources for using your bike for everyday transport. Information regarding transit access included. Primary focus is Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. |
| BikeToWork_com Link portal for sites, products and services related to the use the bicycle as a means of transport to and from work. |
| BikeWeb A resource provided by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, BikeWeb is described as a bicycle-pedestrian trail information system for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Houses an interactive |
| BikeWhenever Bicycle commuting how-to site with many articles and photos. Topics inclide choosing a bike, clothing, route planning, care and Cleaning, maintenance and much more. |
| C_J_Silverio\'s_Bicycle_Commuting_Tips Personal notes, opinions, and experiences regarding bicycle commuting by an experienced practitioner. Excuses are disproven and tips are given for novices that may be reluctant to make that first step |
| Charlotte_Bike_Commuter_Mentor_Program Though some content is focused upon North Carolina, there are many useful resources to any beginning bicycle commuter. Topics range from riding techniques to equipment. |
| Citizens_for_Safe_Cycling An Ottawa based organization whose stated goal is to facilitate "better, safer, environmentally-friendly cycling". Though primarily intended for Canadian audiences, the site offers position statements |
| Commuter_Bicycles Features recommentations for bicycle designed and equipped specifically for commuting and transportation as opposed to recreation. The site is presented as a public benefit to support alternatives to |
| Commuter_Connections_Guides Electronic handbooks produced by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to promote bicycle transportation in and around Washington D.C. Well crafted and containing useful illustrations, th |
| Commuting_Logistics A Topica mailing list for the discussion of operational bicycle transportation issues such as equipment, techniques, and methods. Subscription required; archives are available only to subscribers. |
| Cycle_Facility_of_the_Month Provides photos and descriptions of poorly-designed bicycle routes, primarily in the United Kingdom, but containing information of use to all vehicular cyclists. Includes a news archive and informatio |
| Cycling_Advocacy_Information General cycling resources, bicycle traffic laws - and how to fight bad ones; cyclist defense and education. Many articles with a reference section to other sites around the 'Net. |
| Cycling_Advocacy_Works_by_Fred_Oswald An interesting and insightful collection of original articles addressing the topic of vehicular cycling. Features include analyses of state laws related to bicycling, tutorials and reform movements. |
| Encouraging_Bicycling Part of the Sierra Club's "Stop Sprawl" series, it is the summary of an article based on a nationwide, aggregate analysis as well as detailed case studies of cycling trends and policies in seven case |
| Guide_to_Bicycle_Commuting Though published by the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, this resource provides a general overview of tips and techniques that could benefit any bicycle commuter. |
| Human_Transport_Organization Based in North Carolina, deals with a variety of political and engineering topics related to human powered transport. Most of the content focuses on universal access policies and vehicular cycling iss |
| Ken_Kifer\'s_Bike_Pages A personal site with information on lifestyle, touring and camping, health and fitness, traffic safety, and advocacy. Touring travelogues, technical analysis, and cycling humor are among the offerings |
| MassBike The home of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition. Though primarily dedicated to improving the conditions for bicyclists in Massachusetts, this site contains useful information for all bicycle advocates |
| Messenger_Memorial An online memorial to members of the international bike messenger community. Includes stories, artwork, and poetry. |
| Modalshift_org Promoting sustainable transport resulting in the improvement of health, the environment, and society. Encourages a modal shift away from cars to walking, cycling and public transport. |
| MyBikelane Tattletale site listing vehicles parked in bike lanes. Allows for comment and discussion of each post; registration required. |
| North_American_Velomobilist A web resource for those interested in the velomobile: self-contained, fully (or semi-) enclosed bicycle-based vehicles. Information includes commercial acquisition sources as well as roll-your-own de |
| Paul_Dorn\'s_Bike_Commuting_Tips Well crafted site for information on bike commuting by a San Francisco cyclist and activist. Includes views, reviews, and How-To articles. |
| Portland_Bicycle_Advocacy_Group A Yahoo! Groups mailing list created for the purpose of discussing bicycling issues in the Portland, Oregon, area. Special emphasis is placed on bicycles as a legitimate form of transportation; not ju |
| Power_Pedal_Pushers_-_Commuting_with_Clear_Conscience_and_Arteries An interesting article published in the July 2000 edition of VIA; the bimonthly magazine of the California State Automobile Association. Presented as a profile article, it also contains some useful ge |
| ProBicycle Formerly ChainGuard.org, an authoritative source for bicycle advocacy on the 'Net. Visitors will find links to many relevant sites and stories pertaining to rights of vehicular cyclists everywhere. |
| Re~Cycle A nonprofit organization based in the United Kingdom, which sends bicycles to poor countries such as Haiti and South Africa; including training people how to repair and maintain the vehicles. |
| Self-Propelled_City Informative site containing many articles on the choice of a bicycle as one's preferred means of transport. Contains a sections on product reviews and Critical Mass as well. |
| An_Un-American_Activity A rather provacative article by Mark Jenkins that appeared in the January 2000 issue of Outside Magazine. The author promotes the benefits of choosing the bicycle as a vehicle to the benefit of both e |
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Bicycle Commuting
Almost
everyone thinks that it would be nice to ride a bike to work, and
the health benefits to both the rider and the environment are undeniable.
Unfortunately, many people find the logistics (especially dealing
with traffic) daunting or downright frightening. Here's how to make
riding to work less nerve-racking and more enjoyable.
Join Forces. Is there a bicycle club in your area or, even better, a bicycle-activist organization? Getting together with other cyclists is a good way to learn about routes, improve your skills and technique, and find fellow commuters. There's greater safety in numbers.
Plan Your Route Carefully. Don't assume that the shortest, most direct route is the best - quality beats brevity. Look for quieter streets that aren't packed with buses and trucks. If you must ride on busy streets, use those with bike lanes (if you can find any), or at least wide lanes. Multiple-lane, one-way streets are often good. And stay off sidewalks - it's usually illegal and always dangerous.
Claim Your Share of the Road. It's important to create a space cushion between your bike and other vehicles, both moving and parked. Give yourself enough space -- about four feet -- to avoid being "doored" by people getting out of parked cars. This way, drivers can also easily see you and have enough room to pass safely. If there is more than one lane in your direction, just ride down the middle of a lane; drivers can change lanes to pass you.
Be Aware. Assume that drivers don't see you. Constantly check traffic all around you (a rearview mirror helps) so you can spot trouble before it's too late. Do everything you can to make yourself visible. The greatest danger is from drivers who don't see you.
Equip Yourself. You've heard it before, but considering how many cyclists continue to tempt fate, I'll say it again: wear your helmet. In an accident, it might keep your skull from cracking like an egg. For shorter commutes, fat, knobby tires are less likely to slip on wet ground or get caught in metal gratings. For night riding, bicycle regulations vary
state-by-state, but it is common for local regulations to require both a headlight and a tailight. A flashing red light on the back of your bike can get a driver's attention. A good halogen headlight will not only help you avoid painful potholes but also make you extra visible to oncoming cars and cars at intersections. Also, use white reflective tape liberally, especially on the wheel rims.
MassBike (the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition) maintains a web page with links to laws concerning bicyclists for most states.
Photos courtesy www.freefoto.com
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