Getting Ready (3): Get on your Bike!

Now that you've prepped your bike and the route, you're ready for the first big step: replacing a car trip with a bike trip.
The biggest change from  biking-as-pasttime to biking-as-transportation is that you add getting something done to the fun.

As you begin, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Checklist: Lock, key (if it's a key-type lock), backpack or saddlebag for carrying stuff, helmet and (optional) ankle-straps to keep your pants out of the gears, and of course your bright, colorful clothing.

2. When you drive, you're also a pedestrian when you go from your car to your destination. When you bike somewhere, you can be a pedestrian, too. If there's an intersection or stretch of road that makes you uncomfortable, get off and walk. If a hill is too steep, get off and walk. If the road looks like it's full of hassles, get off and walk. When I reach Newton Centre, I often walk my bike along the green rather than biking on congested Centre St. Safer? Sure, and more pleasant. That's the pleasure of biking. You can stop and smell the flowers.

3. Cars coming up behind you and passing you on a busy road may make you nervous, but these tips might reduce your anxiety:
a) No matter what impression you might get from some drivers, you belong on the road. It's Massachusetts Law. On a bike, you're a vehicle, and all rules of the road apply.
b) Very few bike accidents are caused by cars overtaking a bike; you're actually in one of the safer places on the road.
c) Bike as straight a line as possible at least 3 feet from the road edge. Right there, you'll be maximally visible, you'll avoid debris and storm drains at the edge, and the straight line will make you predictable for drivers. It might be a little unnerving at first not to hug the edge of the road, but it's actually much safer.

4. Time yourself, door-to-door. You'll probably find that it's almost as fast as (or faster than!) driving, when you figure in parking & walking to the destination. Remember, if there's no handy bike rack, find a worthy pole or signpost close to the door. One big perk of biking is free parking right near the door.

5. When you're all done, evaluate the route. Were there parts of it you'd rather avoid? Are there other ways around some intersections? Streets that skirt a hill? Were there parts you'd recommend to other bikers as particularly nice? Share them here!

Next: Making it Easy.