This document discusses strategies for commuting to work by bicycle. It provides statistics on commuting habits in the US and benefits of biking. Tips are given on planning a bike commute route, required gear, and staying motivated. Commuters range widely in age, and use various bike types and public transit. Safety at intersections and night riding requires lights and awareness. Proper clothing, a well-maintained bike, and using bags or panniers can help make biking to work successful. Local bicycle coalitions are resources for commuting assistance.

1. Taming The Commute Beast Mike Wallenfels, CEO of Timbuk2

3. My Commute(s) Larkspur To SFO Novato to SFO

4. Why? Or….Why Not?

6. The Numbers People who commute by single-occupancy motor vehicle: 91,064,400 (77.7%) People whose commute is 1-5 miles each way: 33,988,000 (29%) People whose commute is 10 miles or less each way: 59,772,000 (51%) America's cars and trucks consume 10% of world's oil supply [League of American Bicyclists ]

7. The Numbers New bicycle commuters can expect to lose 13 pounds their first year of bicycle commuting. [Bicycling Magazine] Who’s Commuting Around The World? Japan 15% of commuters bicycle to work Netherlands 50% of commuters bicycle China 77% commute by bike Only 1.6% of U.S. commuters bicycle to work… 48% increase nationally in bicycle commuting since 2000!

8. Fitness Make it part of your routine!

9. 2 Fitness “Perspectives” My Old View My New View

13. Save The Planet Any Car Off The Road Is A Good Thing!

14. Save The PlanetOne ride at a time… Over a year…. 110 Gallons of gas 2124 lbs of CO2 Carbon sequestered by 23.5 tree seedlings grown for 10 years Undetermined reduced anxiety!

15. Money Facts that help the cause!

16. Car Commute Bike Commute Drive - 72 miles round trip Gas/day: $13.92 (National Avg. 18 mpg at $3.48/gallon) Bridge: $6 (Fastrack) Total: $18.92 / day $94.60 / week $4,540 / year (48 wks) Bike – Bus combo Bus return home: $5.35 Total: $5.35 / day Savings = $13.57 / day Drive – Bike – Ferry combo 28 miles round trip Gas/day: $5.41 Ferry: $7.85 Total: $13.26 / day Saving = $5.66 / day 100 days/year = $560 to $1,300

17. Getting Started Getting Started

18. Planning Your Ride How many miles and when Allow for time and set goals Commute to work, from work, or both Choose your route Ask questions and plan Use Resources: SFBC, Bike groups, Google, and friends Whatcha do when you get there? Change Clothes – Carry or keep at work Washing or just don’t sweat! Combine with Public Transportation Look for public transportation options

19. Using Public Transportation

20. Choose Your Route City and Bike Lanes Streets and Bike Paths

27. Duration of commute

29. Perception and reality?

30. Weather

31. Infrastructure

33. Cars don’t see you

35. Brighter the better

38. Bike Necessities

39. Lights: front and back

40. Pump, tube, and tools

41. Clothes

42. Cold, Rain, Hot

43. Work Necessities

44. Keep to a minimum or keep at work

45. Washing / Hygiene

47. Keeping Motivated Plan: Schedule your week ahead AND create a rhythm. Start Small: Once a month > once a week > twice a week > every day Find a Partner: Coworker or friend. Prepare: Night before check your bike, pack clothes, and commit! Check Weather: Fair or foul? Dress appropriately.

48. Weather Apps

49. The Bike Fits your style of riding: Road, flat bar, cruiser, multi speed, single speed, or anything comfortable. Sturdy and less “theft worthy” Tires matter…a flat ruins your commute! Easy to shift or don’t shift at all. Brings out your personality. Easy to maintain or get it maintained! Learn how to fix tires and keep it running.

50. The Bag On Body Pack or Messenger On Bike Pannier

51. Resources San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Marin County Bicycle Coalition Bay Area Bicycle Coalition Bike To Work Day May 12th

52. Thank You SFBC! Questions??