How To Plan A Bike Route For Your Commute

June 16, 2020 by Josh Friedman

There are a lot of great reasons to commute to work on your bike. Not only will it save you gas money and wear and tear on your car, it also makes you feel energized and ready to attack the day. Having that buffer time at the beginning and end of your work day is important for you body and mind. However, getting started can seem daunting. Knowing how to plan a great bike route for your commute is the first step in ensuring you stay on your bike rather than defaulting to hopping in your car. It might be a bit of work to find the route, but once you do, you will be hooked. There are a few elements to keep in mind when planning a bike route, along with a few tools to help you choose that route.

Finding Safe Streets For Your Bike Commute

The most important element of a good bike commute route is that it is safe. Separation from cars is ideal – the less time you are near them, the safer you will be. This holds true for any ride, but even more so on a commute, when everyone else is trying to get to work also. You will probably have to ride on a street with cars at some point. Be sure that they are quieter and that drivers expect to see cyclists and other road users. Good pavement and scenery are bonuses, although a quieter commute should be the main goal.

A bike commute generally goes from a less dense, more residential area to a more dense, more urban area. Both pose challenges. The residential area may have quiet neighborhood streets, but the roads that connect to the urban area may be higher speed roads. The urban area may have more non-driver users, but may also be more crowded. Weigh these aspects when choosing your route.

The Time of Day For Your Bike Commute

It is likely that during some point in the year, you will ride in low-light conditions. Planning a bike route that will allow other road users to see you with your fantastic light array on your bike and body along with your reflective clothing is imperative to staying safe. Street lights help light the way, but also consider the turns on a route and how you may sneak up on drivers and vice versa. Also note the position of the sun; if you are riding into the sun, it may be hard to for drivers behind you to see you. It may also be hard for you to see oncoming and merging cars and bikes. Try your best to avoid directly traveling into the sun’s path.

The Combo Commute with a Bike

If you cannot start your commute directly from your house because of distance or road conditions, consider a combo commute. Use your car, the bus or train to get to a better starting point with better conditions for you. It can allow you to get to a safer starting point for your bike commute and it can avoid some of the worst on-road traffic. This is a common strategy if the initial part of the commute gets you and your bike to a quiet bike path, while the on-road traffic gets worse as you get closer to your destination.

Tools for How to Plan A Bike Route For Your Commute

It is unlikely that you will see a good bike commute route from your standard car commute. There are a few valuable tools and strategies to find a route.

Experiment

If you know the area well enough and are confident enough, experiment with possible routes to work. It might be a good idea to try your first experiment on a day you are off from work. You will have the time to explore the best possible streets and not be late for work.

Scout the Route

For the section of the route that is on roads and not bike paths, you can scout the route in a car to see if you would feel comfortable on a bike. You can also experiment in your car to search for alternative streets that may be good for riding.

Talk With Other Commuters

Find out who else in your community (neighbors, coworkers, others in your work neighborhood) bike commutes and seek their input on a good bike commute route. Their experience is invaluable to shaping your own commute.

Google Bike Maps

Google bike maps can give you a route that should be safe for cyclists. That said, if the algorithm only sees one way to get somewhere, it may send you through a dodgy intersection or on a busy road. Use Google bike maps in conjunction with talking to other people and using street view to get a better perspective on the actual route. A great way to learn new roads to get places is to have a rough idea of where you want to go from first looking at the map, and then when you get to an intersection, stop and see which way you want to go next. It is a bit of a pain constantly stopping but once you know where to go, you won’t have to stop on your future rides.

Strava Heat Maps

Strava heat maps compile user data to show where people frequently ride. The brighter the street, the more cyclists that use it. It is a self-selecting map because a few people might ride busy or unsafe roads, but most users will ride on safe streets. This is among the best tools to find safe, common routes.

Map it Out

Knowing how to plan a bike route for your commute can help keep you out of your car and riding happily and safely. It can also change the shape of your day, avoiding the frustration of traffic and giving you more time to ride your bike.

The Best Step Through Bikes for City Riders

August 28, 2018 by Sarah Lauzé

If you’ve ever struggled to get your leg up and over your bike, then you understand the reason for step through bikes. More and more manufacturers are coming to realize that there is huge market potential for easy to board bikes. Typically, even the best step through bikes suffered from weight bearing limitations, but with recent design breakthrough, they can make cycling more accessible to a lot of people.

What Are Step Through Bikes?

Step through bikes are pretty self explanatory. They are bikes with no top tube, making them easy to “step through” to mount. They often use a pedal forward design, with the pedals slightly forward of the seat tube. This makes it easier to maintain the proper seat to pedal distance, while also being able to put their feet flat on the ground while remain seated. The wheelbase will be a bit longer, which can effect handling, but it enhances the overall comfort.

Pro and Cons of Step Through Bikes

Historically, step through bikes have been regarded as women’s bikes as they allow the rider to wear a dress or skirt. However, more and more seniors, commuters, and heavier riders are opting for the easy to mount option. If you’re not quite as flexible and limber as you once were, then it’s a great option to keep you riding.

The biggest disadvantage of a step through frame is the weight, strength and stiffness. The regular diamond shaped design of most bikes is so widely used because it is the better design. The top tube gives the frame strength and stability, while allowing for the use of lightweight materials. To achieve the same strength, step through bikes have had to use heavier materials.

For city cruisers and commuters, the step through design can actually make the most sense. Stopping at stop lights and being able to remain seated while placing you feet on the ground can be plus for a lot of riders. Much more common in Europe, finding a step through bike can be a little tough depending on where you live. However, a lot of manufacturers will ship, so here are some of the best step through bikes.

The Best Step Through Bikes

Public C1

$395

If you live in a relatively flat area, the single speed Public C1 can be a great affordable option. Under $400, it has the iconic European style perfect for comfortable cruising.

Bike ID Step Through

$800

The Bike ID Step Through is made of Hi-Ten steel tubing, weighing in at 15.5kg or 34 lbs. It’s equipped with both a hand brake and a foot brake. Both brake and lever is made of aluminum, and due to a smart quick-release you can remove and replace the wheel without having to change the break settings. It is strong and durable, and will last through years of city cruising!

Shinola Bixby

$1950

The Bixby is offered in both a classic men’s and women’s frame design, with thoughtful touches like gender-specific saddle design and proportional geometry. The Bixby riffs off the fun look of the curved top tube, but improves on the fit and function with nimble frame geometry, a Shimano 3-speed internal hub and disc brakes. The Bixby is more of a hybrid between the step through and diamond design, giving the rider the best of both worlds.

Electra Amsterdam Royal 8i

$1400

The Royal 8i is a lightweight aluminum premium-edition Dutch bike: well-bred for stylish luxury and yet practical everyday cycling. Top-of-the-line Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal hub, smooth and powerful front and rear roller brakes and durable tires with Kevlar puncture-resistant casing are a few of the special upgraded features that make the Royal 8i worth every penny.

Cycling Hand Signals

May 16, 2018 by Sarah Lauzé

Whether you’re riding solo or in a group, you need to alert those around you of your intended movements. Like when you’re driving a car and use lights to communicate, cycling hand signals serve as your turn indicators and brake lights. It’s important to know the proper hand signals to ensure both cars and other riders can understand what it is you’re going to do.

Many accidents occur from misunderstandings between cyclists and drivers, and either side can be quick to point a finger of blame. However, it is up to both to know and understand cycling hand signals and the overarching rules of cycling.

Stop

The most common hand signal to indicate you are slowing to a stop is to extend your left arm out to the left and angle the forearm vertically down from the elbow. There is some controversy around this, as if you are coming to a sudden stop, it means taking one hand off your brake and handlebar, which could actually prove more dangerous. If you are riding in a group and don’t feel comfortable taking your hand off your bike, yell a courteous “stopping” over your shoulder to warn those riding behind you.

Left Turn

Almost intuitive, to signal a left turn simply extend your left arm out horizontally. Be sure to do to the signal in advance to the turn (like you would in a car), not just when you are actively making the turn.

Right Turn

Historically, to signal a right turn you would extend the left arm out, and then up at the elbow. This practice is no longer in use to cyclists, and has been replaced with the simpler right arm straight out horizontally. The Uniform Vehicle Code in the U.S. recognizes both, although it recommends the right arm out approach. State traffic laws generally conform to the UVC, but exceptions may exist.

Passing on the Right

Quite often cyclists will be moving fast than traffic in dense areas, so be sure to stay about a meter from the curb or well within the bike lane where applicable. Although you do not signal passing on the right, always be alert. This is an issue that can still come to debate in court. Look out for cars backing out of parking spots and driveways, turning left across the road toward you, or turning right into you. The truth is, they probably don’t see you. Never ride on the left side of the road or on sidewalks, as this is both illegal and increases the risk of a collision.

Take a lane

If you are moving a similar speed to traffic, or need to make a left turn in the near future, then be sure to signal and get into a lane. This will put you in the position to properly navigate the intersection with the rest of traffic. Always remember, the same rules apply to cyclists as cars.

Commuting can be the best part of your work day, but make sure you get there and back safely by using these hand signals and staying alert. Never listen to headphones in traffic, and give plenty of warning for each action. For more information on riding safely in a group, check out “Group Ride Etiquette.”

The Best E-Bike For Every Cycling Application

November 4, 2016 by Josh Friedman

E-bikes are making a surge in the cycling world. From pedal assisting up a steep climb to speeding up your commute to getting you to your destination without breaking a sweat, the benefits are myriad. If an e-bike can keep you from walking up the hill in the woods or out of your car for your commute, it may be worth it to explore why you may want an e-bike.

For the Commute

If you live in a totally flat place like Amsterdam an e-bike might be overkill. For the rest of the world with hills and E-bike can deliver you to your job without being a sweaty mess. Because an e-bike is still a bike with pedals, you can smash on your way home and get as sweaty as you like, getting your exercise for the day. You may even get a little extra sweaty because the motor and battery will make the E-bike heavier than your regular bike. Remember that by riding any bike, including an e-bike, you will be keeping another car off of the road. In particularly congested areas, you can dramatically speed your commute with an e-bike.

The Faraday Porteur has everything you need in a commuting e-bike – fenders, a low maintenance belt drive and internal hub, commute specific tires and a built in headlamp to light the way. It has an up to date retro style to it too, just in case you are into the aesthetics of your commute. When you are passing all of those cars, you want to let them know that you are a cool kid too.

For Cargo

Pedaling to pick up a big load may be no problem, but the way home may leave you grunting and swearing. A little pedal assist could do the trick to get you home without wanting to swear off bikes forever. Cargo bikes can be significantly heavier than a standard bike. The electric assist may even be a welcome addition addition if you are pedaling the bike empty in a hilly place. You can also use your cargo e-bike to haul your kids around town without strapping them into a car.

There are a few different styles of cargo bikes. If you are going to get an E-bike, get one that can carry a big load, you will want a long bike or bakfiets in that case. The Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike is a premium bakfiets with electric assist, a disc brake in the front to slow down that heavy load and a Nuvinci internal-gear rear hub.

Mountain Biking

Bombing down a sweet trail is a great thrill, but pedaling your long travel bike back up the hill can be a drag. With e-bike technology becoming smaller and more efficient, there is a burgeoning market for motorized mountain bikes to take the sting out of the ascent to the top of the trail. There is some debate whether E-bikes can use certain trails. If you do get one, check your trail accesThe before going hitting the trail.

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie is a top-shelf E-mountain bike. It is equipped with parts you would expect on an S-Works mountain bike, with the addition of a motor to provide up to an additional five hundred thirty watts when needed.

Road and Touring

E-bikes are even making an appearance in sport road riding, and it is not for racing. That is clearly illegal. Road e-bikes are for those looking for a little help keeping up or cresting big climbs. This can be especially helpful when loaded touring. Whatever your reason for getting a road E-bike, there are more an more options out there, even from major bike manufacturers.

The Giant Road E+ has the spec of a mid-range alloy road racing bike. That downtube is not aerodynamically shaped, though. That is the battery pack and motor to give you that extra kick out on the road.

The E-Bike For Any Application

Technological advances have made the battery and motor designs cheaper and smaller. This has created a small explosion of available e-bikes for people to choose from. A pedal assist bike is no longer an at-home hack job. It is a fully polished complete bike ready to ride.

Levis Commuter Jeans-Why You Should Own A Pair

September 3, 2016 by Corey Davis

You may or may not have heard about the new Levis Commuter Jeans series, but here is why you need a pair now! The Levis Commuter jeans series was started with the urban commuter in mind. Levis took everything into account when designing this new line for men and women. Levis created a pair of jeans with the fit, material, and durability in mind for the urban commuter. The Levis Commuter jeans feature advanced fabric to keep them dry and has added strength for durability. The fabric, while strong, is also designed to stretch for extra comfort while riding to work. The Levis Commuter Jeans are performance built for cyclist, meaning they are designed to fit the typical build of a cyclist’s body.

Regular Pants Just Aren’t as Good

Regular pants are not quite as functional for the everyday cyclist commuting to work. Regular pants tend to “ride” up while cycling, and the Levis Commuter jeans are supposed to decrease this from happening with their superior design for cycling. Regular jeans are also going to stay wet much longer than the Levis commuter jeans series, and no one wants to walk around work with wet pants. Also, if you happen to crash on the way to work, regular pants will tear while the Levis stand a much better chance of surviving the accident. Regular pants certainly do not contain 3M reflectivity properties, which helps to increase visibility like some of the Levis Commuter jeans.

The Men’s Jeans!

For the men, the Levi Commuter jeans come in two different cuts, the 511 slim fit and the 541 athletic fit. The 511 slim fits come in a variety of different colors such as dark moss, mourning dove, and grey denim. The 541 athletic fits come in a few different colors as well like black, grey and indigo denim. Levi says the 511 slim fits sizing has a “higher back rise for coverage while riding”, “slim through hip and thigh” and “slim legs”. The Levi 541 athletic fit has “higher back rise for coverage while riding”, “more room in seat and thigh” and a “slightly tapered leg”.

The Women’s Jeans!

For the women, the women’s Levi Commuter jeans series is called the High Rise Skinny Jeans. They are offered in black and morning dove, to provide a professional and stylish look. They are water and dirt repellent and have the Reflective 3M Scotchlite tape on the cuff. They also have deeper pockets, and the fit is skinny through the hip and thigh. They also have skinny legs, which help prevent them from getting caught in the crank and chain.

How to Fix a Flat With No Tools

October 29, 2015 by Wade Shaddy

Flat tires are part of cycling, and most cyclists know how to deal with them. But there are options for changing tires without tools, and tricks that can help you get back on the road faster.

Pro cyclist get back on the road faster without using tools. — Experienced cyclist sometimes skip the tools when changing tires.

What if you’re caught in the middle of nowhere with a flat clincher? Or you might have already broken both your levers, without getting that damn tire off. Don’t lose hope, you can change that tire without any tools whatsoever if you go about it right.

Steps to fix a flat without tools

1. Remove the Tire

Focus on completely removing the tire from the wheel. Don’t attempt to pull it loose only on one side, you’ll need both hands pulling at the same time from one side, which results in the complete removal of the tire from the wheel.

2. Break the Bead

Clinchers work when pressure from the inflated tube seats the bead of the tire inside the rim. It can be tricky to get loose initially, but once it starts it becomes easier. Crouch down and place the wheel in front of your knees. Grasp the tire and pinch it from both directions to break the bead on both sides, rolling it as you work around the circumference.

3. Pull it Off

Place both hands at the top, with your thumbs on the rim. Pull the tire and tube together, toward your body, using your thumbs on the rim to add opposing pressure. Once it starts to come off, it gets easier. When it’s off, inspect it inside and out to find the source of the flat and remove it. Slip the tire back on the rim, seating the tire on the rim, only on one side.

4. Impress Your Friends

If you’re on a group ride, nothing will impress your friends more than what you do next: Get out the new tube, open the Presta valve and use your cheeks to blow air into the tube. If there’s a Superman on this ride, it’s you. But seriously, it’s easier than it sounds, and only takes a bit of air to inflate the tube enough to stuff it back into the tire.

It's much easier than you think. — It’s much easier than you think.

5. Reverse the Procedure

Push the tire back over the rim using your thumbs. It’s easy enough until you get to the last few inches. If it gets too tough, its fine to roll the last few inches of tire over the rim, it will pop back into the bead as it when it passes over the tight edge. Use your frame pump to fill it the rest of the way, even Superman would have trouble filling it up to 100 lbs using only his cheeks.

Old Versus New

Once you’ve accomplished the no-tools procedure, you might even find that it’s quicker and easier to fix a flat without tools. One thing comes into play though; if you’re working with brand-new tires, it is more difficult to accomplish. Tires with more than a few miles on them are easier, and some brands are just easier than others.

Revolutionary Invention for Commuter Cyclists

November 8, 2013 by Lee Agur

This Smart Wheel can be put on ANY bike and is going to revolutionize commuter cycling.

So what is it?

It is an electric rear wheel that comes out of the box and can fit on most bikes. It is a pedal assist that turns on when you start pedaling, and stops when you stop. It allows you to get places without breaking a sweat.

The wheel weighs 9 lbs (4kg) and can go up to 20mph for approximately 30 miles before the next charge.

Features

This nifty invention for commuter cyclists will allow you to recharge your phone while on the go and has many other very cool features.

A simple and free App for your phone allows you to set speed, and monitor your current speed, the distance, the time of traveling and the battery level. The App will also allow you to track where the wheel is via GPS in the event that is gets stolen.

You can lock the wheel with the simple touch of a button on your phone and it will even let you know that your bike is moving without you.

Included in the purchase is a light that doubles as your phone holder and charger.

The battery will recharge itself on down hills and only take two to three hours to fully recharge from a normal electrical socket.

The App can record your cycling habits and suggest new faster routes that are safer or more fun to take.

Installation of the wheel is very simple and can be done in less than 2 minutes.

What is the cost?

So what is the price tag of this revolutionary new invention for commuter cyclists? The wheel plus the light cost $590 and ships Worldwide. For more info visit kickstarter here or watch the video. This idea needs your help to get some momentum so please spread it by sharing it below.