Hey there! Today is Bike to Work Day, a day dedicated to encouraging bike commuting. At Showers Pass, we're proud to say that most of our employees, regardless of experience level, neighborhood, or commute distance, regularly bike to work. We want to share our knowledge and help you get started on your own bike commuting journey. Whether you missed out on biking today or have been thinking about it for a while, it's never too late to start. In this blog post, we'll give you some beginner-friendly tips to make bike commuting a reality.
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Plan Your Route: Okay, let's start with the basics: planning your route. Don't worry; you don't need a degree in navigation for this. Simply grab your smartphone and use popular apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. They have nifty features that help you find bike-friendly routes. Just like when you're driving or walking, you can get turn-by-turn directions specifically tailored for bikes. It's like having your own personal bike route guide!
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Don't Have a Bike Yet? Borrow or Rent One! No bike? No problem! If you don't own a bike, there are options available for you. Many cities have bike rental services or bike lending libraries where you can borrow a bike for your commute. Plus, there's the exciting world of electric bikes (ebikes) to explore. Ebike rentals are becoming more common and can be a game-changer if you're worried about long distances or hills. Give it a try and see which bike fits your style before making a purchase.
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Ride Along with a Coworker: Here's a fun idea: find a coworker who bikes to work and tag along! Think of it as carpooling on two wheels. Riding with someone who has more experience can boost your confidence and make the whole experience a lot easier. Plus, you'll get to know your colleague better and build a supportive biking community within your workplace. It's a win-win!
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Allow Extra Time: When it comes to bike commuting, it's better to be fashionably early than embarrassingly late. Your first few rides might be slower than expected, and you never know what surprises the road has in store. That's why it's important to allow some extra time for your commute. Don't rely solely on the estimated time given by your route planner; add a buffer to ensure you arrive at work stress-free and ready to make the most of the day.
Bike to Work Day is a perfect opportunity to kick-start your bike commuting journey. We believe bike commuting is for anyone and everyone. It doesn't have to be a total lifestyle change; it can simply be a regular part of your routine. Embrace the convenience, health benefits, and eco-friendliness of bike commuting. Give it a shot and experience the freedom and joy of cycling while reducing your carbon footprint. Happy Bike to Work Day, and happy biking to all!