Visit a bike show and talk to the employees. Check out what they have to offer. Take the models you like out for a test spin around the block. Consider how you’ll be using the bike. If you’re using the bike to go back and forth to work, to the grocery store, and to run other errands on pavement, consider a road bike, which is quick, efficient, and light. Determine if a mountain bike is a sound investment. They are durable and can jump easily from pavement to mud and sand. They are built to take a thrashing. They’re just not that great for endurance rides. [2] X Research source Consider the weight of the bike. It might not seem very heavy going for a spin around the block. It will be much heavier as you pedal it through miles on your way home from work. Buying a lighter frame will make the ride home much more manageable.
Get a bike multi-tool, tire patches, a spare tire, lube, and a flashlight. Keep them in your riding bag in case of emergency. [3] X Research source Buy a bike lock and use it. Talk to someone at a bike store to find out what will work best for you. Always use multiple locking mechanisms. Although not foolproof, a kryptonite U-lock with a four foot long cable is a good way to prevent bike thieves. Get bad weather gear. You’ve gotten rid of your car, so you’ll be exposed to the elements on your rides home. Being prepared means a smooth ride. Buying a waterproof bag to keep your equipment in will help you out. Check for used ones online for the best deal.
Learn how to take care of your bike. Your bike is a series of moving parts. Learn each of these moving parts and what they do. When you expose them to the elements like rain, mud, sand, or snow, the parts will begin to deteriorate. A few simple steps can save you a breakdown in the middle of your commute. Do a pre-ride inspection. Like a car, you will benefit from making sure there are no glaring problems to hinder your ride before you begin pedaling. Check the tires, for any loose parts, the chain, and the brakes. [5] X Research source Clean your bike. Wipe it all over with a dry rag. Take note of any loose parts. Base your cleaning schedule on how often you ride. If you ride every day, wipe your bike down every few. [6] X Research source Secure any loose bolts. Don’t over tighten them by cranking down on them. Apply lube to protect moving parts (the chain, the brake and derailleur levers, the brake and derailleur cables, the brake and derailleur assemblies, and the bearing systems) from the natural wear and tear of riding. It will keep rust and corrosion at bay. Don’t over-lubricate as too much will attract dirt and debris. [7] X Research source
Always use your bike lock. A good lock is your first line of defense against would-be bike thieves. Know how to lock your bike. Put your cable through your frame and both wheels. The U-lock goes through the back wheel (inside the rear triangle of the frame). Secure the bike to something solid. This approach locks the rear wheel and the frame. The smaller the U-lock the better. It’s easier to carry around and is harder to break. Consider the insurance quality bike locks offer. You can fill out a form online after purchase, and in the event someone steals your bike, they will pay your homeowners or renters insurance deductible or they will pay to replace the bike. Research your options. Don’t throw any receipts away (for the bike, the locks, or the tools).
Use a small U-lock if you lock your bike to a parking meter, never just a cable. A small U-lock makes it impossible to lift the bike over the top. Look for immovable bike racks installed outside of buildings. Check to make sure it’s bolted down and solid. Never lock your bike to something flimsy, like a chain-link fence which can be easily snipped open. Look for parking garages and parking lots that are bike-friendly. While some ask for a minimal fee, it’s worth the cost for peace of mind. Bring your bike inside when you return home if you can. If you can’t, secure your bike with as much precaution as you would when you take it out. Even if you’re tired, taking these extra steps will help insure you have a ride tomorrow. Bring any accessories with you after parking your bike: lights, water bottles, seat, etc. Take care of yourself, too. A soggy-wet, cold bike ride is miserable. Dress to stay dry. Buy a waterproof vest or jacket with a hood. Rain pants are always a great investment.
Learn how to use a transfer ticket. [9] X Research source A transfer will allow the passengers to board a second bus or train going in the same direction to complete their trip. Transfers are generally free (check online or call the transit center for transfer prices) and can be requested at the time of payment. Transfers are generally only available one-way. Also, you may have to wait for the next line when you transfer, so schedule extra time to complete your trip. Master the pickup times. Time how long it takes you to walk from home to the station. Subtract that time from the pickup time and you’ll know exactly when you need to leave the house. Give yourself a few minutes on both ends. Keep the transit systems number in your phone so you can call to check the times in case of inclement weather or traffic delays. Often transit systems have apps you can download onto your phone that are very helpful. Take advantage of these if you can.
Use an integrated circuit (IC) card if you frequently commute by public transport. While some bus routes allow you to pay using your debit or credit card, others only accept IC cards, tickets, or change. Usually there is an acquisition fee and a security deposit, but you may get discounted rides for using an IC card over cash. Consider buying a pass. In many cases, there are discounted bus passes to people. Check out the costs online and do the math to see whether it’s cheaper to buy a month or year-long pass.
Bring a book. Buying cheap paperbacks at the thrift store is economical and fun. You can also invest in a reading pad and download books for free from your local library. Bring your own music. Download music through your phone or buy an iPod. Older models are very inexpensive online and can be used just for downloading music. Make sure to keep the volume at a level that won’t bother your surrounding neighbors. Listen to a radio program. There are many great apps to download so you won’t miss your favorite radio show now that you don’t have a car. Download them, sit back, and enjoy your time.
Keep your bag in your lap. Don’t spread your stuff out. Don’t eat on the bus. Just don’t. Wait until you get out. [10] X Research source Offer your seat if someone older or otherwise infirm boards. It’s a polite and respectful thing to do. Say thank you to your transit driver. It might be the thing that keeps them waiting an extra ten seconds for you on the day you’re accidentally late.
Research the station and its location to you. You may need to take a bus or ride your bike there. Find out how long it will take you to arrive to your destination. Determine the price of your fare and if you’ll need to transfer.
Many train systems like BART and the Tokyo Metro accept or are switching to using IC cards only. Look for the turnstile or gate where you can buy your fare. Never get on a train without paying the fare––getting caught is incredibly expensive and can go on your record.
Do the math by multiplying each day you use the train by the cost of the ticket. Compare that number to the price of a week or month long pass.
Once you arrive at your platform, wait a safe distance from the tracks. Pay attention to where you are walking and where the train will arrive. Keep your head up and stay alert. When the train arrives, allow other passengers to disembark before you get on. Don’t stand in front of the door and expect them to walk around you; stand to the side and give them proper room to leave the train.
Make sure you are on the correct train by listening to the destination and route. If you’re not, get off at the next stop and reevaluate.
Always be respectful of the people around you by using headphones and keeping your music or radio show to a respectable level. Be polite and courteous to your neighbors. Offer older people or otherwise infirm people your seat.
Consider moving closer to your work. The money you save by not having a car can help with the possible increase in rent.
Have your gait analyzed at a running/walking shoe store to determine which shoe is best for you. [14] X Research source They will take the time to find the best shoe and the best fit for you. Buy a flexible shoe. The shoe must be flexible or you might get shin splints. Twist them to see how much they bend. Buy a shoe with cushioning. You’ll be grateful to have it after a few miles after work.
Take side streets when you can (never compromise your safety) to see other neighborhoods. Talk to people you see outside. Saying hello is a great way to begin to build community. Change up your entertainment. Listening to music, books, or radio shows can make a long walk go by in a snap. Use your walk to think about your goals and ambitions. What do you want for yourself? What do you want for your family? What’s going on at work? Exercise clears your head and you’ll see and feel the results in a matter of weeks.
Put moleskin, bandaids, and antiseptic salve in it. Carry a small water bottle. Hydration is important! Keep a couple bucks of extra cash on you in case you need some water or to make a phone call. Keep a spare shirt at work in case of inclement weather.
