Commuting 101: Bike To Work Day checklist

For those deciding at the last minute to bike to work on Bike To Work Day, here’s a handy dandy checklist of things to have and do. I recommend getting this stuff together the night before you ride.

  • Check weather forecast.
  • The bike:
    • Tires inflated.
    • Saddle adjusted.
    • Brakes adjusted and operating.
    • Gears adjusted.
    • Chain lubricated.
    • Lights work; batteries charged.
    • Flat repair:
      • Spare tube and/or patch kit.
      • Tire levers.
      • Pump or CO2.
  • Clothing:
    • Under five miles or so, nothing special is really needed.
    • For longer distances, bike shorts are nice to have.
    • Rain gear if necessary.
    • Safety gear: Gloves, eye protection, helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, etc.
  • Backpack or some other way to carry “stuff.” Contents may include:
    • Bike lock if necessary.
    • Cash for emergency public transportation fare.
    • Transit passes.
    • Clothing & shoes for the office.
    • Personal hygiene items:
      • Towel & washcloth.
      • Soap.
      • Shampoo.
      • Hair care items.
      • Deodorant.
    • Lunch.
    • Wallet.
    • Office badge and keys.
    • House keys.
    • Cell phone, camera, whatever other gadgets you like to carry.

This is a fairly minimal list. You can go crazy and do much more, but this is generally about what most bike commuters should need.

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