Name: Paul
Location: Pasadena, CA USA
Started bike commuting: 2009
Commute distance (one way): 16 miles

Describe your commute: My commute is a bit on the long side, but I try to do it two or three times a week. To get to my job in Burbank I ride along the very beautiful Arroyo Boulevard south of the Rose Bowl, then take the road that loops around the stadium up into the San Rafael hills. It’s a bit of a climb, but brief, scenic and quiet. It’s definitely my favorite part of the ride. There’s an overlook with a great view of the San Gabriel valley just before a fun descent down into Glendale. After one more short but steep climb I take mostly quiet residential streets across north Glendale before heading south on busy Sonora Avenue into Burbank. Sonora becomes Riverside Drive which has a great bike lane that leads right to work. For all the urban density in Los Angeles I’m happy to have found a route with comparatively little traffic that’s also fairly scenic. The smell of the chaparral up in the hills is pretty heady.

Describe your bike and accessories: 2011 Trek 520 with the stock 32mm Bontrager Hard Case tires, a Brooks B-17 saddle, Shimano PD-M324 pedals, Cateye Double Wireless Strada computer, Nite Rider MiNewt Cordless lamp, Planet Bike Superflash, Jandd expandable rack top bag.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?: I’m sure this point has been made by others, but it’s important to always assume drivers have no idea you’re there. I’ve fortunately haven’t had any problems, but that may be because I’m very cautious, always use my lights, and make a point to signal when cars are around.

Name: Kevin
Location: Vernon Hills, IL
Started bike commuting: June 2008
Commute distance (one way): 10.5 miles

Describe your commute: Flat. Consisting of subdivisions, MUPs, and roads less traveled. Not too scenic but still nice to be outside smelling what nature has to offer. You don’t get to experience the smell of a spring shower in a car.

Describe your bike and accessories: 2008 Lemond Poprad disc brake version with Ultegra/105 drive-train. Sometimes with and without fenders (depending on my tolerance for a little tire rub). Tubus Logo rear rack with Ortlieb panniers. Waterproof non-roll up version. Niterider dual headlights. Rear Busch & Muller 4D Toplight. Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 35mm. Close to 3000 miles with no flats. Need a new set soon.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?: When you consider your commute is part exercise it may save time from driving to and from then hitting the gym/trials. I pack everything the night before and throw the pre-packed lunch from fridge into bag and I set off. Getting ready in the AM for me would make the bike less enjoyable.

Name: Josef Janning
Location: Bonn, Germany
Started bike commuting: 1966
Commute distance (one way): varies, last: 20 km

Describe your commute: I have been bike commuting since my secondary school days up the age of 30, then abandoned the bike (except for weekend rides) for 15 years and am happy to be back on the bike for the past 10 years.

Started to bike to work occasionally, then regularly, then always. Did that for three years through all seasons, usually logging 30-60 km per office day. Changed job and location and still commute emission-free, but on feet; continue to ride for errands, touring. Bike commuting has changed my life in so far that I now try to be emission-free or low in all of my transportation needs, using my car as little as possible.

Describe your bike and accessories: I own fun bikes (MTB & road bike) and commuter bikes (recumbent two-wheel and recumbent trike, velomobile). My favorite distance commuter bike is my Quest velomobile, Dutch made, 28 kg carbon fibre, with good lights, brake light, fog light, indicator lights, very visible on the roads, very comfortable and fast.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?:

1. Just do it.
2. Get a low maintenance reliable bike with good lights, good brakes, hub generator, hub gearing, chain protection.
3. Use a set of good waterproof panniers, change clothes at work.
4. Select your bike route, don’t just ride where you would drive — often, there are much better alternatives, maybe somewhat longer, so what — more miles, more fun.

Name: Jack Nolan
Location: Seattle, Wa. USA
Started bike commuting: 2002
Commute distance (one way): 11 miles

Describe your commute: I bike from North Seattle down to the University District where I catch a bus across the SR 520 bridge. I then ride 2 miles to my school after getting off the bus. I’ve modified my route several times so that I ride on surface streets through neighborhoods as opposed to main arterials.

Describe your bike and accessories: Old Rocky Mountain Metro. It’s a hybrid I bought used from a touring company for $125. I’ve made some basic upgrades and installed a carrying rack.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?: Start small. I began by taking my bike to work on the bus in the AM, and then riding home in the PM. I lost about 15 pounds. I figured if I rode in the AM as well, I could lose another five pounds. I was right. I’m almost 50 and I weigh the same as my senior year in High School.

Don’t spend a lot of money on equipment. Start slow and then get what you really need. I have found people give me a lot of gear for birthdays etc, so I haven’t had to buy much.

Fenders are KEY. I stay fairly dry while riding because of the heat I produce, but the water that comes off your wheels will soak you faster than any rain storm. Wet shoes are a drag.

I live in Seattle in ride year round. A lot of activities are no fun in the rain; skiing in the rain sucks, backpacking in the rain isn’t much fun, but biking in the rain is pretty easy. Don’t let it sway you. Once you get your systems down, it becomes automatic.

Name: Betsy Mathews
Location: Amherst, Mass
Started bike commuting: 15 years ago+/-
Commute distance (one way): 3 miles

Describe your commute: Main residential street with a bike lane then through school and park grounds.

Describe your bike and accessories: Cannondale 900 hybrid fitted with fenders, mirror, bell, rack, panniers.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?: Keep your tires pumped up, be a regular on your route so the drivers learn to expect you, signal all turns and enjoy.

Name: Anna
Location: Pasadena, CA
Started bike commuting: 2008
Commute distance (one way): varies, usually 1 mile

Describe your commute: I sold my car last month, so I usually bike to get around in Pasadena, such as to the library or grocery store. I also bike to complete routes via bus or metro. I would love to see more protected bike lanes and improved bicycling infrastructure so that I would be more comfortable bicycling everywhere!

Describe your bike and accessories: For local commutes, I have a lock-up-anywhere “beater” bike, a vintage turquoise Gitane mixte. I’ve actually done quite a bit of work upgrading the minor parts such that it runs pretty well, but doesn’t look expensive. I recently bought some Avenir panniers for the rack, so it has been great for hauling light loads around town. I also have a Specialized Dolce Comp for longer rides.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?: In Southern California, there are many groups that offer beginner friendly workshops and rides to help people get comfortable with biking and urban commuting. These rides are also a great way to explore the community and get some exercise and sun while doing it! Two groups are CICLE and Flying Pigeon bicycle shop. There are also workshops to guide bicyclists on safely biking in traffic. I would highly recommend these to feel more comfortable with bicycle commuting.

GOOD Magazine recently posted their “GOOD Guide to Biking for the Planet” online biking guide. The micro-site was created in partnership with CLIF Bar to coincide with the 2-Mile Challenge.

GOOD →

[via Suburban Assault]