Bicycling as Transportation
Getting Started
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The RouteLearning a good, safe route will be key to the quality of your commute. Although it’s legal to ride on nearly every roadway (except interstates or some streets, such as in business districts), many bicyclists prefer riding on bikeways, trails or streets with lower speed limits or less traffic. Also consider scenery, lighting and stops along the way. For a new bicycle commuter, joining the Bike2Benefits program is a good way to get started. Learn more about this free program and sign up at bike2benefits.org. Other resources for navigation include Cyclopath, an online route finder, and free bicycle maps for some metro-area counties, cities and even neighborhoods. Develop a route to your liking by researching different ways of getting to your destination. Note the streets that bicycle commuters use and which might best meet your needs. Maybe one route is better on the way to your destination and another is better on the way home. To get comfortable with the timing and feel of the route (and to make sure that you are able to enjoyably ride it), practice on a weekend or during low-traffic periods. The LawThe Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Share the Road campaign distills much of Minnesota bicycle law and guidelines into eight simple points: 1. Bicyclists may ride on all Minnesota roads, except where restricted. 2. Bicyclists should ride on the road, and must ride in the same direction as traffic. 3. Motorists must at all times maintain a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist. 4. Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists. 5. Motorists and bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to each other. 6. Bicyclists should signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner. 7. Lights and reflectors are required at night. 8. Bicyclists should always wear helmets. Sharetheroadmn.org is a great resource for more in-depth information on these points or read the law itself. The GearWhether you are buying a new bicycle, resurrecting an old one or having one modified for commuting, talk with the staff at local bike shops and ask lots of questions. The right sizing and fit are very important— many styles of bicycles are available, and not all are designed for the types of riding you’re interested in. Many advanced bicyclists have very specialized gear. You may find that some of this equipment is handy for you too, but you really don’t need all of it to get started commuting. Here are some basic considerations:
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