MCBC - Bike Locally Resource Guide

Bike Locally Resource Guide

9 common commuting problems solved

What are the benefits of cycling?

What kind of bike should I choose and where should I shop?

What classes and training are available for first-time cyclists?

MCBC's Resources page

9 common commuting problems solved (source Bicycling Magazine’s Biketown)

This list was compiled for Bicycling Magazine's Bike Town by Mark Riedy, with a few of our own additions.

I Don't Even Know Where to Start
Enlist an experienced local bike commuter as your guide; check back for a list of people that can help you.

Traffic Scares Me
Two simple principles greatly improve your safety: ride predictably and ride visibly. How? On wide roads, ride just to the right of the traffic lane; on narrow roads, stay just inside the traffic lane so vehicles must partly cross the middle line to pass. (This removes the temptation to try to squeeze by you.) For turns, work your way into the proper lane 150 feet early; if you can't get there 40 to 50 feet before the turn, go straight and double back. And stay at least a foot away from curbs--passing autos push debris to the curb, creating a littered path.

I Don't Have Time
Studies by groups such as New York City's Transportation Alternatives have shown that trips of less than 3 miles are often quicker by bike, and urban trips of 5 to 7 miles usually take about the same time. Plus, riding to work frees up some of the time you used to spend biking after work or on weekends.

There's No Shower
Stow baby wipes or Action Wipes and deodorant at work. After arriving, wait 10 to 20 minutes for your body to stop sweating, then wipe off (especially your pits, crotch, face and feet). If you showered that morning, you should be suitably fresh. Also consider asking a local gym if they'd give you a special rate just to use there shower facilities in the morning.

There's No Place to Keep My Bike
To lock your baby safely out on the street use two different types of locks, such as a U-lock plus a chain-and-padlock. (That forces thieves to carry several tools--which means they'll look for easier prey than your bike.)

I Live Too Far Away
Can't commit to 15 miles or more each way? Cut the mileage in half: The first day, drive to work with your bike, then ride home that night. Ride to work the next morning, then drive home. Repeat euphorically. You can also try multimodal commuting. For example, drive to the ferry terminal, ride your bike from there into the city and then ride to the SF ferry station and take the ferry back to where your car is waiting to complete the commute home.

I Have to Drop the Kids Off
Drive your kids to school and ride the rest of the way to work. Or, organize a car pool in your neighborhood. Or best of all, ride with your kids to school--they'll be the envy of their class. If you carry them in a trailer or a trail-a-bike you can often arrange to leave it at the school until you return.

My Boss Says No
Tell him it'll improve productivity and reduce absenteeism: 80 percent of people who switch from driving to bike commuting improve the function and health of their heart, lungs and blood vessels in 8 weeks, according to the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives.

My Clothes Get Wrinkled
Packing experts tell us that rolling clothes is better than folding them. We can't tell the difference. Better solution: Drive once or twice a week, carrying a few days' worth of clothes you can store in your office.

What are the benefits of cycling?

Biking helps you loose weight, saves you money, is enjoyable and often quicker than driving, and it's cool!

Bike Facts!

1 pound of CO2 pollution cut for every mile pedaled
50 % of trips Americans make are less than 3 miles
Bicycling is the second most popular outdoor activity in the US.
47% of Americans say they would like more bike facilities in their communities.
3 hours of biking per week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.
Women who bike 30+ minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Adolescents who bicycle are 48% less likely to be overweight as adults.
The U.S. bicycle industry sold $5.9 billion in bicycles and equipment in 2008.
Twice as many bicycles are sold in the U.S. each year than cars.
Studies have shown that homes closer to bike paths are more valuable.
The average American household spends over $8,000 per year on owning and driving their cars more than they spend on food.
On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10 daily.
The average commuter cyclist has just 1 accident every 8.7 years.
There is safety in numbers: the more cyclists there are, the safer bicycling is.

Information provided by Bikes Belong

What kind of bike should I choose and where should I shop?

Commuter Bike
These bikes are good for trips of 10 to 30 miles. They have fenders and chain guards to protect your clothing from grime and usually have racks or the ability to attach one. Great for commuting and local errands. $300-$800

Hybrid/ Cross Bike
These multi-surface bikes can be ridden on and off road and are good for trips of any range. They have larger tires and stronger construction, but may be heavier than a commuter bike $500- $1,000

Road Bike
These high performance bikes are good for trips of any range on paved surfaces. They are lighter and faster than other bikes, but may not be comfortable for novice cyclists due to the more hunched over body position. $800- $2,000

Townie/beach cruiser
These bikes are great for local trips of 3 to 5 miles. They are generally the most affordable bike and may only have 1-speed. A good "lock it and leave it" bike for around town. $200- $500

Mountain
Best for off-road recreation, but can be used on road for local trips or commuting. You may want to purchase narrower, mixed surface tires if your mainly riding on the road. $800 - $2,000.

MCBC highly recommends you buy your bicycle from a local store. There are 20 bike shops in Marin County, so it shouldn't be hard to find one near you. There are many advantages to buying locally - you'll be properly fitted, you'll develop a rewarding relationship with the salespeople and mechanics, and Marin's bike shops all support MCBC. For the complete list of Marin bike shops visit our Bike Shop webpage.

What classes and training are available for first-time cyclists?

The best place to start is with MCBC's FREE Basic Street Skills Class. These classes are offered 8+ times throughout the year. See more on these classes and upcoming dates the Basic Street Skills webpage.

MCBC also offers more advanced beginner and intermediate classes, we'll post upcoming classes when new dates are set.

You can also received one on one training from a Bike Locally Mentor or League of American Bicyclist's League Certified Instructor (LCI) for an hourly fee ($25-$50 per hour, depending on instructor). Check back soon for a complete list of trainers.

Bike Locally Resource Guide

9 common commuting problems solved

What are the benefits of cycling?

What kind of bike should I choose and where should I shop?

What classes and training are available for first-time cyclists?

MCBC's Resources page

9 common commuting problems solved (source Bicycling Magazine’s Biketown)

What are the benefits of cycling?

What kind of bike should I choose and where should I shop?

What classes and training are available for first-time cyclists?

Visit these websites for useful information and great tools for first-time cyclists