BIKE BAKERSFIELD

BIKE TO WORK

Bike to Work handbook and presentations

Bicycling to work is one of the most important aspects of using a bicycle for transportation. Since the average person works 5 days a week, think about the amount of emissions we could cut down on if biked to work.

Lauren Franconi has been traveling around Bakersfield giving presentations to workers on the benefits of bicycling to work, as well as tips for doing so.

That's why we created our "Bike to Work" handbook.

Sponsor Safety
Bike Bakersfield is working on a safety handout, Even A Monkey Knows. This handout will be given to children at our rodeos, safety presentations and any other chance we get to pass them out, to remind kids what to do to be safe on a bike. We are looking for sponsors to help with the cost of printing this vital resource. Our vision is to see it expanded into a booklet. If you would like more information or would like to sponsor a printing please contact us at our office or at info@bikebakersfield.org

Our "Bike to Work" handbook is free. If you are interested in having a Bike Bakersfield representative come out to your workplace, or are interested in receiving a free "Bike to Work" handbook, please contact Lauren Franconi at 661.321.9247.

QUICK TIPS FOR COMMUTING:

SELECT YOUR ROUTE
Depending on your current commute, you may follow the same roads on your bike that you drive, or you may need to choose a more bike-friendly route that avoids highways or otherwise unsafe roads. If you feel uncomfortable in getting started riding your bike to work we offer a Bike Buddy Program in which Bike Bakersfield sends an experienced commuter out to your house to ride with you to work. They will teach you basic safety tips and rules on your morning commute.

If you prefer to go it alone but are unsure on a good route, contact Lauren Franconi at 661-873-5667, for a safe and fun way to work.

DO AN ABC QUICK CHECK
If you keep your bike well-maintained, mechanical problems, barring the occasional flat, shouldn't’t be a problem. But it’s a good idea to get in the habit of performing this ABC Quick check recommended by the League of American Bicyclists. Before each ride check:
• AIR Tires should be inflated to the rated pressure noted on the sidewall (pounds per square inch, or PSI).
• BRAKES Check brake pads for wear (ask your bike shop employee about brake maintenance) and brake cables for fraying. Check pad adjustments; make sure pads do not rub the tire. Make sure you can activate your brakes; unless there is at least 1 inch between the handlebar and the brake lever when you apply it, your brakes are too loose.
• CRANKSET Your cranks are the arms that attach the pedals to your bike. Take both cranks in hand and try to move them sideways. If either moves, tighten the bolt holding it on. If both move, take it to a shop to have your bottom bracket inspected.
• QUICK RELEASES Quick releases are the levers that hold your wheels (and sometimes your seat post) on your bike. Be sure they are all firmly closed.

CLEAN UP
Unless you can wear a sweat suit and ball cap on the job, you’ll want to clean up and look fresh and professional after you arrive at work. As far as carrying your clothes is concerned, most dressy-casual clothes hold up well if you roll rather than fold them. But if you work in a starched-shirt, shiny-shoe atmosphere, you may opt to drive in on Fridays to deliver fresh clothes for the upcoming week and shuttle dirty ones home for weekend laundering. Many office buildings are equipped with showers or have a gym facility nearby that you can use for cleaning up. If yours does not, shower and take care of personal hygiene at home before you leave, then freshen up in the lavatory at work. Stow baby wipes and deodorant at work, too. That way you can wipe your face, feet, and underarms, and feel shower fresh in fewer than 5 minutes.