How can you make bike commuting safer and more accessible?

Bike commuting is a great way to reduce your environmental impact, save money, and stay healthy. But it can also be challenging, especially if you live in a city with poor cycling infrastructure, traffic congestion, and unpredictable weather. How can you make bike commuting safer and more accessible for yourself and others? Here are some tips and strategies to help you plan, prepare, and enjoy your bike rides to work.

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1 Know your route

The first step to bike commuting is to find a suitable route that matches your skill level, comfort, and preferences. You can use online tools, such as Google Maps, Strava, or Bike Map, to explore different options and compare distances, elevation, bike lanes, and traffic. You can also ask other cyclists for recommendations, or join a bike buddy program that pairs you with experienced riders. Try to avoid busy roads, intersections, and construction zones, and choose quieter streets, bike paths, or trails whenever possible.

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Damien Moulin

CEO d'Original Vélo Tour et guide vélo du Sud Vendée et du Marais poitevin #slowtourism #cyclotourisme #tourismeinclusif #tourismeresponsable #écotourisme #tourismedurable #visitedesproducteurs #oenotourisme
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Pour ma part, je suis guide vélo. Mes itinéraires, je les ai étudié sur guide papier puis sur Google Maps puis améliorer en réel. Ainsi, chacune de mes sorties a été actualisé selon les travaux, des nouvelles pistes cyclables,...

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Jaime Ruiz Huescar

Co-Founder of CITIES FORUM 🌐 | We are helping cities to build a more digital, green and sustainable future 🌎
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En un proyecto reciente que he dirigido el Perú con CITIRS FORUM desde donde evaluar la red de ciclovias de Lima Metropolitana hemos podido comprobar cómo de efectivas son las asociaciones locales de ciclismo y de amigos de la bicicleta para organizarse y tratar de cuadrar horarios para desplazarse en grupos más numerosos en lugar de ir solos, de esa manera aumentan su visibilidad en las zonas sin carril bici. En general muchos usuarios de la bicicleta usan Google Maps para conocer la ruta más rápida, y luego replanifican para evitar tramos con trafico pesado y grandes avenidas.

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2 Gear up

The second step to bike commuting is to equip yourself and your bike with the necessary gear and accessories. You don't need a fancy or expensive bike, but you do need one that fits you well, is well-maintained, and has reliable brakes, tires, and lights. You should also invest in a good helmet, lock, pump, and repair kit, as well as a backpack, pannier, or basket to carry your belongings. Depending on the weather and the season, you may also need gloves, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, or layers.

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Damien Moulin

CEO d'Original Vélo Tour et guide vélo du Sud Vendée et du Marais poitevin #slowtourism #cyclotourisme #tourismeinclusif #tourismeresponsable #écotourisme #tourismedurable #visitedesproducteurs #oenotourisme
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Je réalise mes sorties tout au long de l'année. Rien ne sert d'être trop chargé mais il est primordial d'être bien équipé selon la saison.

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Jaime Ruiz Huescar

Co-Founder of CITIES FORUM 🌐 | We are helping cities to build a more digital, green and sustainable future 🌎
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Cuando uso la bicicleta el elemento que más cuido son las gafas, para protegerme de impactos, evitar el deslumbramiento y tener una visión limpia de la via. Por otro lado nunca uso auriculares para poder estar atento a posibles conflictos en la via y reaccionar a tiempo. Por desgracia mucha gente joven no se quita los audifonos cuando monta en bici o en patinete eléctrico y eso está generando mucho accidentes y atropellos.

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3 Follow the rules

The third step to bike commuting is to follow the rules of the road and practice safe and courteous cycling behavior. You should always ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and signal your intentions clearly. You should also keep a safe distance from cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists, and avoid distractions, such as headphones, phone calls, or texting. You should also wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions, and use your lights and horn to alert others of your presence.

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Damien Moulin

CEO d'Original Vélo Tour et guide vélo du Sud Vendée et du Marais poitevin #slowtourism #cyclotourisme #tourismeinclusif #tourismeresponsable #écotourisme #tourismedurable #visitedesproducteurs #oenotourisme
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Le code de la route est bien trop souvent non respecté autant par les cyclistes, les automobilistes, les piétons et les chauffeurs poids lourds. Ainsi, il arrive parfois des situations compliquées voir houleuses pour un détail mais souvent un détail de sécurité. Chacun respecterait le code de la route, le vélo serait un plaisir à pratiquer.

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4 Plan ahead

The fourth step to bike commuting is to plan ahead and anticipate any potential challenges or issues that may arise. You should check the weather forecast, road conditions, and bike parking availability before you leave, and adjust your route or timing accordingly. You should also pack your essentials, such as water, snacks, phone, wallet, keys, and ID, as well as any extra items, such as clothes, toiletries, or work materials. You should also have a backup plan in case of an emergency, such as a flat tire, a breakdown, or an accident.

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5 Enjoy the ride

The fifth step to bike commuting is to enjoy the ride and the benefits that it brings. You can use your bike commute as an opportunity to relax, exercise, explore, or socialize. You can also join a bike commuting community, such as a club, a group, or a challenge, to share your experiences, tips, and support with other cyclists. You can also celebrate your achievements, such as the distance you covered, the calories you burned, or the money you saved.

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Damien Moulin

CEO d'Original Vélo Tour et guide vélo du Sud Vendée et du Marais poitevin #slowtourism #cyclotourisme #tourismeinclusif #tourismeresponsable #écotourisme #tourismedurable #visitedesproducteurs #oenotourisme
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Faire du vélo un plaisir, c'est bon pour le corps, l'esprit, le coeur. Le vélo a un effet bon pour le moral, surtout hors des zones urbaines. C'est ainsi que je réalise les sorties guidées à vélo.

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6 Advocate for change

The sixth step to bike commuting is to advocate for change and improve the cycling conditions and culture in your city. You can do this by participating in public consultations, surveys, or campaigns that promote cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation. You can also support local bike organizations, businesses, or events that raise awareness and funds for cycling initiatives. You can also encourage your employer, colleagues, friends, or family to join you in bike commuting or to provide more bike-friendly facilities and policies.

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Damien Moulin

CEO d'Original Vélo Tour et guide vélo du Sud Vendée et du Marais poitevin #slowtourism #cyclotourisme #tourismeinclusif #tourismeresponsable #écotourisme #tourismedurable #visitedesproducteurs #oenotourisme
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Je suis membre de clubs de réflexion sur le vélo du quotidien afin d'améliorer son usage. Je participe également aux conseils d'administration de 2 offices de tourisme pour faire rayonner le vélo auprès des touristes.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you make bike commuting safer and more accessible?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your route

2 Gear up

3 Follow the rules

4 Plan ahead

5 Enjoy the ride

6 Advocate for change

7 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

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How can you make bike commuting safer and more accessible?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your route

2 Gear up

3 Follow the rules

4 Plan ahead

5 Enjoy the ride

6 Advocate for change

7 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

Rate this article

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