What to do....

What to do....

Tips for the bicycle commuter

______________________________

STORING YOUR BIKE at Work:

When you get to work find a place to put your bike. The first thing to consider is that the floor is clear of debris. The office has staples, thumbtacks, and other items which often collect in corners on the floor. Any of these can give a flat tire! Make sure you select a clean out of the way place. This is easier with a folding bike than a full-size but it takes some looking in smaller offices. Keep a look out for these things: Tacks etc. which can cause flats. Doors or drawers which will bang the bike. Shelves located above the spot you are considering storing your bike, the contents of which could spill or fall. Any of these things should be fixed or cleaned up, or if not possible, then find another spot. Don't risk damaging your bike while it sits during the day.

ON A TRAIN: While some states have bike-friendly trains, New Jersey does not. NJ Transit does not permit full-size bikes on rushhour trains. it is required to permit folding bicycles, however.

Take a Seat, any seat: Find a seat with a recess next to it [the narrow seats, usually at the end of the car]. Be careful the door of the train will not hit the bike; some older traisn have doors that swing inward rather than slide. If you cannot put the bike next to you, place it in front of you between your legs and the seatback of the next seat. This not only gets it out of the aisle but also prevents some bloke with the flu from sitting next to you!

Disembarking your train: Try to get to the door of the train early. On crowded routes, people will not be understanding if you try to get through with your bike, even if it is folded.

ELEVATORS: Most folding bikes fit in an elevator with both wheels on the floor; just roll in, go to your stop and roll out. A full-size bike will have to be tilted up on its rear wheel in most cases. Make sure to enter and exit the elevator holding the bike on the opposite side of your body as the door is on, and put a foot in the doorspace as you roll in or out of the elevator to prevent the door from closing on the bike and damaging it.

[this page under construction...]

Back....

...to get there page.
...to main page!