Let’s say you’ve had it with high gasoline prices, are not happy with riding buses and trains, and you want to try something new for your health.  You are a candidate for commuting by bike!  This may be to your job, school, or running errands.  The health and environmental benefits of commuting by bike are well known and these new incentives may just push you to take action and try it out.  It may take some experimenting to develop a new routine, but the following six tips will help to get you started.    

If you use your bike to commute or for transportation, you will probably need to carry more gear than when you are taking a recreational ride on the weekend.  You will need a way to carry the items you will use when you arrive at your destination, such as  a change of clothes, a laptop, work papers, locks, bike tools in case of a flat tire, and your lunch.   If you run errands on your bike you will need a way to comfortably carry your purchases.  Hanging plastic bags from your handlebars is unstable and risky!  The most popular bike bags if you bike for transportation are a backpack, messenger bag, panniers, trunk bag, or a handlebar bag or basket.