As the summer draws to an end, for many of us it’s back to the daily commute to school, college or work.
Although evenings are becoming shorter, the fall weather still makes for wonderful biking around Vancouver. The temperatures are fresh and the orange glow of the trees make for beautiful evenings- what could be better for a pedal powered trip across the city?
Some readers may now be thinking, this sounds great, but I have never commuted by bike before, how do I get started?
The crew from OCB offered their advice for anybody looking to kick start their cycle commute
- Be seen– it may still be light when you leave work or school, but the sun disappears quickly
- Be ready for rain– We all know how quickly the weather can change in the fall, and being caught without the right protection while on your bike is not fun. Make sure you pack a lightweight raincoat, and a brimmed cap can also be useful for keeping rain out of your eyes. Bringing backup clothing is also beneficial, to avoid sitting in the office / classroom in sodden clothing!
- Pack a spare inner tube and pump- Fallen leaves and damp roads increase the chance for small, sharp objects at the side of the roads to puncture your tires. Not everybody knows how to change an inner tube, but come by one of OCB’s repair clinics, Youth Clubs, or ESG Access nights or drop into DIY and we can help you understand more about the process and learn for yourself how to fix a puncture. These maintenance clinics are also important for ensuring your brakes and gears are operating well.
- Bike with caution- Wet leaves on the road can also create hazardous cycling conditions and increase the chance of slipping and concealing uneven surfaces. Watchout!
- Check out the cycleways– Vancouver hosts a network of car-free cycle routes which connect downtown and residential districts. For example, the Arbutus Greenway and the Seymour Valley Trailway are great routes for navigating the city and enjoying a ride. More bike friendly and safer options can be found on the City of Vancouver’s online bike lane maps and planning tool.
- Get a crew! Biking with peers, classmates or colleagues is a great way to build confidence if you are new to commuting by bike. We at OCB are helping people to build a community around biking through our various programs. Youth Bike Club and ESG Access nights are intended as social space for developing lifelong friendships around pedal power- so come along and find out more! There are also a range of local biking clubs (such as Gravel Buddies, Chill Rides, or YVR Fixed) which focus on inclusivity and solidarity- well worth checking out.
- Get a good bike lock- Unfortunately, bike theft is a very real experience. To help protect your bike, we advise a sturdy bike lock (particularly if your college or place of work does not have secure bike parking), ensuring the frame, back and front wheels are all secured. If you don’t know which type of lock to purchase, pop into our shop and we can advise you on what you might be looking for.
Happy autumn and happy biking!
