Bicycle Commuting Guide
Dressing
| "I'm always bicycling to work in a tie and nice slacks," says WisDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Tom Huber. "I just ride slow, especially on my 2.5 mile morning commute. I wouldn't do it any other way." |
Most commuters place a high emphasis on starting their workday clean, fresh and dressed appropriately for their jobs. For bicycle commuters, this may involve some advance planning, but most feel that the mental clarity and relaxation that comes from starting their work day on a bicycle is worth the extra effort. Basically, you can handle the appropriate dress issue in three ways:
| Tips for riding in work clothes Pants wearers: use an ankle strap or tuck your pants into your sock on the right side so they don't get greasy or caught in the chain. If you wear a skirt, make sure it is full enough to allow you to pedal but not so full it might catch in the chain. Or wear a short skirt with bicycle shorts underneath. Footwear: You need flat, comfortable shoes for bicycling. Consider carrying dress shoes with you, or storing them at work. |
Wear cycling clothes and carry your work clothes. For longer, more strenuous commutes or more extreme temperatures, it can be more practical to change once you get to work. Rolling work clothes, rather than folding them, will help to minimize wrinkles.
Store a week's worth of clothing at the office. What about driving in one day a week or on the weekend and bringing a few changes of clothing along with you? Talk to your employer if you need hooks, closet or drawer space for storing clothing.
| Does your company have casual dress days? These might be the perfect days to start biking to work! |
Tips for riding in cycling clothes
Wear, and carry, layers of clothing, including a lightweight, windproof outer layer. By adding or subtracting layers, you can keep your body temperature constant, and adjust to changes in the weather.
As a general rule, start your ride fairly cool. You will warm up quickly once you get going. If you dress so that you are warm before you even start riding, you will get too hot.
Specialized clothing, such as padded cycling shorts and gloves, can increase your comfort level on longer rides, but are not absolutely necessary.
Wear bright clothing so motorists will notice you.
On to: Cleaning Up…
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