Are you getting ready for National Bike to Work Day? Here are recommendations for a safe bike commute. This year, National Bike to Work Day will be May 20. This annual day brings awareness and support to the cycling community and also encourages others to try something new! In preparation for Bike to Work Day, don’t forget about the significance of bike safety. Here are some tips to make sure your day is a success!
6 Benefits of Biking to Work
While the advantages of cycling to work vary from one person to the other, most individuals will experience the following:
1. Improved mental health – Exercise helps you sleep better and reduces your risk of depression and anxiety.
2. Heart benefits – Regular aerobic activity, such as cycling, lowers the risk of severe heart and vascular diseases. It also helps your heart function better by improving overall cardiac performance.
3. Weight loss – Workouts with higher intensity, such as biking, burn more calories. Riding also helps build muscle in the quadriceps, calves, glutes, and hamstrings, making your ride a long-term physical therapy assistance.
4. Joints benefit – Cycling is a low-impact exercise, which can give your joints a much needed break, so it’s less likely to trigger an overuse injury than other workouts like jump roping.
5. Save your cash – You don’t have to refill your fuel tank as much if you bike to work, retaining more money in your pockets.
6. Green environment – Congestion produces greenhouse gases that result in climate change. Therefore, bicycling will help you minimize your carbon footprint.
Safety Measures to Adopt on Your Bike to Work Day
According to the National Safety Council, the number of people killed in bicycle accidents increased by 6% in 2019 and 37% in the last decade. As a result, having a safe Bike to Work Day is critical.
1. Always Wear a Helmet
Your helmet must fit properly. You must be able to insert two fingers between your helmet and brows. Also, there should be minimal movement when you toss your head sideways.
2. Choose a Good-Fitting Bicycle
Please ensure that your bike fits you correctly. An oversized bicycle will put you at risk of falling. If you don’t have a bike to ride, search for bike rental programs near you on the web. Major cities often offer bike share programs, making it easy to borrow a bike for your commute to and from work, school, and other destinations.
3. Follow the Traffic Signals
Kindly watch the stop signs, red lights, and lane markers. Be observant at all times, keeping a constant check on what or who is close by. Before changing lanes, look carefully and signal the commuters around you. Always ride with the flow of traffic.
What You Need for a Successful Bike to Work Day
Get ready with essential protection gear that will make your bike commute more enjoyable before you begin. These include:
1. A Bell or a Horn
Use this to alert pedestrians and cyclists that you are passing. You can notify them by shouting “on your left” so the person in front of you knows that you’re approaching.
2. A Lock
If you want to leave your bicycle unattended while you get into your office, a chain lock is more effective, but it can be challenging to carry. On the contrary, you can use a sturdy lock by wrapping it around your seat or a U-lock to secure the bike frame and front wheel to the bike rack.
3. Lights
Most states require cyclists to use headlights at night, including a red reflector in the back and a white reflector in the front. Installing a red light on your bike’s back might also help boost your visibility.
4. Wear Neon Clothes
Please ensure you put on fluorescent or neon clothes, and if you find yourself riding at night, always wear reflective apparel.
3 Tips for Starting Your Bike to Work Day Commute
The most challenging moment of a bike commute, like any new pursuit, is getting started. While this might be a new part of your schedule, careful planning can help make the early stages safer and more comfortable.
Ensure You Have a Way to Freshen Up at Work
We suggest keeping a duffel bag with essential toiletries at your job. Some companies provide showers for this reason. (If all else fails, body wipes will suffice.) Ensure you carry an extra change of clothes at your workplace and ride in waterproof, breathable fabrics to help you stay fresh for the workday ahead.
Plan Your Trip Carefully
To design an exact route to work, use Google Maps, MapMyRide, or Strava. These apps will help you avoid poor tarmac roads, busy streets, or complicated crossroads.
Do Some Workouts
Whether you ride your bike to work tomorrow or not, cardio exercises need to be part of your daily routine! The prescription for wellness includes workouts, a well-balanced diet, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular doctor appointments. Sworkit health app gives people the inspiration to achieve their wellness goals and take control of their health. Our cross-fit and instructional fitness app will enable you to bike longer and faster.
Now You’re Ready for Bike to Work Day! Have fun!