Commuter Cycling Tips
Cycling to work is a great way to get daily exercise, save money and experience the beauty of your community. Check out this inspiring video on cycling from the Cascade Bike Club. Not only is cycling an enjoyable way to get some exercise, for short trips it’s also the fastest way to get around!
First time riding? Try planning your route to work on a weekend ride to ensure you know best way to go and just how long you will need to get there. There is no need to suddenly become an 'everyday bike commuter' even just one day a week will help you feel great.
To make cycling to work even more enjoyable, ask your employer to provide a safe locker or cage to store your bicycle in, plus shower and locker facilities. If you need help convincing your employer of the benefits of providing these amenities, check out our Employer Benefits section.
If you are new to cycling, i-go has prepared a tip sheet for residents of the Central Okanagan (PDF) and a detailed maintenance guide. Check out these great websites below for more ideas and information to help you get started.
If you are interested in encouraging your co-workers to try cycling to work, check out some of our fun events like Bike to Work Week. Check with your local Recreation Guide about cycling programs!
Online Cycling Resources
CAN-BIKE
CAN-BIKE is a cycling education program from the Canadian Cycling Association and the Government of Canada. Here you’ll find some great tips that will help you commute by bike with greater confidence. Designed for the more than 14 million Canadians who ride bicycles, the Canadian Cycling Association's CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road; it is oriented toward recreational and utilitarian cycling. The CAN-BIKE cycling safety program provides a nationally standardized set of courses that can be taught through a variety of organizations who are interested in education, safety and health. CAN-BIKE Instructors are nationally certified highly skilled cyclists and instructors.
The Bike Sense website and manual is a priceless resource for new and seasoned commuter cyclists. The manual has been written and reviewed by professional cycling skills instructors, cycling advocacy organizations, bicycle trained police officers and provincial authorities responsible for making and interpreting our traffic laws. It condenses and paraphrases language in the BC Motor Vehicle Act (RSBC 1996). It also provides safety advice not included in the law (In the event of a difference between material included in Bike Sense and the BC Motor Vehicle Act, the Act shall apply.
The Bike Sense Manual focuses on 5 key principles:
- Maintain your bicycle in good working order
- Be as visible as possible to others
- Learn the skills needed to control your bike
- Cycle in traffic safely and predictably
- Know and obey the rules of the road
The manual is available on the Bike Sense website or by contacting i-go.
The Kelowna Regional Transit System is pleased to offer buses equipped with racks that can carry up to two bicycles at a time. So you can leave the pedalling to Kelowna Regional Transit! Whether you're headed for work, for school, for shopping or for fun, you and your bike can ride the same bus.
The bike racks hold most wheel and frame sizes, but was not designed to hold tandem and motor-powered bikes.
Click here for more information about 'Bike and Ride', including instructions on how to load your bicycle.
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