Bike to Work Day is coming up Friday, May 16. Fueling stations will be available along your commute, offering treats like coffee, tacos and snacks; CapMetro Bikeshare will offer free passes; group rides will happen; a celebration will be held at City Hall; and afterparty will be hosted by Central Machine Works. 

It’s a celebration we endorse and promote at Austin Transportation and Public Works (TPW), because more people bicycling to work means less traffic congestion and air pollution.

Have you considered bicycling to work?

No, we’re not trying to guilt you into it. For many people, biking to work just isn’t realistic — maybe it’s just too far, a hectic personal life won’t permit it, or a physical challenge makes it impossible. We understand. 

However, if you have been thinking about trying out a bike for your commute … give it a go! There are many benefits — the exercise can improve your mental and physical health and it’s cheaper than the gasoline, car maintenance and highway tolls.

It will require some preparation, including some things that might not occur to you if you’re more accustomed to driving.

First, of course, you’ll need a bike and helmet. If you don’t already own those, Austin has plenty of bike shops to help find what’s right for you. Also, buy equipment that will allow you to carry what you need, such as saddlebags, a backpack or baskets (some bikes have them built-in).

You may want to consider buying an electric bike (e-bike) — they have a motor that adds power to your pedaling, which can help you go up hills or travel faster or farther. And don’t forget, Austin Energy offers rebates of up to $600 on qualifying e-bike purchases.

Then, plan your trip — if you previously commuted on a highway or major arterial, now you’ll be looking for streets with bike lanes or taking trails. TPW has tools to help you plan your safest and easiest route. The Austin Bike Map is available both online and in print (reach out to austinmobility@austintexas.gov for a copy), featuring color-coding that shows which routes are most comfortable. You can also use the trip planner at GetThereATX.com.

Dress appropriately — make sure you’re comfortable (warm in winter, light and cool in summer, and shoes appropriate for pedaling) and visible. In summer, you might need to shower at the office (if your company offers it) and change into work clothes.

Finally, be safe. Obey traffic laws. Use bike lanes or a trail wherever possible. Be sure to always ride in the same direction as traffic and don’t forget to use your hand signals when turning. And practice defensive driving — make eye contact with motorists and be certain they’re going to stop before heading into an intersection.

Consider these factors when weighing whether bicycling to work is right for you:

• Ease into it. Decide what’s right for you. Maybe every day is too much? Then pick a day that’s your biking day. If the weather is bad, don’t feel pressured to ride — just resolve to try it again on the next nice day so that you don’t fall out of the habit.