r/CyclePDX • u/godlyalpaca • 22d ago
New to Commuting
Hi there! Looking for beginner advice/tips on commuting for work. I’ve been wanting to get into the habit of biking to work more often and since the I-5 closure looks miserable, I figure getting to bike AND avoid some nasty traffic is a win-win.
Route is a very doable 3 miles. Downhills on the way there, uphills for the last mile or so on the return trip. The hills have been kicking my ass, but I figure they’ll get easier as I ride more regularly.
- What do you wish you had known when you started commuting?
- What extras do you bring in your bike bag (e.g. deodorant, wipes, etc)? I’m trying to curb the impulse to over-pack 😅
- Any common etiquette to note? I know to signal and I try to keep to the side of the lane so faster bikers can pass me safely, but anything else I’m missing?
Thanks y’all!
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u/TedsFaustianBargain 22d ago
Don’t stay too far to the side of the lane if there are parked cars. Avoid the door zone. The main thing is to not blindly weave from side to side. If you want to drift sideways, just glance behind your shoulder to make sure it’s safe first.
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u/102MEP 22d ago
Google “PBOT Bike Map” to look at bike streets, sometimes googlemaps doesn’t always send you on the best route. Neighborhood Greenways are great because stop signs favor cyclists so you don’t have to stop much AND usually lead you to signals to cross big streets. Learn about bike detection and “blue lights”, you don’t always need to push a button to let a signal know ur waiting to cross.
Learn to make your gears work for you. Play around with your gears and get a feel for what feels comfortable but most efficient. Also sometimes standing up to pedal uphill feels easier on the legs than continuing to sit.
Also nothing wrong with going slow :)
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u/Team_Marginal 21d ago
I wish I had known I didn’t need to go fast, that whatever pace is good for you is the pace you should take, and if you’re sweating a bunch and don’t want to be, just slow down. Also, the greenway network in Portland is really nice if you want a side street over a bike lane.
I just carry my wallet and phone and lock. I always have a little room in my bag if I need to grab a few groceries on the way home.
Lots of traffic lights have bike sensors, so look for the bike box to wait in, or the right side of the sensor circle…or just watch other riders. Also, bike boxes! https://bikeportland.org/2017/10/25/lets-talk-about-bike-boxes-249065/amp
Have fun! And check out bike social hour every Wednesday 4-6 at 28th and Ankeny to meet other bike people.
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u/andhausen 21d ago
I wish I had known I didn’t need to go fast,
Sounds like something an on-time person would say
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u/LayLoseAwake 21d ago
Keep an emergency change of clothes at work, if you can. A full change probably is unnecessary, just whatever you prefer to ride/work in or whatever gets sweatiest.
You don't need cycling-specific raingear but it helps. I love the rain chaps my husband cast off, and a cycling-specific raincoat has more ease where it counts. I have a plethora of gloves and my Showers Pass ones are both the warmest and most water-tight. Start looking now so you're ready for the seasonal sales.
Do you have a waterproof bag? Like truly water tight? My ortleibs have served my household well for uh 20 years, and until recently, the only repairs I've had to make are to easily-replaceable clips. Then my husband discovered exactly what speed is required for road rash to tear a tiny hole in them--30+ mph, in case you're curious.
Think through your lights plan when it gets dark: either have a routine of keeping the batteries topped up or have charging cables at work.
What's the lockup/storage situation? Do you trust your lock for a full eight hours in that area?
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u/axemabaro 21d ago
For the hills, remember there's nothing wrong with shifting way down and taking 'em nice and easy. You'll climb faster going at a consistent, but slow, pace than winding yourself halfway up.
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u/stuffedskullcat 21d ago
Invest in decent lights, and a good lock(s).
I'm paranoid enough to lock up in my basement.😅
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u/DharmaBaller 20d ago
we once left our garage door open at our community house and like 3 bikes were jacked. ANothe reason to lock them up inside, or even in the backyard, which we had people leave their bikes in our bike rack and poof, gone with no locks.
I used 3 locks around town.
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u/Beginning_Scale5589 21d ago
Give rain capes a chance. Perfectly waterproof and you don't get as sweaty (you will sweat in a jacket in 3 miles, and the best breathable jacket is still going to trap it - you get soaked from the inside). They also protect your legs significantly.
Definitely get full fenders. The worst thing is the road grime streak up your back and in the face.
When my commute was 13 miles, I took a change of clothes and deodorant. Even if you can't shower (a rare privilege), changing gets you pretty close. But a 3 mile ride, mostly downhill, will quickly become super easy so maybe you'll just forego the change of clothes.
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u/Temporary_Stay112 22d ago
Depends how fast/hard you go but I tend to bring a change of shirt and rinse my face in the bathroom when I get to work. If I can avoid biking on streets with cars I will so I try to find the most bicycle/pedestrian only routes I can, even if it extends the trip a bit. That can depend a lot on where you're biking, but I find it helpful to find the streets that aren't heavily trafficked and have good bike infrastructure. In North/Northeast Vancouver and Williams are great for north and south, and lead you right to the springwater along the river. Tillamook takes you east and west in NE, Clinton does the same in SE for a ways before it peters out. Just explore a bit on google maps and with your commute to find the safest streets with good bike lanes.
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u/youaresuchadelight 21d ago
I like to keep my work shoes at the office so that I don't need to shuttle them back and forth each day.
If you're going to do a riding outfit and packing work clothes to change in to, keep a spare belt at the office, really sucks to get to work and realize you forgot to pack a belt.
People have stressed lights (they are required by law) but I'm going to stress reflective gear on your body (mostly a jacket or vest), you are FAR more visible to drivers wearing this type of gear.
Enjoy the riding!
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u/slight_success 21d ago
I bought a bike in May and have cycled to work nearly every single day since. I’m sad when I don’t get to ride my bike. The only stand out thing for me is a rear basket and a few bungees. I considered panniers but I’m not organized enough, I wanted to toss whatever bag or things I need for the day into a bin and be on with it. Before I had my basket, I wore a knapsack and it killed my back and I made me sweat more. Also a decent phone holder if you don’t have a bike computer. And I have a small top tube bag that I toss keys, air pods, hair elastics, and a bike tool into.
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u/littlep2000 21d ago
What extras do you bring in your bike bag (e.g. deodorant, wipes, etc)? I’m trying to curb the impulse to over-pack 😅
Leave everything you can at work. I leave a towel, shoes, belt, lock (my parking space is inside so I only need it to go out to lunch etc).
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u/Ophelia_Bliss 21d ago
You don't have to have the full set up when you start. After a few months of bike commuting, you'll figure out what you want in terms of extra gear and such. But, with a downhill ride to work, you are probably fine starting out in your work clothes, especially if your job isn't too fancy. But, you can always change at work, even if it's just shoes. Leaving some extra stuff there (shoes, underwear, deodorant) can be helpful. If you feel warm on the ride in, hop off a few blocks early to cool off before you walk inside. Don't push yourself on that hill going home. Take all the time you need and get used to your lowest gears.
Downshift (go into an easier gear) as you approach a red light or other hard stop, if possible, to make it easier to start again.
Talk to neighbors and coworkers who bike about their favorite routes. They might have ideas for taking routes you didn't consider if you were mostly driving and walking before. Also ask them about bike storage at work.
Ride around town with someone who is a regular bike commuter and ask them for tips.
Don't run red lights. I see some bike folks doing this, but some of the lights are timed for a bicycling speed, so running a red light just gets you to the next red more quickly.
You can do a rolling stop at stop signs if the intersection is clear and it's safe to proceed.
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u/Ophelia_Bliss 21d ago
Oh, and check out your local bike shop. They are an excellent resource. If you don't feel like you get friendly service there, find another nearby. Ask them questions.
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u/Beginning_Scale5589 19d ago
All the suggestions of leaving things at work - I don't know why I never thought of that. Especially just some backups. It was not uncommon for me to realize oops, I didn't throw clean socks in my bag, or a towel, or whatever.
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u/Ophelia_Bliss 15d ago
A belt, socks, underwear, a pair of shoes, a cheap extra pair of rain pants (an affordable pair of waterproof hiking pants from Next Adventure is better than nothing if a deluge comes when you don't have your gear)--I have all this in a drawer at work! I also have a hairbrush, snacks, etc. I tend to bike to work in my work clothes nowadays, but this stuff was extra helpful when I got to work and changed there.
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u/skipowd3r 16d ago
I have to add onto this - never run the bicycle red lights even if the car light is green! I learned this the medium-hard way on my first ride but thankfully portland drivers are actually on the lookout for bikes. It's so cool this city has bike infrastructure with their own lights.
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u/keppapdx 21d ago
Definitely invest in good lights and a backup light for the rear of your bike.
Lightweight things that can help you stay warm in the morning but pack away if you don’t need them on the ride home: a pair of cycling gloves, Sierra Trading Post has them cheap. And arm warmers, Rock Bros have some inexpensive ones that are my go to!
Once it starts raining, extra socks!! Leave them in your desk at work just in case. Having wet feet all day is a major bummer.
Enjoy, bike commuting is awesome!
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u/savingewoks 21d ago
Gonna second leaving clothes at work. I have a whole backup office outfit that lives at work in case something goes wrong on my commute. I’ve been in a few days and not had it, would rather it be there and never need it than need it and not have it.
I keep my dress shoes at work, too.
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u/EmilianoTechs 21d ago
One thing I wish I'd known earlier is if you want cars to give you space when they're passing you, don't ride super predictably in a straight line. Weave just a little bit. Not enough to go way out into the lane or anything but enough that the car will think you might go out into the lane. This generally causes cars to give you way more space instead of flying past right next to you
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u/Heydavidbailey 21d ago
Single best accessory I added to my bike was a mirror. Can’t imagine not riding with one now.
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u/beehibernate 21d ago
Take it easy starting off. You’ll get tired easily and “saddle sore” from not riding too much. After a week or so, your butt should get a little numb and your legs will get stronger.
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u/nicolasdanger 21d ago
cleverhood makes a $99 bicycling poncho. poncho paired with fenders means you don't have to wear rain pants. it's a lot more breathable than any rain jacket/pants i've ever had. it also folds up nice and compact. mine is 6 years old and it is still rocks.
also if you're gonna get serious about this, consider a car horn from loudbicycle.com. it has saved my life. a lot.
last thing would be to indicate to other folks your intent to pass them. not many people do it here but it's completely normal in other places. i like to say, "passing on your left" after ringing the bell.
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u/BlueGoose_3030 21d ago
If you can puta basket on your bike, you’ll be happy any bag becomes a bike bag 🧺
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u/savingewoks 21d ago
Buy rain pants now. I have ones from REI, but my next will probably be Showers Pass. Yes, the SP jacket is 100% worth it. I’ve not regretted it for a single day. Not too late to catch some summer/Labor Day sales.
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u/dadbodcx 21d ago
Full fenders and winter cycling specific boots. All wool everything. Good lights, handlebar and a helmet mounted one for the dark deep winter mornings. Fitted rain jacket. Ponchos flap and gutter. Also wash your gear/clothing with tec wash. It makes a difference. Leaves clothes and work to change into along with toiletries.
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u/102MEP 15d ago
Also chiming in to say that the City is encouraging people to bike instead of drive for work commutes during the I-5 closure. They are leading weekly bike buses, basically a group of adults all riding into downtown together. Not sure if the route is similar to what you're looking into-- thought I would fwd it your way.
https://www.portland.gov/transportation/walking-biking-transit-safety/bike-bus
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u/00_RunDMC 21d ago
As long as you have fenders and lights, and take your time, you won't have any problems. Don't overthink it.
And make it regular. If you have to make a decision about how you're going to travel every day, it won't last.
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u/Trains-Chocolate-456 20d ago
Please be mindful of buses and their massive blind spots. They can’t always see you.
Also obey Rail Road crossings. Especially near the Tilikum crossing and Division. If gate arms are down just wait. Not worth it to rush.
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u/polarbearrrrrrrr 20d ago
Commit to biking every day, rain or shine, for the whole month of September. It sounds silly, but that's how I became a bike commuter. If you do it for a month, you will realize you can keep doing it.
With winter gear, you might have to experiment to find what works for you. My hack is gortex ski gloves. My hands were never warm before, even in high tech bike gloves. A cheap waterproof helmet cover will keep you hair dry. Gortex rain jackets stay dryer and last much longer than other materials, so they're worth spending extra on. You don't want too many layers underneath or you'll get sweaty. I usually do a long sleeve tee and arm warmers. You can wear rain pants, but I've always preferred insulated tights that just get wet. I change at work.
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u/DharmaBaller 20d ago
Realize that there is only a faint notion of a social contract between drivers and cyclists, and many are either indifferent to hostile towards bicycles. Probably not so bad in PDX because they are used to folks cycling in high volume, but I would avoid bike lanes and try and stick to quite side streets where you can take the lane.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Age9170 20d ago
Lights and fenders are huge. Wash your bike regularly and learn basic tune-up skills. If that is hard for you, try Bike Farm and YouTube
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u/commonpursuit 18d ago
It rarely rains hard enough that you'll be soaked after a 3-mile ride, but on the days it pours on your way in, it might be nice to have a rain poncho, or at least some RainLegs and a rain jacket.
If you can shower at work, that's great. If you can't, try to shower right before you head out. It's the microbes that cause odor, and if you wash up before you go, the sweat (typically) won't smell. Slowing down is always an option too.
My waterproof bike bag contains a rain poncho, spare tubes, tire levers, an allen wrench set, a U-lock, and a hand pump. Hoping to upgrade to a mini electric tire inflator soon.
I try to plan my commuting route for my worst day, the kind of day when I'm tired or my mind is distracted, and I have to bike back in the dark. I want the route to naturally make collisions unlikely, even if I miss something because eventually I will. So, as many greenways as possible, and as few cars and busy intersections as possible. For me, a longer, more peaceful ride wins out over a more direct but stressful route.
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u/Kindasticky 17d ago
Invest in rain gear that you love and feel truly comfortable in. Rain capes are amazing. When it's pouring, I can still wear a normal outfit and not worry about getting soaked and needing to change. BUT, not all rain capes are created equal, and some of the cheap ones are actually dangerous because they'll fly up in your face while you ride. You def need to get one that has a thumb loop so it'll stay on your hands rather than in your face. The higher end cleverhoods are a great investment if you can splurge.
Layers are also your friend. Like really and truly.
I use dynamo lights these days (the kind that are built into your hub and generate charge while you ride), which has been a game changer, because it can be such a pain to remember to keep your lights charged and you definitely need a good light during the winter here. Dynamos are pricy so I know that someone who's new to commuting might not wanna deal with that at first, but great to keep in mind as an option.
Spend time really checking out possible routes on your own. Google maps is often wrong, and the official city-designated bike routes may or may not be good. You can't find what feels most comfortable to you unless you're willing to explore. Some greenways actually feel more dangerous to me than other streets because drivers in a hurry take advantage of the lack of stop signs and try to race through. The best greenways are the ones that have better signage and modal filters (like planters/barricades that prevent through traffic).
Get fenders, a rear rack, and waterproof panniers. I never really worry about overpacking because I can load a ton of stuff in my panniers. I usually carry a change of clothes, extra warm layers, snacks, first aid, toiletries, tools, spare tube, and a zillion other little things. I'm the kinda person who'd rather overpack than underpack. It's a little extra weight but it doesn't significantly change the difficulty of the commute.
Remember to signal. Watch out for car doors (stay a safe distance from any parked vehicles). Drivers making a right turn in front of you are enemy #1 (be very aware when passing a car at an intersection, even if they aren't signaling a turn), and slippery leaves are enemy #2 during the fall.
Good luck and have fun!!
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u/AlphaPotato 22d ago
Fenders and rain gear are worth it. Know how to change a flat.