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Bike to
Work Toolkit

Whether you’ve commuted by bicycle in the past, only biked for recreation, or are a first-timer, this toolkit details steps to get bike commuter-ready!

Bike to Work: A Toolkit

Biking to work can reduce carbon emissions, traffic congestion, improve health...and it's fun! Whatever your bicycling experience level, the following toolkit offers plenty of tips to help ensure you're prepared for and enjoy bike commuting.

Benefits of Bicycling

  • Excellent, comprehensive way of exercising
  • A fun way to explore, whether on a nature trail or local roads
  • A way to be "one less car on the road" - reducing traffic congestion (and for some: tailpipe pollutants)
  • A strategy to keep your kids active and engaged (for extensive info, check out this Family Biking Guide from the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition)

While cycling is certainly an option year-round in the Bay Area, spring and summer are especially pleasant with lots of dry, sunny days. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and water. :-)

How to Be a Successful Bike Commuter

It can be daunting to think about getting on a bike for the first time or after a long bike-riding gap. Is your bike in good working order? Do you have the right equipment? What else do you need to consider? The following guide with biking "best practices" can help:

Make Sure Your Bike is Good to Go

Before riding any bike, do the ABC Quick Check:
- Air: make sure the tires are pumped and hold air.
- Brakes: make sure the bike can stop.
- Chain and cranks: make sure the chain and everything it touches is clean and functional. Tug lightly on your cranks (these are the parts with grooved edges that your chain hooks into) to make sure they aren't loose.
- Quick: make sure the quick releases (AKA wheel axles) are properly tightened.
- Check: take a quick spin to listen for any odd noises.

Here's a short how-to video on performing the ABC Quick Check (by League of American Bicyclists).

Next: if you uncover something that needs attention, such as a flat tire, perhaps a helmet that's no longer comfortable, or even the need for a new bike, read on for tips and special offers available to those who work at employer sites in Stanford Research Park: 

Choosing the Right Bike
Getting Your Bike Ready to Ride

Check out these how-to videos:

Proper Gear
  • If you work at an employer site in Stanford Research Park, you can get a bike helmet at Mike's Bikes at The Hub for just $20. Stop into the shop during business hours for your helmet. Free helmet fitting also available. 
  • Helmet Guide (post by Stanford Research Park Transportation)
  • Proper Clothing (1-min. video by League of American Bicyclists)
  • Essential Items (1-min. video by League of American Bicyclists)
  • Bike Lights (post by Stanford Research Park Transportation)

Take a Test Ride

Once you have your bike and gear ready, it’s time to hit the road! Practice riding your bike around your immediate neighborhood. Listen for sounds that might require minor adjustments to your bike. Once you feel confident riding your bike, check out the following guides:

Biking Fundamentals

Choosing Your Biking Route

Important Tips

-It's a great idea to practice riding your work commute on a weekend or day off. 

-Plan-out your route first (maps and routing suggestions above)

-Follow all traffic laws and proper bicycle maneuvers found above - just under “Biking Fundamentals”  

Behavior Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Research shows that it takes an average of two months to successfully change behavior. Start now, start small, and work your way up. Most importantly: keep it up!

Motivation!

Need more tips and/or nudges to get in the bike saddle? Get some inspiration from these Bike Commuter Profiles from your very own Stanford Research Park colleagues: 

Advice from Experts

Helpful in-person and interactive virtual sessions abound - and are well worth it. Many of these sessions are happening here in the Bay Area.

Challenges, Tracking and Other Fun Activities

We're here for you - anytime! Contact your Stanford Research Park Bicyclist Concierge with any biking-related questions at: SRPGObikes@stanford.edu.