Choosing your route
Major thoroughfares provide the fastest way to cycle from point A to point B. But if an enjoyable ride is what you're after, think in terms of pleasure. Look for routes between your most common destinations – such as between home and work, school, retail stores, library, bank, grocery store, a friend or relative's house – that have tree-lined, lower-traffic streets and safe crossings. Check for bike and pedestrian trails in your area and connect them with residential streets. Try out different routes when you're not in a hurry and have time to explore. Once you establish your favourites, you're set!
So take the time to enjoy your cycle and explore your community. Or if you feel the need for speed and are comfortable and sufficiently skilled at cycling in heavy traffic, take the main thoroughfares.
To help plan your route, pick up a copy of the Cyclist's Map of Winnipeg (suggested retail price $2.95) at most Winnipeg bike stores and other shops. See the Manitoba Cycling Association's website for a complete list.
Route choosing tools in other cities
A website put together by a team at UBC lets cyclists throughout the Vancouver region plan trips according shortest route, most greenery or least pollution. Try it out, and imagine how such a tool could transform biking experiences in your city.
http://www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca/
Find a bike buddy
If a colleague, friend or neighbour is an experienced commuter cyclist, enlist their help to plan your route or to ride it with you once or twice until you are comfortable. Or meet at a mid-way point and ride together on a regular basis.
Save cash
Cycle to your gym and you just might find you no longer need the workout – you've already had it! By commuting by bicycle, you can save the cost of a gym membership along with the cost of parking and operating your vehicle, whatever your destination.
Lock it, don't lose it
Be sure to use a quality lock and secure your bike properly each time you go out. To improve the odds of not having your bike stolen, check out bike locking tips and images at the following sites:
Maintain your bike
Keeping a properly tuned bike is key to a safe, comfortable trip. If it's been a while since your bike's last tune-up, take it into your local bike shop. In addition to maintenance services, Natural Cycle in Winnipeg provides bicycling safety workshops and sells stripped-down commuter bikes made from refurbished components. Remember that you don't need a fancy, high-end bike for commuting.
Another Winnipeg bike outlet that provides bike mechanics courses and services, Bikes and Beyond also provides a number of online tips for basic repairs and adjustments, such as fixing a flat or lubricating your brakes.
A few other online resources for bike maintenance include:
Winter cycling
Snow and ice present additional challenges for cycling through Winnipeg winters. Check out tips and advice for winter commuter cycling from Manitoba Cycling Association or Bike to the Future (www.biketothefuture.org). Another good source is a brochure produced by the Toronto Bicycle User’s Group.
