(StatePoint) May is National Bike to Work Month, and hundreds of thousands of commuters are expected to participate across the country.
If you are new to cycling in general or commuting to work by bike, there are a few things to consider before hitting the streets.
Planning the Route
Don’t just wing it! Take time to plan your route beforehand. Free apps can help you choose the best possible route for arriving safely and quickly, helping you avoid streets that aren’t ideal for cyclists. Because many such apps function using crowdsourced data, you’ll be drawing upon the real-time wisdom of other cyclists. This can mean a stress-free journey.
Maintaining the Look
No one wants to arrive at the workplace looking — and smelling — as though he just hit the gym. To look and feel as put together as you did before leaving the house, seek out fabrics that keep you comfortable.
That’s not as hard as it sounds these days, thanks to fabric innovations from companies such as Jos. A. Bank, which are helping commuters look stylish and polished all day, no matter how far they are traveling or how they get there. The brand now carries 37.5 temperature-regulating technology, which is woven into its quality wool, wool blend and cotton fabrics. The brand’s line of Custom Travel Tech suits, sport coats, shirts, and pants feature this fabric technology keeping riders cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Plus, it’s wrinkle-resistant and designed to trap odor molecules that easily wash way when cleaned. And because with Jos. A. Bank, experienced, professional stylists help you find an expert fit so you can look as great as you feel. To learn more, visit www.josbank.com.
Parking and Locking Up
Find out if your workplace has a biking garage or other means for storing your bike in a secure area. If not, invest in a high-quality lock to prevent someone from walking off with your means for getting home.
Adjusting to a bike commute takes a bit of homework, especially if you want to arrive calm, cool and collected for the day. But with the right gear and some planning, your commute can be stress-free this month and beyond. Â
*****