Six Things You Need to Know to Get Started with Bike Commuting

HUB Cycling’s Spring Go by Bike returns to Metro Vancouver THIS WEEK from June 3-9, 2024, and there’s never been a better time to shift your weekend rides to weekday commutes. By logging your bike trips at logmyride.gobybikebc.ca from June 3-9, you’ll be entered to win great prizes like an e-cargo bike and a cycling adventure for two in Italy!

To get you started, HUB Cycling has put together a list of six things you need to know to make your bike commute something to look forward to:

1) Get the gear you need to ride in comfort.

Bike commuting becomes much easier to commit to regularly when you wear the right gear. Windy? Wear gloves. Rainy? Wear a rain jacket, waterproof pants, boot covers, and a helmet cover, and install fenders on your bike. Sunny? Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Check out HUB Cycling’s Commuting by Bike Checklist for more guidance.

2) Map your route in advance with TransLink’s Metro Vancouver bike map.

Bike commuting becomes a lot more enjoyable when you map out your bike route before you ride it. TransLink’s Metro Vancouver bike maps are categorized by comfort level. If you’re new to bike commuting, you’ll feel safest on “comfortable for most” bike lanes. Comfortable for most bike lanes are either fully protected from vehicle traffic or are on shared roadways with 30 km/h speed limits. Sixty percent of Metro Vancouver residents live near a bike lane that is considered comfortable for most people.

Trying a new bike commuting route for the first time? Give yourself lots of time, and ride your designated route on a day off when you’re not in a time crunch.

3) Find secure bike parking at your destination and lock your bike properly.

When possible, research the bike parking options at your destination before you ride so you’re not left stranded upon arrival. Try using Google Maps Street View to see if bike racks are available at your destination. Many employers offer secure bike parking inside their buildings; ask your employer if you’re unsure. TransLink offers several low-cost bike parking options like bike parkades and bike lockers if your destination is near a SkyTrain station or major bus loop.

Always lock your bike properly with a U-lock or metal folding lock, ensuring the lock goes around the bike’s frame and at least one wheel. Need more tips? Check out this page.

4) Can’t be bothered with bike parking? Use bike share! 

If you can’t be bothered with bike parking, use bike share! There are several bike-share options in Metro Vancouver:

• Mobi by Rogers in Vancouver
• Lime in Richmond and North Vancouver
• Evolve at SFU Burnaby Campus and New Westminster
• Bird Canada in Surrey

5) Learn the basics of bike maintenance to avoid any mechanical issues on your ride.

Before you begin any ride, it's always a good idea to perform a quick air, brakes, chain, or ABC check. Check out this short video to master the basics or attend a bike maintenance workshop taking place during Go by Bike Week. Diagnosing any mechanical problems before you ride will help decrease the likelihood of getting stuck on your commute with a flat tire.

6) Soak up the Go by Bike Week cycling perks, like free bike checks and group rides!  

Of course, be sure to check out the many Go by Bike Week celebrations, like free group rides and 35 Celebration Stations, where participants can stop by for free snacks, drinks, basic bike maintenance, cycling maps, prizes, and more! Check out the event schedule to learn more.

Go by Bike Week is back in Metro Vancouver this week from June 3-9, 2024. Register yourself or a team for free today at logmyride.gobybikebc.ca.