Commuters
For beginning and experienced commuters: Get tips, maps and other great resources to commute to work by bike.
High gas prices. Traffic delays. Expanding waistlines. There are many great reasons to consider traveling to work by bicycle. It’s an effective, healthy, inexpensive, and fun alternative that is attracting more and more commuters all over the world. But bicycle commuting in the New River Valley can be challenging due to a variety of conditions like the unpredictable weather, mountainous terrain, and lack of bicycle accommodations. Here are some resources that will help new and experienced commuters alike.
Guide to Bicycle Commuting in the Roanoke and New River Valleys
The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission planning staff came up with a great guide of common-sense solutions for the casual rider. It includes tips on:
- Type of Bicycle
- Riding Gear
- How to Dress
- Riding in Inclement Weather
- Choosing Your Route
How to Find a Route to Work or School
When finding the best route to work, take into consideration traffic patterns and volume, location of bike lanes and trails, and topography. The safest route is not always the fastest route. You can use the following sources to help you identify possible routes. Remember, though, it’s always best to test your route out ahead of time and figure out how long you need to make the commute comfortably without rushing. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Ride Solutions Interactive Bike Map – This map includes both traditional and non-traditional bicycle accommodations in the Roanoke and New River Valleys, concentrating on those most useful for bicycle commuters. You can find bike lanes or suggestions for alternative routes, or you can better plan your route to take advantage of the streets and facilities with which you are most comfortable and best fit your skills as a rider. You can contribute info as well, so if you know where a bike rack is, find it’s longitude and latitude with http://www.getlatlon.com/ and post it.
- Google Route Finding Gadget for Bicyclists – Google Maps added a feature that allows you to choose bicycling routes in your directions. This is available anytime you use Google Maps, but you can also add this particular gadget to your website to give bicycling routes to your home and/or place of business.
- Map My Ride – Plot your bike rides over mountains (view elevation), through the woods (topo maps), and speeding through the city (street level views) with just a few mouse clicks. Once your cycling map is complete you can quickly view it in 3D, satellite form, or share it with friends.
League of American Bicyclists: Avoid the Door Zone Video
One of the biggest hazards that commuters face is riding along a street with on-street parking and being struck by a driver opening his/her door. Commuters should ride far enough away from the car to avoid the “door zone.”
The League of American Bicyclists put together this video to show cyclists how far away they need to be from the car to be outside of the door zone.
Other Commuter Resources
- Commute by Bike – A great website with tips, news, reviews and safety for bike commuters. Get beginner tips or resources for gear and more.
- Momentum Magazine – Momentum provides urban cyclists with the inspiration, information and resources to fully enjoy their riding experience and connect with local and global cycling communities.
