Bicycling Tips
Cycling is a healthy activity for you, it doesn't pollute the air, and it saves you gas and parking expenses from using a car. But riding a bicycle in traffic can be intimidating. Bicycling with someone else increases your visibility in traffic and helps ensure your safety in the event of a flat tire or road accident.
Bicyclists registered through RideShare are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which provides a free taxi cab ride home from work in case of emergency on a day that you use a commute alternative like cycling.
How to Commute Long Distances
Commuting long distances are not an issue for people willing to combine a bicycle trip with public transit. The JO of Johnson County has bike racks on its larger buses, and The Metro offers bike racks on certain routes, with plans to add them in the future to all larger buses. Simply ride to a bus stop, load your bike on an easy-to-use bus bike rack, and continue the next leg of your commute. The JO also provides bike lockers at several designated stops and park-and-ride lot locations. Ride your bike to the stop, store it in a locker, and ride your bike home again from the stop or park-and-ride location.
Bicycling Tips for Commuters
What bicyclists should know about sharing the road and commuting safely:
- Remember to plan your bike route by first driving it
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Maintain and inspect your bike before every trip
- Dress suitably at night and in bad weather
- Carry drinking water, a mobile phone, and use a bicycle-mounted bag for storage
- Wear a correctly fitted bicycle helmet
- Use a front and rear bicycle light at night
- Take your place in traffic
- Ride predictably and visibly
- Know and follow all traffic laws
Other Options
Walking can also be a commute alternative — either the entire distance, if you live close to work or school, or from a bus stop or a park-and-ride lot. Be creative with your commuting options. Use the bus to get to work or school in the morning, and ride your bike home in the evening, or vice versa. Pick certain days during the week to ride your bike consistently.
Programs in the Kansas City metro area such as Explore KC, Bike KC, the MetroGreen program, and the GoGreen bicycle initiative enhance the walking and bicycling experience in the region. For more information on walking and biking alternatives or tips for keeping your trip safe and effective, contact Aaron Bartlett, bicycle/pedestrian planner, 816/474-4240.