Bike/Walk Home - Safety
& the Law - RTP
Bike/Ped Listserv
Getting Started - Maps - Resources
Before
you decide to bike, walk, run or use a combination of
those with transit to commute to work, you will want
to:
1.
Read about bicycle laws in North Carolina on the NC
DOT website.
2. Assess the area surrounding your home and work site.
Is
it convenient to bike/walk/run? Would you feel comfortable
doing so? Consider traffic flow, the width of road
shoulders, blind curves and hills, etc. Are sidewalks,
cross walks, and pedestrian overpasses available? How can you make your commute the most safe
and comfortable for yourself?
3.
Get to know safe pedestrian and bicycle routes in the
area.
If you're not sure of the best route, consider asking
a regular cyclist.
Don't know one? Consider joining the RTP Bike/Ped
listserv and asking members to assist you in finding
the best route. Visit http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/rtp_bike_ped to subscribe.
Also
check out available bike and pedestrian maps on our maps page.
4. Find a biking, walking, or running partner or mentor
to help you get started.
5.
Look for group rides through area cycling groups such
as:
6.
Register for the Emergency Ride Home
Program through TTA
Don't
get stranded in case of an emergency. Note:
does not cover inclement weather events.
7. Take extra clothes and toiletries to work the day
before so that you won't have to carry them on your
bike.
Consider
what you will have to carry with you when deciding
what to bring home the night before. You may wish
to leave your laptop at work if you do not have a
large saddle bag on your bike.
8. Assess whether your employer offers the following
incentives and prepare accordingly:
- Bike
racks, showers, or lockers
- Biking,
walking or running subsidy
- Flex-time
to accommodate biking/walking schedules
- Secure
bicycle parking
- On-site
amenities: food service, cash machine, postal service,
etc.
9. Read about Bikes-on-Buses if you plan on using a combination of transit and biking,
walking, or running.
10.
Dress and gear up for the weather and other conditions.
Take
lots of water in hot weather and wear layers in cooler
weather. Buy lights that meet visibility requirements
if you plan to ride in the dark or during dawn or
dusk. And always wear your helmet! |
