The Complete Guide to Bike Commuting: Replace Driving with Cycling to Work

Why Commute by Bike?

1. Free training miles: A 20-30 km daily commute = 400-600 km of base miles per month
2. Save money: Skip fuel costs, parking fees, and maintenance expenses
3. Time efficiency: In some cities, cycling to work is faster than driving
4. Health: Regular low-intensity exercise is excellent for cardiovascular health
5. Eco-friendly: Zero-emission transportation

Commuting Distance Considerations

Choosing a Commuter Bike

Dedicated Commuter Bike (Recommended)

• Flat-bar road bike or city bike
• Equipped with fenders and a rack
• Wider tires (32-40mm)
• Front and rear lights (fixed mounting)
• Durability and affordability matter more than weight

Commuting on a Road Bike

• Doable, but requires extra preparation
• Consider installing fenders (quick-release type)
• Use more durable tires
• Pay attention to theft prevention

Electric-Assist Bikes

• A great option for long distances or hilly routes
• Arrive without being too sweaty or disheveled
• Higher cost, but increasingly popular

Essential Gear

Safety

• Helmet (mandatory)
• Front and rear lights (white in front, red in rear, high-beam mode)
• Reflective vest or jersey with reflective strips
• Rearview mirror (handlebar- or helmet-mounted)

Items to Carry

• Waterproof saddlebag or backpack
• Spare inner tube and basic tools
• U-lock or folding lock
• Rain jacket (lightweight, kept on hand at all times)

Changing Clothes

• Shower facilities at work are ideal
• If not available, bring cleansing wipes and deodorant
• Keep spare clothes at the office
• Ride in bib shorts, then change at work

Route Planning

1. Don’t pick the shortest route; pick the safest one
2. Prioritize dedicated bike lanes
3. Avoid major roads with heavy truck traffic
4. Riverside bike paths are a great option for urban commuting in Taiwan
5. Spend 2-3 weekend test rides to find the best route

Safety Rules

1. Assume every car doesn’t see you
2. Obey traffic laws (red lights, right of way)
3. Keep your distance from large vehicles
4. Don’t weave between cars
5. Use hand signals to indicate turns
6. Wear your helmet properly

Dealing with Weather

Rainy Days

• Carry a lightweight rain jacket at all times
• Fenders are essential
• Have dry clothes to change into at work

Summer

• Leave early to avoid the heat
• Do a quick clean-up upon arrival
• Bring an extra dry jersey

Winter

• Dress warm, but don’t over-layer (you’ll heat up while riding)
• Gloves and a face mask
• Watch out for slippery roads

Starting from Zero

1. First, test-ride your commuting route on the weekend
2. Ride only 2-3 days in the first week
3. Gradually increase to every day
4. Have a backup plan (an alternative for heavy rain)
5. Stay consistent; after 3 weeks it will become a habit

Related Reading

• The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Bike Commuting: Building Your Commuting Kit from Scratch
• The Bike Commuting Revolution: How to Turn Your Daily Work Ride into the Best Training
• The Lifestyle Revolution of Bike Commuting: A Complete Guide to Riding to Work in Taiwan’s Cities
• Urban Commuting by Bike: A Practical Guide and Route Suggestions for Commuting in Taipei