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Free $$ to ride!
Get rewarded to commute alternatively Drive Time Des Moines
DART's Bike & Ride
Live too far away? Shorten your
commute, take a bus part way. Foul weather? take a bus ride home
on the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)'s bus bike racks
Commuter Discounts
Check out discounts offered to commuters in honor of Bike To Work Week.
Employer participation?
How many employers are signed up? employees? different cities? Get your coworkers involved!
Participating Bike Shops
Support your Bike Shops - because they support You!- click here to find a participating shop near you!
Why I Love To Commute
Who commutes and why? share your commuting stories and read why others love to commute too!
Why Ride?
Improve your health and fitness and reduce stress too!. Plus, It's Fun!, Join Us and Ride your Bike To Work!
Become a Bike To Work Sponsor
Help make Bike To Work Day a Success! Over 2000 cyclists are expected to register this year for Bike To Work Day in Iowa alone.
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CHECKLIST
Whether you are a beginning cyclist or a veteran commuter, this checklist will assist you in planning your commute!
The Week Before
- Determine your route to work. The route you drive to work may not be the same one to bike to
work. First, choose roads that have wide outside lanes or paved shoulders.
Collector streets (those that are at the half mile mark between major streets)
are often a good choice. Second, drive the route during your normal commuting
time to determine potential traffic problems. Third, bicycle the route on a
weekend to examine the road surface for potential problem intersections and
the approximate time it will take you.
- Talk to your employer. Inform your supervisor that you will be commuting by
bicycle. Ask where the bicycle can be parked during working hours, and what,
if any, advance arrangements need to be made.
- Check out your bike. Make sure your bicycle is in proper working order. Not only
should all the mechanical parts be in good repair (e.g. brakes, tire, gears)
but the bicycle should be adjusted properly for seat height, handlebars, etc.
If you do not have a helmet, borrow one or buy one. If you will be riding at
night, you need and must have a light.
- Check out the Weather for the upcoming week. Just keep an eye on the weather just to make
sure you don't need any extra gear or need to make any alternative
arrangements.
The Day Before
- Dress for the Occasion. Wear a helmet. It's also a good idea to bike in comfortable
cycling clothes; either pack a bag with your work clothes, or bring your
attire the day before you cycle (so they won't get wrinkled). Also make sure
you have a place to change and freshen up, and keep a "kit" of toilet articles
and a towel at work.
- Pump Up. Make
sure your tires are properly inflated. If they are low, it will make riding
more difficult.
- Check out the Weather tomorrow. Plan accordingly...
The Day of the Ride
- Don't cycle on an empty stomach You will need energy for your ride, so eat a good breakfast
and take along something to eat along your way.
- Get an early start. The first time you bike to work, allow yourself a little more time than you think you will need. If you tested the route on the weekend as suggested you will know the approximate time it takes. BUT remember, rush hour traffic may slow you down.
ENJOY the Ride... You've earned it!
printable version
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