From Necessity to Way of life: A Yr of Bike Commuting

As May was Bike to Work Month, INRIX wish to spotlight Dalia Suszko, Software Development Engineer on the IQ backend crew, who bikes to work day by day. Dalia interned with INRIX within the summers of 2022 and 2023 and has been a full-time worker for simply over a 12 months.

More persons are contemplating options to driving, whether or not to economize, cut back their environmental affect, or match extra motion into their day by day routines. For Dalia, biking to work wasn’t initially a life-style alternative—it was a necessity. After shifting from California to Bellevue and not using a automotive, she bought an e-bike and by no means regarded again. 

After a 12 months of commuting solely by bike, listed below are her high suggestions for anybody contemplating biking to work.

1. Plan Your Route Before You Ride

Definitely test what the route is like earlier than embarking in your first experience! You might imagine you understand how to work, however getting there by bike as an alternative of by automotive may be very totally different. There will not be bike lanes on each road, and a few intersections could also be significantly harmful for cyclists (simply check out the INRIX susceptible street person information)! It’s essential to map your path forward of time, so you realize you’re on the most secure route. I dwell very near the INRIX workplace, about 1.5 miles away, so it solely takes me 8-10 minutes to get to work.

2. Always Wear Your Helmet and Be Visible

Always put on your helmet! It may be tempting to go away it behind, particularly for a brief experience like my commute to work, however it’s completely an important piece of security gear at your disposal. I’ve a MIPS helmet with an emergency card on the within with my well being info and an emergency contact. You must also take into account that you’re in all probability not as seen to drivers on the street as you could assume, particularly if you’re in a blind spot. Make certain that the opposite street customers have seen you earlier than making an attempt a dangerous maneuver and at all times err on the facet of warning. 

It’s additionally essential to have a sturdy headlight and taillight in order that others can see you on the street. I attempt to costume in shiny colours if I do know visibility will likely be low that day, however typically I attempt to not bike after darkish except I’ve to. 

3. Invest in Good Rain Gear (garments and work provides)

Having good rain gear is a should, particularly for the wet Seattle winters. I’ve an extended waterproof raincoat and waterproof pants that go over my common garments. I even have rain boots, gloves, and a skinny hat that matches below my helmet.  

For my laptop computer and different work gear, I’ve a rack above my again wheel from which I grasp two panniers. Panniers are baggage particularly made to hook onto the facet of a motorcycle, and so they had been an actual sport changer for me. They’re large enough to suit my total work bag with room to spare, and so they make transporting groceries a breeze. My panniers are additionally waterproof and have roll down closures that forestall water from getting inside, so I don’t have to fret about my work provides getting soaked. This kind of apparatus is unquestionably an funding, and like with security gear, you shouldn’t lower corners relating to high quality. Good rain gear will final a lifetime and forestall you from ending up with a waterlogged laptop computer! 

4. Think About Accessibility

Biking has been nice for my well being and power ranges, however it’s additionally broadened my perspective on transportation and accessibility.  

Just a few months in the past, I injured my leg and wasn’t in a position to bike or stroll lengthy distances whereas I recovered. Since I don’t have a automotive, I needed to depend on Uber and rides from pals to get round. This expertise made me understand what a major barrier bodily capability may be for biking and different various types of transportation. It’s not one thing most individuals take into account till they discover themselves in a scenario like that, however typically the possibility that works finest proper now might not be essentially the most accessible sooner or later. 

5. Take Advantage of Workplace Support

If your office provides bike parking or storage, reap the benefits of it. 

At INRIX, I park my bike within the coated storage and safe it with a U-lock across the body and bike rack. Secure parking makes bike commuting way more handy and offers me peace of thoughts in the course of the workday. 

6. Focus on the Benefits

Biking forces me to get some motion and contemporary air within the morning, which undoubtedly energizes me for the day forward! I’m not a really sporty individual, and I’ve a tough time becoming train into my day, so each minute I can spend on my bike is effective.   

For me, selecting an e-bike as an alternative of a automotive began as a sensible choice. A 12 months later, it’s develop into a life-style that I genuinely take pleasure in. If you’re contemplating biking to work, begin small, prioritize security, and provides your self time to construct confidence. You might find yourself loving it as a lot as I do.