Category: News

Ready to try biking to work?

We are encouraging all Centre Region residents to commit to bicycling to work on Thursday, September 8th to celebrate our designation at a Bicycle Friendly Community and Penn State’s status as a Bicycle Friendly University.

Together with PSU Sustainability and PSU Transportation Services, CentreBike will have a table from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allen Street Gates (at the intersection of College Ave & Allen St. in downtown State College) where you can register bikes, ask questions, hear updates on bike route expansions and improvement, and learn about group ride events.

If you have never tried biking to work, we can match you with a mentor who can answer questions, identify a comfortable route, and/or bike with you. Commuting by bike offers several advantages in addition to exercise and financial savings; it can also save time for those with shorter driving distances or satellite parking spots.

How to participate:

• Commit to bike to work on Thursday, September 8 and/or stop by Allen Street Gates that day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
• Encourage friends to commit by sharing an image above in emails or social media
• Contact us if you would be interested in help from a bike commute mentor

 

Share your commute photos this fall with #CentreFallBike or @sustainPSU on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also directly share on the CentreBike or Sustainability at Penn State Facebook pages.

Interested in commuting by bike, but running into some questions? Take a look at tips and advice from the League of American Bicyclists!

I’M OUT OF SHAPE
» Ride at an easy pace; in a few months you will be in great shape.
» Ride your route on a weekend to find the easiest way to work
» You will improve your fitness level when you become a regular bike commuter.

IT TAKES TOO LONG
» The average commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you will get.
» Trips of less than three miles will be quicker by bike.
» Trips of five to seven miles in urban areas may take the same time or less as by car.

IT’S TOO FAR
» Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day.
» Combine riding and mass transit to shorten your commute.
» Ride to a coworker’s house and carpool to work.

NO BIKE PARKING
» Look around for a storage area in your building or office.
» Stash your bike in a covered, secure place such as a closet or even your office.
» Formally request that your employer provide bike parking or lock it up outside.

MY BIKE IS BEAT UP
» Tell a reputable bike shop that you are commuting and have them tune up your bike.
» If you can’t maintain your bike yourself, identify bike shops near your route.
» Make sure that your bike is reliable and in good working order before you start riding.

NO SHOWERS
» Most commuters don’t shower at work; ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry.
» Ride home at a fast pace if you want a workout; shower when you get there.
» Health clubs offer showers; get a discounted membership for showers only.

I HAVE TO DRESS UP
» Keep multiple sets of clothing at work; rotate them on days you drive.
» Have work clothes cleaned at nearby laundromats or dry cleaners.
» Pack clothes with you and change at work; try rolling clothes instead of folding.

IT’S RAINING
» Fenders for your bike and raingear for your body will keep you dry.
» If you are at work, take transit or carpool to get home; ride home the next day.
» Take transit or drive if you don’t have the gear to ride comfortably in the rain.

THE ROADS AREN’T SAFE
» Obey traffic signs, ride on the right, signal turns, and stop at lights.
» Wear bright clothing.
» You are at no greater risk than driving a car.
» Wear a helmet every time you ride.

I HAVE TO RUN ERRANDS
» Bolt a rack to the back of your bike to add carrying capacity.
» Make sure that you have a lock to secure your bike while you are in a building.
» Allow extra time to get to scheduled appointments and find parking.
» Encourage your employer to provide a bicycle fleet for office use.