When faced with the blue waters of a lake do you plunge right in and adjust to the temperature with a huge shock, or do you dip a toe and then decide to wade in a bit at a time?

Or maybe you’re a developing skier. At the top of a blue square or black diamond do you point your skis straight down, or do you cautiously schuss from side to side to eliminate as much of the painful gravity as possible so you get down safely in your own way, knowing that someday you may shoot straight down the hill at top speed?

This series is your cautious wade into the inviting waters of bike commuting, to mangle a metaphor. Inspired by 30 Days of Biking I’m going to see if I can post at least one item a day that will educate, encourage, support, or inspire (and all without giving you that terrible shock when the cold water hits your belly button).

For those of you who are already riding some of this will be old hat but I hope to give you new ideas for ways to increase your comfort, safety and style.

Honestly, it doesn’t actually take 30 days to get started as a bike commuter—if you have equipment already it’s more like 30 minutes—but I’m running with the concept as my own personal challenge on top of 30 days of biking (which is fun, not work).

Step 1: Decide you’re going to do it. Pretty simple, really, but you can think about it a long time and never actually make a formal decision. As more than one someone has said, a goal without a plan isn’t a goal–it’s a dream.

Stick the words “I’m going to bike commute” on your bathroom mirror. Make “Prep for bike commuting” an Outlook task with a daily reminder. Write something about it on the fridge. Put it in a place you will see daily to help you keep moving forward. (Quick tip: If you have a stainless steel fridge you can write on it with dry-erase markers.)

Step 2: Enlist a friend to come with you. As with any new endeavor, you’re more likely to stick with it if you tell someone and have some moral support (and someone to hold you to your best intentions).

It won’t seem so scary if you’re not alone. And you’re inspiring and encouraging your friend, too!

Step 3: Enjoy this! You’re embarking on the rediscovery of childhood joy and freedom. Celebrate it.

If you already ride with confidence on weekend recreational outings you can skip some of the information in upcoming posts but not necessarily all. Your weekend bike is most likely not equipped for commuting, for one thing; choosing a route through traffic isn’t the same thing as heading out to quiet country roads or separated trails; and dressing for a ride to work doesn’t have to involve Spandex and full kit unless you want it to.

Ready to gear up? Let’s roll!

Related Reading

• 30 Days of Biking
• Independence and Freedom, Courtesy of the Bicycle
• How Bikes Can Save the World