Equipment For Responsible Riding
It is helpful for a bicycle commuter if their employer is supportive. I am fortunate in that regard with the building of my current employer.
We have a very good place for parking our bikes. It is in the parking garage. That puts the bike out of the weather. It is also in a building where only employees with ID badges are allowed. They have also provided lockers at the racks where one can store bicycle gear. There are two bars on the walls where a bicycle lock can be stored so you don’t need to haul it back and forth. Here is what it looks like.
We have a gym in our building and employees are allowed to use the showers without being a member of the gym. This is great for bicycle commuters and people who may want to take a lunch time run.
Just recently they have added this:
That is great that air is now available to pump up bike tires. I appreciate the support that is given for bicycle commuting in my building. But…
Does this encourage improper planning on the part of cyclists?
Being a responsible bicycle rider involves not only riding technique but also having the proper equipment for certain emergencies. The collection of tools you should carry depends on your ride. When I am doing a self contained bicycle tour I carry much more than if I am just taking a little spin near my home.
As a minimum, a bicycle commuter should have the skill and tools to take care of a flat tire. There are many who don’t carry the tools and rely on the good will of fellow cyclists to help them out. The required tools would be a pump, patch kit, and tire levers. An extra tube is also useful.
There are also lots of multi-tools on the market that would make any Swiss Army knife owner green with envy. But I like to carry the Park MT-1.
As the description on the Park Tool web site explains, “The MT-1 is a high quality multi-tool that is uncomplicated, easy to use, and effective. “ I have found this to be very true and I have a bunch of multi-tools. It is by far my favorite and it is about the least expensive. You can buy it for under $10.00
July 30th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Your building’s even better equipped for cyclists than the one in which I work. We have underground space and bike racks (plus security cameras and secure entry), but nothing else. Here where I now live (the Netherlnds), but I didn’t expect to hear about such things in the USA. Shows you I shouldn’t hasve too many preconceptions!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
There are a couple of places around where I live that give bike seminars every couple of months. I’m bikeless at the moment, but the seminars seem like a good idea. I think a lot of casual riders could use a whole lot more information on bicycle maintenance and safety because that was not something that we were taught growing up.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:49 am
I do have it pretty good. There are a few better than mine here in the U.S. but as a general rule most are not as nice as mine. I work for the government and they tend to be more supportive than private empoyers.
An interesting note. Many private employers will provide parking for your automobile but won’t do much for the bicyclist. Government agencies are generally more tight with the auto parking and won’t provide it unless you are in a car pool.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:51 am
That is good. I notice that REI has those types of classes here on a regular basis. I know some bike clubs sponsor them as do the county adult education system here.
Many are free or a rather small charge.
The information is there we just need to get people to avail themselves of the opportunity for these classes.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:38 am
It seems like lately there have been several articles/letters to the editor in our paper (sure it’s the cost of gas plus the fact that the city is generally so overweight) about bicycle riding. A lot of whining and pointing of fingers from both sides. No money for bike lanes, bicyclists not following road laws, poor city planning, etc. Pretty interesting, actually.
My school does have bike racks (there’s a big surprise). But no showers. So bravo for your workplace.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:31 am
Do non-handicappers get to use the air? Just wondering.
Also, is their handicapped bike parking, too? Just wondering.
I can’t help it, I get up early and drink coffee and then I set alone with my wonderings.
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I thought it was interesting they put the air hose right by the handicapped parking. Though I have never seen anyone use that parking spot.
Bu interestingly I saw a pic last week of a handicap bicycle parking spot. I think it was in Europe. Surprised me. But I guess it’s possible. I know a man with one arm who bikes. But why he would need handicapped parking I don’t know. I also know a woman without a foot who bikes. I can see it being useful for her.