Biking to Work – See what it is like to Share the Road from a Cyclist’s perspective!

I am biking to work during the month of May. My name is Patrick. I am a husband, a son, and an uncle. I am also a bicyclist. I advocate Sharing the Road.

http://www.SchoolTrainingSolutions.com/sharetheroad.

I am also the Director of School Training Solutions. http://www.SchoolTrainingSolutions.com.

I choose to ride a bicycle, although I own multiple cars. I pay taxes.

Patrick Willi, Director of School Training Solutions, ready for biking.

May is National Bike Month. http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/
My goal is to ride to work all month.

This is my 5/21/13 trip via my helmet camera.
I work 2.69 miles from home.
It takes 10-15 minutes to drive.
It takes 10-12 minutes to bike.
I drive an old car with “bad” gas mileage.
I’ve saved at least $60.00 this month
.
Cyclists are held to the same laws as automobiles.
This includes stopping at Stop Signs and Traffic Lights.
Some states make exceptions for cyclists. Know your state laws!

This is Florida Hwy 90 (aka) Nine Mine Road (Pensacola, FL) – 6:50 a.m.

Pedestrians are supposed to travel toward oncoming traffic. They can see what is coming toward them.
Cyclists are supposed to travel with traffic. We don’t see what is coming toward us, from behind.
Bicyclists rely on motorists to be courteous and safely pass us.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
In 2011, 677 bicyclists died in automobile related accidents. http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/

Each morning I use 5 lights (2 solid; 3 flashing) and put on a bright orange bag.
I hope this makes me more visible to motorists.
On rainy or overcast days I add more lights and reflective clothing.
And this is only for 6 miles of riding a day.

Most states have a 3 foot rule to give bicyclists room on the road. http://www.3feetplease.com

Cyclists are not on the road to be a nuisance.
We are on bicycles for the same reasons you are in an automobile…
…traveling to work or to the store. (Or maybe for exercise.)

Co-worker about to say, “good morning.”
Good morning Josh. You’ll beat me to the office today.

I typically average 13-14 mph on this route. My max speed is about 20 (on this route).
Road conditions have an impact. Small debris and cracks can cause problems.
I feel every bump.

Cycling to work takes planning.
I prep everything the night before. Cycling clothes. Work clothes. Food. Bicycle and cycling gear, etc.
I also have to think about when/how I’m going to run errands before or after work.

The benefits I’ve noticed:
Exercise every day.
Saves money.
Reduces stress.
Better time management.
More energy at work.
Endorphins.

Draw-backs I’ve noticed:
Can’t carry as much stuff.

Motorists, thank you for safely Sharing the Road.

The “Sharing the Road” campaign was created to encourage road safety.

I want to take a moment to say, “Thank you!”

Thank you to everyone who supported us during our first event. Thank you to everyone who signed up for the discounted Sharing the Road online training course. We will continue blogging about events and what we experience while sharing the road with motor vehicles. We will continue offering discounts on our defensive driving courses as we participate in cycling, running, and triathlon events this spring and summer. I will also periodically offer video tips for Sharing the Road with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, school buses, and other motor vehicles. Our Sharing the Road campaign is a chance to start a conversation and improve road safety. Get involved on our Facebook, Twitter, or Linked-In pages or email me.

When sharing the road and encouraging road safely, slow down and give a person room. Always obey the traffic laws and signals.

Thank you for reading/watching and continue safely Sharing the Road!