Bicycle commuting in Seattle solves my disdain for traffic jams, invigorates me in the morning and flushes out the stress after a day of work. But is it easy, safe, trouble-free and weather friendly? As is the case with much of my professional advice, the answer is — it depends.
I have ridden bikes since I was three years old. Trusty Schwinn bicycles were all I knew until I started my undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. On the Hill next to campus was a great bike shop with bikes I had never seen in Kalamazoo: French ten-speed bikes in a dizzying assortment of metallic primary colors: blue and green Peugeots; purple and red Gitanes. My 1971 Gitane lasted through many commutes and general riding until its retirement in 1998. What I ride today on my 13-mile commute from home is based on trial, error, common safety sense, and a focus and intention to arrive at my destination. And maybe a touch of luck. So far, the theme song has been Staying Alive and not Another One Bites the Dust. Sorry for the earworms.
There are skadzillions of checklists for bike commuting on the internet. You’ll find one for every city, every length of commute, and many alternatives to showering — some being just plain strange. I suspect there is also a lot of fun to be had asking ChatGPT to conjure up a complete guide to bike commuting. Give it a go and let me know what it suggests.
My commuting has three core principles — enjoy the commute, try not to break down enroute, and make personal safety your highest priority. You can, of course, make speed your priority, and good on you if that is how you prefer to roll. Or, presenting a “racer taking it easy” image might be your thing — a fantastic bicycle that weighs a few pounds or ounces less and draws the envious eyes of seasoned racing types (and me). Enjoy it — no judgment here.
If I gave you a basic checklist you would go out and buy the various items that every commuter should use or have with on their person. The three principles, however, are not sold in any bike store and are each derived from you and your riding behavior.
Enjoyment. Some people enjoy commuting all year long. I do not. Forty-
five degrees is my lowest temperature, ice is a no-go and I don’t enjoy the limited daylight from mid-October to March. I gave it a go at times, but the amount of gear, the cold and rain clothing took away that unequaled feeling when riding in warmer weather. In the winter you can arrive very wet and cold. April to October works for me with my highest frequency of rides being May to September. Drawing a bit from the Safety principle, I also enjoy seeing and being seen. Remember, even with lights and reflective everything drivers are fully distracted by their music, their texts and their Dick’s Deluxe. They might see you. And they might not. I like to increase the odds that they will see me.
I tried to ride with music a few times. I can’t do it. I feel way too vulnerable because I cannot hear approaching vehicles. So, for me, enjoyment is the rare chance to be totally in the moment for all moments of my commute. It is almost rolling meditation — not the kind where you try to escape from busy brain; rather, a time of hyper-
focus on everything in, behind or ahead of your riding zone. That zone is your bubble, the size and strength of which is defined by your awareness. If you need a spirit animal for this awareness, try the osprey, which is also known as a seahawk, with its unparalleled visual acuity. When I am in this zone I am enjoying my commute because I am riding with unparalleled defense. When my mind drifts to other distractions the result could be anything from annoying, like riding over glass, to something much more consequential.
Try Not to Break Down. No sweat, right? Try as you may, you will break down. Maybe you can self-repair or maybe you have a rescue ride handy. I’ve tried all the rescue rides — Metro, Link, ride-shares, hitch-hiking, and even using my AAA membership. My most frequent rescue ride request is not app-based. It starts with, “Hi, dear wife, would you have time to pick me up?” Ride with a bit of cash and an Orca card, make sure your ride-share apps are ready to fire, and don’t forget to return your partner’s favor in a meaningful way.
Breakdowns can be reduced with a few simple suggestions.
The most common problem is the all-too-common flat tire. Know this — Seattle roads are out to get you and they will. Of course, you ought to learn how to fix a flat during your commute, but you can reduce the risk of punctures by using more durable and wider tires and thicker inner tubes. The downside here is the increased weight on each wheel. Aficionados are right — more weight on a wheel reduces acceleration and speed. But remember the goal — reducing breakdowns. If speed were my priority I would have completely different suggestions, and probably more flats. So, I now ride on wider and more durable tires with thicker inner tubes. On my preferred commuting bicycle I have had one puncture in five years. That boast might have just jinxed me into a flat next week.
There are other proactive ways to reduce breakdowns: annual bike tune-ups, replacing brake and shift cables, cleaning dirty bikes, and keeping chains properly oiled. You’ll find great lists for maintenance — the kind anyone can do — near those checklists that came up with your internet search.
Safety First. My final principle is safety and for this I am going to meld experience and aspirations because there are some tips I wish I would make habits. One key thing to remember about safety is your non-biking spouse or partner may not have the same quantum of faith that you have for a safe ride. When your friends find out you commute you will get a question and then an observation. “What is your route?” will be followed by their compulsion to tell you about their friend who crashed or was hit by a car. The fear is on every non-rider’s mind and it will provoke anxiety. So, do what you need to do: Wear a MIPS type helmet religiously: I do not care if Seattle decided they are not required, wear it whenever you are on your bike.1 Find the bike lanes and stay in them. Seattle has made very good progress in adding bike lanes and slowing down car traffic. There are still some rabid and raging drivers out there, but if you literally “stay in your lane” they will pass you and move on to their next frustration. Also, when you are in your observant osprey mode, watch the eyes of drivers and their front tires. Eye contact will almost always avoid an issue and a slight rolling of a car’s front tire signals you it is time to go to the brakes.
Wear bright and reflective clothes. Use front and rear lights. Use a bike bell. Learn and use hand signals for turns and stopping. You are the osprey, scanning everything, watching the pavement for storm sewer grates, expansion joints, tree roots, rail tracks, potholes, glass and other debris — anything which might disrupt the smooth glide of your tires (sorry, couldn’t resist). If looking over your shoulders is challenging, get a rear-view mirror and practice with it.
And, the big safety reveal: you will not win a battle with a motor vehicle, whether it is in the right or in the wrong. Don’t flip off drivers and conserve the energy needed for yelling epithets. You’re better than that — you’re saving the planet and your health.
With a properly maintained bicycle, safe practices and dedicated vigilance you will be another satisfied commuter as we all pedal the road of happy destiny — to work and back.
John Rizzardi has been a principal at the Seattle law firm, Cairncross & Hempelmann, since 1998. He has a practice focus of commercial creditors’ rights and restructuring. He is also a Certified Advanced Bicycle Technician having received his certification in 2006 from United Bicycle Institute, Ashland, Oregon.
1 Multi-directional Impact Protection System. – Ed.
