Biking to Work in the
Greater Richmond Area:
A Guide for Employees
Flip over for Employer Guide
Transportation Initiatives
TIGR for a Greater Richmond
Cycling is a healthy, quiet, clean, economical, and fun way to get to work. Many Richmond area employ-
ees bike to work every day. This guide is designed to ease the transition to bike commuting for Greater
Richmond area employees and to help employers encourage this ‘smarter way to work.’ This section (with
pages labeled Employee-1, Employee-2), etc. is geared toward employees, the opposite side (pages
Employer-1, Employer-2, etc) is focused on employers.
Why bike to work?
Riding to work costs less than driving or taking transit, especially if you already
own a bike.
Cycling allows you to stay in shape while you commute.
A five-mile, one-way commute burns 300
calories round trip for a 130-pound woman.
People who bike to work arrive invigorated and
work off the day’s stress on the way home.
Biking to work means less traffic
congestion and pollution for the region.
How to get started.
Here are some suggestions
Table of Contents to help you ease into bicy-
cle commuting:
Riding in Traffic—
Safely.............Employee-2-3 ■ Try a practice run on a
weekend to find a good
Bike Rules.........Employee-4 route and see how long
it takes. “I have about a 25-mile commute
Bike Basics .......Employee-5 roundtrip by bike on the days that I
■ Find a co-worker or friend bike to work. My route takes me across
who bikes and commute the James River and along some well
Outfitting
with them. traffiked routes. I really enjoy the exer-
Your Bike ..........Employee-6 cise and sense of well-being I get from
■ Start by trying just one biking to work.”
Outfitting day a week (try it on Joe Chandler, Chief Hearing
Yourself..........Employee-7-8 “casual Friday.”) Officer, Virginia Division of
Motor Vehicles
Bike ■ If you live far from work, try
Security ............Employee-8 bicycling to the nearest bus stop and take a GRTC Transit
System bus to your destination or drive part of the way and
bike the rest.
Bikes and
Transit ..........Employee-9-10 ■ Contact RABA. The Richmond Area Bicycling Association can put
you in touch with other people in your neighborhood who bike to
Resources........Middle pages work and help you find the most comfortable route. (804)266-
2453. www.raba.org
Employee-1 ▲
Riding in Traffic - Safely
Riding in traffic is not as hard as it looks if you follow the suggestions below. In Effective Cycling,
John Forester writes, “Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers
of vehicles.”
Be predictable
Ride so drivers can see you and predict your
movements Choose the best way
to turn left
Obey all regulatory signs There are two ways to make a
and traffic lights left turn:
Bicyclists must follow the same (1) Like an auto. Look
rules of the road as drivers of behind, signal, move into
other vehicles. the left lane and turn
left. (2)Like a pedestrian.
Never ride against traffic Ride straight to the far-
Motorists aren’t looking for side crosswalk. Walk your
bicyclists riding on the wrong bike across.
side of the road or on the
sidewalk. Ride with traffic. Avoid or go slow on
sidewalks
Use hand signals Pedestrians have the right of
Hand signals tell motorists what way on walkways. By law, you
LEFT RIGHT you intend to do. Signal as a must give pedestrians audible
matter of law, courtesy and self warning when you pass.
protection. Bicyclists are not allowed on
sidewalks in certain areas.
Ride in a straight line (see page Employee-4)
Whenever possible, ride in a
straight line to the right of Be alert
traffic and about a car door
Ride defensively, watch the traffic, and be
width away from parked cars.
prepared to react.
Don’t weave between
Watch for cars
parked cars
pulling out
Don’t ride out to the curb
Make eye contact with
between parked cars unless
drivers. Assume they don’t
they are far apart. Motorists
see you until you are sure
may not see you when you try
they do.
to move back into traffic.
Scan the road
Take the lane in
behind you
slow traffic
Learn to look back over your
Ride in the middle of the lane shoulder without losing your
whenever you are moving at the balance or swerving left.
same speed as traffic. Many riders use rear-view
mirrors.
Employee-2 ▲
Avoid road hazards Be equipped
Watch out for parallel-slatted Wear a helmet
sewer grates, slippery man-hole
covers, oily pavement, gravel, Always wear a helmet when-
pot holes, ice. Cross railroad ever you ride a bicycle.
tracks carefully at right angles. Helmets dramatically reduce
For better control as you move the risk of head injury in a
across bumps and other haz- bicycle accident.
ards, stand up on your pedals.
Use lights at night
Always use a strong head
light and tail light and reflec-
Keep both hands ready tors at night and when visi-
to brake bility is poor.
You may not stop in time if you
brake one-handed. Allow extra
distance for stopping in the
rain, since brakes are less effi-
cient when wet.
© Safety icons courtesy of Metro Regional Services, Portland, Oregon. Reproduced by permission.
For more bicycle safety information, see “2001-2002 Virginia Bicycling Guide”, published by
the Virginia Department of Transportation. Call your Virginia State Bicycling Coordinator at 1-
800-835-1203 for a copy or pick one up at Ridefinders’ Commuter Store, 1111 East Main
Street.
Trail Etiquette
■ Stay to the right except when passing.
■ Travel at a reasonable speed in a consistent and
predictable manner.
■ Always look ahead and behind before passing.
■ Pass slower traffic on the left; yield to oncoming
traffic when passing.
■ Give a clear warning signal before passing; “on your left” or ring bell.
■ Move off the trail when stopped to allow others room to pass.
■ Yield to other users when entering and crossing the trail.
■ Use a light and reflectors after dusk and before dawn; most trails are not lit.
Effective Cycling. One of the best ways to learn how to be safe and confident while cycling
in traffic is to take an Effective Cycling Course, administered by the League of American Bicyclists.
There is a three-hour class designed specifically for bicycle commuting. For more information, call
the League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333.
▲ Employee-3
Selected Bicycle Rules in the Greater Richmond Area
Bicycle Position Bike as close to the right as practicable, except when turning
left, passing, or avoiding hazards or traffic in mandatory turn
lane. Does not apply in lanes too narrow to share with motor
vehicle.
Passing Cars Permitted to pass on right or left, pass in same lane or
change lanes, or pass off road.
Bicycling Two Banned except on bike paths or parts of highways
Abreast designated for bikes.
Turning Left Two ways permitted: like a motorist, or like a pedestrian in
crosswalk.
Turning Right Stay as close as practicable to right-hand curb.
Restricted Roads Prohibited from interstate and controlled access highways,
as marked.
Cycling on Allowed except where prohibited by local jurisdictions.
Sidewalks
Mandatory Use Localities (such as Chesterfield County & Town of Ashland)
of Bike Paths may require use of bike lanes when adjacent to road.
and Lanes
Helmets Not required by law, but strongly recommended.
Lights Front light and rear deflector required when dark.
Employee-4 ▲
Bike Basics
You don’t have to be a mechanic to commute by bike, but you should make sure your bike is in
working order and safe to ride.
1) Air: Tires may lose a little air over time. If 5) Shifting: Try all of your gears, shifting each
your gauge says a tire is more than five pounds gear lever from high to low. You have a problem
under the needed pressure (printed on the side if the lever sticks, you can’t shift to all gears, the
of the tire), add air. No gauge? Push each tire chain rubs the derailleur, or the chain jumps off
hard against a curb. If you can flatten it, add the gears. These are usually caused by worn or
air. dirty cables, or a derailleur that needs cleaning
or adjustment.
2) Chain: A dry chain can lock up or break
suddenly. If your chain squeaks when you pedal 6) Handlebars: Hold the front tire between
or it hangs up when you pedal back-ward, lubri- your legs and try to turn the handlebars. If
cate the chain. Oil will do, but it attracts dirt; a they’re loose, tighten the stem bolt.
greaseless chain lubricant is best.
7) Brakes: You should adjust or replace the
3) Wheel Spin: Lift each wheel up and give brake cable or pads if you have any of these
it a slow spin. (Spin the back wheel forward so problems: (a) when you apply the brake on each
the pedals wheel, one or
don’t move.) both brake
If the wheel
won’t spin 5 6 pads don’t
touch the rim;
by itself or
stops sud- 2 7 (b) you can
3 squeeze your
denly, see brake lever all
whether it’s the way to
rubbing the handle-
against the bars; (c) on
brake pads, each wheel,
frame, or the brake
something can’t stop the
else. If the tire from
wheel’s not moving on
rubbing, the
problem
1 4 dry, clean
pavement.
might be the axle or hub.
4) Tires: Turn each wheel very slowly and look Loose Parts: Pick up the bike and shake it
for big cuts, bulges, bubbles, or places you can hard. Check and fix anything that rattles.
see the inner casing. If you spot any, replace the
tire. Remove glass or other debris. If the valve
stem doesn’t point straight at the middle of the
wheel, the rim might cut it; let the air out and
straighten the stem.
Excerpted from “Urban Bikers Tricks and Tips” by Dave Glowacz. Order a
copy at (800) 888-4741 or see www.ipgbook.com/books.urbi.htm
Bike Fit
Proper bike fit is important. A bike that’s too large or too small is difficult to control and can lead
to discomfort or injury. As a general rule for road bicycles, you should have at least one inch of
clearance between the top tube and your crotch as you stand astride the bike. Clearance should be
approximately two inches for a hybrid or cross bike and three to four inches for a mountain bike.
Ask at your bike shop for help fitting your bike.
▲ Employee-5
Outfitting your bike
Don’t be intimidated by
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on gear, but certain accessories
all the gear. Start with
the basics and learn can make bike commuting safer and more enjoyable. Prioritize spending
what you need to be safe on safety-related items. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and
and comfortable as you since bike commuting is very economical, you will save money in the long
go. Most bike commuters run. To make choosing among the wide variety of bicycle accessories a
start with just a bike, a less daunting task, think about your needs, talk to friends and staff at
helmet, a lock, and a your local bike shop and read equipment reviews in bicycle publications.
back pack.
Headlights & Taillights
Headlights are required by law for night rid-
Lights Cost Pros Cons
ing. Taillights are a good addition to the
rear red reflector. Lights vary greatly in Non- $ Lightweight Consumes lots
their quality of construction, mounting Rechargeable of batteries.
design, amount of light they supply and run
Rechargeable $$ Brighter Large/heavy
time. Headlights are divided into three cat-
egories: rechargeable, non-rechargeable,
Generator $ No batteries Only lit when
and generator. Each has advantages and moving
disadvantages.
Tools
It’s a good idea to carry a basic tool kit with a small set of allen wrenches, a
tire patch kit, and tire levers. Flat tire repair is often featured in bicycling
magazines and is always included in repair manuals. Products such as punc-
ture-resistant tires, tubes and tire liners can help prevent flats. Inquire at
your local bike shop. Including a rag in your tool kit can help you stay clean
in the event of a mechanical problem.
Fenders
Fenders help in wet conditions. They nearly eliminate spray from your wheels,
keeping you drier, cleaner, and more comfortable.
a
Mirrors
Many cyclists use mirrors to keep track of traffic behind
them. Mirrors come in two basic types: head-mounted
and bar-mounted. Mirrors mounted on your helmet (or eyeglasses) are
constantly in your field of view, requiring just a quick glance to check
the road behind, but some find them distracting. Bar-mounted
mirrors are not in the field of view, but often are subject to vibra-
tion from the road. Although mirrors can help you keep tabs on traffic, they are not a substitute
for looking behind you before changing lanes.
Employee-6 ▲
Outfitting Yourself
Helmets: A Must
Using a helmet can reduce the chance and severity of injury,
and may even save your life, if properly sized, adjusted, and
consistently worn. Here are some important points about
helmet use:
■ The helmet should fit snugly and be worn level on
your head. If tilted back, it will not protect your head.
Side straps should meet in a ‘V’ below your ear lobes.
■ Bicycle helmets are designed to withstand one crash
only. Structural damage is not always visible, so
always replace a helmet that has been in a crash and
never buy used helmets.
■ Light or fluorescent-colored helmets make you more visible to motorists as does reflec-
tive tape applied to your helmet.
■ You can never tell when a crash is going to occur, so wear your hel-
met every time you ride, no matter how short the trip.
Visible Clothing
Wearing bright clothing or accessories (e.g. reflective arm/leg bands, vests)
can help make up for the fact that drivers often are not used to scanning for
objects smaller than cars. In daylight conditions, fluorescent or light-colored
items are very visible; but at night, reflective items are most visible.
Bike Shorts
Cycling shorts reduce friction and provide cushioning. For short commutes,
they may not be necessary.
Rain Gear
Riding in the rain is possible, and rain gear makes it easier. Look for
breathable fabric. Non-breathable fabric can cause you to overheat
and sweat. “Pit-zips” in the jacket allow perspiration to evaporate. An
inexpensive waterproof poncho, while not breathable fabric, allows good ven-
tilation. Rain pants should be long enough to cover the top of your footwear
to help keep your feet dry. The cuffs of the pants should cinch snugly against your
ankles to keep them from getting snagged on anything (like your bike’s chainrings).
Footwear
Ideal cycling footwear is stiff-soled and comfortable to walk in. Some
cyclists use special shoes, but common footwear such as light hiking boots,
sneakers, or even dress shoes may suffice. Weatherproof booties fit over most
any footwear.
▲ Employee-7
Cold Weather Clothing Tips
Don’t let the cold keep you from biking to work. Cycling,
like all exercise, warms you up. In cold weather, put a thin,
wicking layer against your skin to keep yourself dry. Then use
an insulating layer on top of that, and finally, if you need, a
wind or rain jacket. Make sure the jacket has full front zippers
and/or pit-zips to allow for ventilation. Your head, hands,
and feet tend to get colder faster than the rest of your
body. Ear warmers and thin, knit head coverings (like
balaclavas) and gloves allow you to cycle comfortably
“Biking to work allows me to combine
in cold weather. If you have to be wet (due to rain or exercise, transportation, and relaxation.
perspiration), at least be warm. Avoid cotton, which loses For me, it takes nearly the same amount of
its ability to insulate when wet. Synthetics or wool keep time as transit or driving”
you warm when wet and dry out quickly. —Martha Erwin, Technical
Publications Editor, U.S.
Geological Survey
Dealing with Office Clothes
Cycling in partial or full office attire is often feasible, especially if your trip is relatively short or
you maintain a moderate pace. Even in summer, it is seldom very hot in the early morning. You
could also buy a garment bag that attaches to a bicycle (available at bicycle
stores) and change when you get to work. Some health clubs offer “runner‘s”
memberships, where, for a reduced rate, you can use the showers and the locker
rooms. Ask at the club nearest your office. You could bring in an extra set of
work clothes or have them cleaned near work. If your office has a casual day,
use that as your first day for bicycling to work.
Bike Security
Nothing is theft-proof and no locking system is perfect, but you can take steps to
ensure that your bike is a less-attractive target to a thief:
■ Check to see if your office has secure bicycle parking.
■ Consider where and how long your bike must be parked when deciding how to
secure it. If possible, keep your bike in your office or in a secured room at your
workplace.
■ If your bike must be parked outside, lock your frame and both wheels to an
immovable object. Don’t lock your bike to a sign or other object that can be
easily unbolted, bent, cut or removed. Pick a well-traveled, lighted place;
thieves don’t like working in exposed areas.
■ Consider leaving your heavy U-lock at work, locked to the bike parking rack, and carry-
ing a light cable lock with you for quick errands. At work, use both locks because
thieves need different large, bulky tools for each type of lock. This requires more time
and more risk for the thief, plus some thieves only carry tools to break one kind of
lock, not both, making your bike an unlikely target.
Employee-8 ▲
■ When not in use, cable locks can be wrapped around the seat post and U-locks can
often be carried on a rear rack or bracket.
■ Take all easily removed accessories with you when leaving your bike unattended.
■ Many lock manufacturers offer warranties that will
cover the cost of replacement if your bike is
stolen while using their lock.
■ Many parking garages offer bike parking.
Look for a garage with racks in view of
the attendant.
Bikes and Transit
Biking can be an easy and inexpensive way
to get to a bus stop or Park-and-Ride lot.
Listed below are the bike policies for the area tran-
sit provider. Folding bikes are permitted on all transit
services.
Ride on GRTC Buses for VCU Students
Bicycle racks are mounted on selected buses. Each
rack holds two bikes. Let the bus driver know you will
be using the rack, then follow the instructions posted
on the front of the rack.
For more information,
call GRTC Transit
Sytem at (804)
358-4782.
Park-and-Ride Lots
Many area Park-and-Ride Lots have bicycle
racks including RIC Airport, Mayland Dr &
Gaskins, Fordson & Parham Rd, and
Glenside Drive. For more information contact the
appropriate county ride share office or call GRTC Transit
System at (804) 358-4782.
What if I need to get
home in an emergency?
Ridefinders Guaranteed Ride
Home Program provides emer-
“I was able to buy a new trombone for my gency rides home to people who
off-hours job with the Petersburg Symphony bicycle or take other alternative transportation to work.
Orchestra using my savings from commuting To sign up, call 643-RIDE or register on-line on the
to work.” Ridefinders web site: www.ridefinders.com.
—Dave Voss, Furniture Repair
Technician, Wood Refinishing, Inc.
▲ Employee-9
How to encourage your employer to
support biking.
You’re now well versed in the ways of bike commuting, but you
would like to see a few changes at your office to assist you and
your colleagues who might like to bike to work. Flip to the other
side of this guide to learn about sound investments and policies
employers can use to encourage cycling, improve employee health,
and save money. Here are some ideas to get you started:
■ Show this guide to your human resources representative
and building manager.
■ Organize a Bike-to-Work day at your office (see page
Folding bikes are allowed on all
Employer-7)
transit vehicles.
■ Call Ridefinders at 643-RIDE and ask about setting up a
bike-to-work orientation meeting at your work site.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Its
Involvement in Bicycle Activities
What is the Richmond Area MPO?
The Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the federally designated regional
transportation planning organization that serves as the forum for cooperative transportation deci-
sion-making in the Richmond area. The MPO’s geographic coverage extends to that area which is
projected to be urbanized within the next 20 years; it includes approximately two-thirds of the
Richmond Regional Planning District.
The primary products of the MPO are a regional long-range 20-year transportation plan, a 3-year
transportation improvement program and related plans and studies. All MPO activities include
active and on-going involvement of the public, affected public agencies, and transportation
providers. Within this regional framework, local governments and state and local transportation
agencies refine these project proposals which are submitted to the MPO for review and
approval as part of its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
MPO Funding Sources for Bicycle Activities
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) requires that
bicyclists be given due consideration in MPO long-range transportation
plans and other regional transportation plans. Federally funded
bicycle projects and activities that are located within the MPO
Study area must be approved by the MPO prior to their
becoming eligible for federal funds. The MPO has direct
oversight over two federally funded programs — Regional
Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) and the
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement
(CMAQ) Program. Bicycle facilities and activities may be
funded through these programs.
Employee-10 ▲
Resources for Employers and Employees
Richmond Area Bicycling BikeWalk Virginia Area Bicycle Planners.
Association c/o Allen Turnbull, Director Call these numbers if you have questions or
c/o Betsy Blevins P.O. Box 188 comments about bike lanes, trails, routes, racks
409-H N. Hamilton Street Williamsburg, VA 23187-0188 or plans.
Richmond, VA 23223 757/229-7969
Ashland ......................798-1073
804/266-2453 www.bikewalkvirginia.org
RABA has been working for better cycling condi- www.bikevirginia.org Chesterfield County ......748-1050
tions in the region since 1967. Members receive Charles City County.......829-9217
a newsletter, bike shop discounts, and other League of American
benefits. Contact RABA at 266-2453, or see the Bicyclists Goochland County ........556-5352
RABA web site at www.raba.org for a list of local 1612 K Street NW, Suite 401 Hanover County............365-6171
bike advocacy and touring groups throughout Washington DC 20006
the region www.bikeleague.org Henrico County ............501-4602
202/822-1333 New Kent County..........966-9861
Virginia State Bicycle
Powhatan County .........598-5621
Coordinator LAB is a national cycling advocacy group
Virginia Department of Transportation founded in 1880. Richmond ...................646-6335
1401 East Broad Street VA Department of
Richmond, VA 23219 www.biketowork.com Transportation ........786-2801
1-800-835-1203 a web site devoted to bicycle commuting
vabiking@vdot.state.va.us
www.vdot.state.va.us
List of Bicycle Parking Equipment Dealers & Manufacturers
American Bicycle Security Co., P.O. Multi-U), Series 2 (continuous curve), (lock-
Box 7359, Ventura, CA. 93006. 1-800-245- ers).
3723;805/933-3688. www.ameribike.com Graber Products Inc., 5253 Verona Rd. Acknowledgments:
Martin Guttenplan of the Florida Department of
Viper Rack 100(inverted-U) Bike Shell (lock- Madison, WI 53711. 1-800-783-7257; Transportation provided information for the
ers). 608/274-6550. The Wave (continuous employer section from his guide “Developing
BikeLid Systems, 430 Park Avenue, curve), Bike Bank, Bike Safe (class II) and Successful Bicycle Pedestrian Commuter Programs:
17th Floor, New York, NY 10022. 212/893- others. www.graber-products.com A Handbook for Employers.”
8281, www.bikelid.com. Bike rack covered Madrax, 2210 Pinehurst Drive,
with a lid. Middleton, WI 53562. 1-800-448-7931. The employee section was based largely on the
BikeUp, 6 Antares Drive, Phase II, unit www.madrax.com Guard Rail (Inverted- “Bicycle Commute Guide,” a publication of the
#10B, Nepean, Ontario, US Office in U), U-Two (multi-U), (lockers) Energy Outreach Center and the Capital Bicycling
Syracuse, NY. Phone: 1-800-661-3506; Sunshine U-Lock Corporation, 30316 Club, both of Olympia, Washington.
613/226-6452 www.bikeup.com Vertical Via Colinas, Suite 102, Westlake Village,
Many thanks to members of the TIGR
racks for bike rooms. CA 91362. 818/707-0110, 1-800-548-1344. (Transportation Initiatives for a Greater
Bike Security Racks Co., RR#1, Wave-Lok (continuous curve), U-Lok (class Richmond) Coalition and others who helped
Box 476B, Rumney, NH 03266, II), Arch-lok, Stor-Lok, Mini-Lok (inverted- review drafts of this guide.
www.bikeracks.com U), secura (lockers).
Cora Bike Rack, 1-800-354-8624. Urban Accessories, Inc. 20004 144th Our sincere thanks to Metropolitan Washington
www.cora.com Expo-W, Lockers. NE, Woodinville, WA. 98072 425/487-0488. Council of Government’s Commuter Connections
Creative Pipe, Inc., P.O. Box 2458, www.urbanaccessories.net. Bike Bar, Bike Rail for permitting the TIGR Coalition to modify their
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270-1087. 1-800- (inverted-U). guide “Biking to Work in the Washington Area” for
664-8467. www.creativepipe.com. Cycle- the Richmond community.
Shed (locker), Thunderbolt, Hammerhead Books
(inverted-U, continuous curve). Anybody’s Bike Book (maintenance) by Tom
Function First Bike Security. P.O. Box Cutherbertson Ten Speed Press.
44137, Tucson, AZ. 87533-4137. 1-888-BIK- Effective Cycling by John Forester. MIT Press
ERIB; 520/322-9626. Bike Rib (Inverted-U, A Woman’s Guide to Cycling by Susan Weaver