Bike to Work – Commuting by Bike

biketowork

Bicycling can be a fun, dependable and virtually free mode of transportation. Bicycling also burns 300 to 500 calories an hour, so you can commute and stay fit at the same time.

Once you discover the freedom, convenience and fitness benefits of biking to work, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start riding sooner. If your work place is too far to bike, consider riding to transit stations or Park & Ride lots. Enjoy the ride!

Getting Ready

Before starting out, take time to consider the following:

What route will you take?

Use a map to plan a route that avoids freeways and steep hills. Explore the area for alternate routes. Click here to find local bike paths.

What are your worksite’s facilities?

Does your employer offer bike racks and/or lockers? If not, you could try storing your bike in your office or a nearby building. Many employers want to help employees use alternatives to driving alone, so ask your employer if lockers can be installed or if provisions can be made for bicycles inside your building.

Check your equipment.

Essential items include a sturdy bike that fits you properly, a helmet, biking gloves and a strong u-shaped lock. Depending on the length of your ride, how often you plan to bike, the terrain and the weather, you may need additional equipment. If you already have a bike, be sure it’s tuned-up and equipped with reflectors. If you don’t have a bike, or want recommendations about the best types of equipment, ask friends and co-workers who ride to work. Talk to fellow bicyclists and check with your local bike shop. They can show you all the newest models and equipment. You’ll need a good, comfortable helmet (with “ANSI” or “SNELL” safety certification) and a strong lock. Consider a rear-view mirror, biking gloves, repair kit, a mounted water bottle, bicycling shoes, and wet weather gear if you plan to ride in the rain. A headlight is required by law if you ride at night. Tail lights are inexpensive and are great for making sure motorists can see you from behind.

Find a Bike Buddy.

Friends who ride to work can give you tips on routes, safety and parking. If they live near you, ask if you can ride with them for the first few days while you get used to your route and traffic patterns. Bike Buddies are people who currently commute by bike. They are happy to answer questions about biking to work (or biking in general) and may be able to ride along with you your first time.

Ride the route on your day off.

Carry the same amount of clothes and other items as you would on a work day. Is the route too steep? Is there ample lighting for riding in the evening? Explore alternatives. Imagine traffic conditions during regular commute hours, and remember that your route will look different after dark.

Know in advance where you’ll park.

Get clearance to use lockers and parking areas. If you park outside, you may want a cable lock to use with your u-lock. Ask co-workers to be aware of your bike and to interrupt any suspicious behavior.

Know the rules of the road.

You are recognized as a legal driver of a vehicle. Therefore, drive your bicycle as you would any vehicle. Obey all traffic laws.

source: 511.org

 

Bike Accessories

The money you spend on these items will make your cycling experience much safer and enjoyable.

 

Know Your Folding Bike

Get to know your folding bicycle. Please refer to the diagram above
for the names and basic function of various components on your
folding bicycle regularly referred to in this manual.

1. handlebar (includes grips, brake levers and shifter)
2. handlebar height adjustment quick release (some models)
3. handlebar folding stem (joint for handlebar folding)
4. frame rest (protects chainwheel when folded and resting on the
ground)
5. crank & chainwheel
6. folding pedal
7. chain seatpost height adjustment (quick release for adjusting
seat height)
9. seatpost
10. saddle
11. frame folding box (the main folding mechanism for your frame)

 

Bike Europe – One Million e-Bikes on Dutch Roads.

 

Source: Bike Europe

 

Buyers’ Guide

When trying to decide on the best type of bike, think about these questions:

– What kind of riding do you want to do?
– Do you see yourself growing as a rider?
– What do friends you’ll be trying to keep up with ride?
– What have you had in the past that you liked?
– What have you had in the past that you disliked?
– How much money are you comfortable spending?

If you are buying a bike to ride with a group of friends— you’re often best off buying something similar to what they ride. You will not be able to keep up with road bikes if you are on a mountain bike or cruiser. And a road bike cannot cannot venture into the dirt or the sand.

If you enjoyed a three speed as a child, you may find cruisers to be a fun bike again. If you disliked the road bike you bought a few years ago—perhaps a mountain bike or hybrid would be a better choice now.

Cruiser / European Bikes

This bike is comfortable, stylish and sleek, available in a multitude of colors and designs.

e-Bikes

Perfect to get around. Whether for recreation or transportation, commuting is not a problem. You can place a special order from our special order catalog online.

Mountain Bikes

This bike will get you over any terrain and back home in no-time.

Foldable Bikes

Foldable bike offers transportation solutions for your practical lifestyle. They are affordable and fun. You can find them in various colors and styles.

Commuter Bikes

Comfortable bikes with great utility, add a basket or rack and these will get you wherever your going and bring along anything you need.

Inquiry about our Layaway plans.

 

Bikes Inventory

 

Tour Package

Xpártakos Tours Package

We understand that your time is limited and that you want to make the most of it. That’s why we put together a special tour to suit your interests.

​Our tours run 7 days a week but if it rains, we will re-schedule it for the next available date.

​The tour guides will be at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before the tour time, in case you get there early.

​​Tip: Shop around and you’ll find that we offer the lowest tour rates in the area.

Price list​. Bike Rentals

The Netherlands is an extremely bike-friendly country so should you prefer to explore it on your own, calls us or emails us to rent a bike.

Bike 1 ……………………………….  €25.00
Helmet  ……………………………….  €2.50
Half Day (up to 4 hours)……………….  €15.00
Additional Hour ……………………………….  €2.00

Schedule

Nov. – Mar.                                         closed – no tours
Mar. (last weekend) – Oct.                    11 am – 4 pm

Tour meeting point

Our tours meet near Almere City Mall at Koetsierbaan. we will be holding a sign.

Click here for our tour meeting point locations map.

Package 1. Raw Tour-Almere Vandaag

“A great way to see the city and understand what makes Almere so unique.”

List the services included in this package:
Guided tour

Bike rental
Lunch at a local restaurant (food not included)
Details/history of each location
Photos (bring your own camera)
2 hours

Approx. distance: 12 miles​……………………………….  €30.00

Package 2. Waterfront Tour: Almere Port/Beach

​”Experience the Beach on a Bike!”

List the services included in this package:

Guided tour

Bike rental
Lunch at a local restaurant (food not included)
Details/history of each location
Photos (bring your own camera)

Bring your swim suit and towels
2.5-3 hours

Approx. distance: 12 miles……………………………….  €40.00

 

Mountain Bikes: How to Choose a Mountain Bike.

 

Source: Bicycle Warehouse

 

Cyclopedia

Cycling Terms

alloy – slang for “aluminum”​ATB – For All Terrain Bike (another term for a mountain bike)​bar(s) – Short for handlebar(s)BMX – Bicycle Moto Cross. A popular type of racingcasing – The material that makes up tire sidewalls

​comfort bike – A popular type of bicycle built mostly for recreational use and designed for optimum rider comfort with features such as soft seats, suspension seatposts, upright riding position and easy gearing

For more bicycle related terms, please click here.

Source: Bicyclewarehouse