Commuting tips for women

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on October 4, 2014 at 4:32pm

This discussion might help.

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Permalink Reply by Ifi Susana on October 6, 2014 at 12:59pm

Also BFF Bikes is having a Fall and Winter Biking Clinic on Thursday, if you are interested in riding in Fall and Winter:

http://www.meetup.com/Illinois-Women-Cyclists/events/209559522/

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on October 6, 2014 at 2:59pm

Thanks for the info. I'm sharing this with Women Bike Chicago.

Ifi Susana said:

Also BFF Bikes is having a Fall and Winter Biking Clinic on Thursday, if you are interested in riding in Fall and Winter:

http://www.meetup.com/Illinois-Women-Cyclists/events/209559522/

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on April 20, 2016 at 8:03pm

Please feel free to chime in. I'm adding a few things I've done for bike commutes.

Clothing - Unless it is freezing out, dress for a ride so that you are not entirely warm because once you start pedaling, you will warm up. Layering is also a good idea so that if you do start to get too warm, you can remove a layer. 

Sweat - Use panniers with a rack instead of a backpack to help keep your back less sweaty. Don't push for a hard effort on your way to work unless there are showers you can use. If you do get sweaty after a ride, there are shower wipes you can use to wipe off.

Change of clothing - I prefer to pack my outfit in panniers using Eagle Creek containers (they breath and keep my clothing organized). Once I get to work, I completely change out of what I rode to work in. This was helpful when I did a 9-10 mile commute to work (one way).

For rain, I really like Showers Pass jackets and they also make pants. It keeps you super dry and I've used it to help block the wind when the wind is chilly. Just be careful about getting a bit hot when you ride because it is not breathable so that it will keep you dry.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on April 21, 2016 at 12:38pm

Good tips. In addition, once you get to work, using a damp paper towel, followed by a dry paper towel and baby powder (and/or fresh deodorant) can help with heat and stink if you don't have access to a shower.

My commutes have been on the long side since I moved back here (11-15 miles), so a sweat-free trip really isn't an option for me. I've successfully used the paper towel and baby powder trick many times, including some very hot days.

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