Gear up for this year’s annual bike to work day, which will take place on Wednesday, June 26th. Every year the Denver Regional Council of Governments organizes this event to encourage commuters to consider bicycles as a transportation option.

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a novice, it is a good idea to prep ahead of time if you intend to participate. Have your bike tuned up in advance, as a flat tire, derailed chain, or faulty brakes are sure to ruin what should otherwise be an enjoyable commute. Many bike shops have free air pump access where you can fill up the day before or morning of and new tire tubes are reasonably cheap and are worth considering, especially if you haven’t dusted off your bike in a while. Plan your route and consider taking a practice run the weekend before as the street you normally drive on may not be as bike friendly as some others. For example, 17th and 18th Streets east of downtown Denver are busy while 16th Street has designated bike lanes in both directions and is less congested. Planning your route to use a street with a designated bike lane will likely save you time and will likely be a much safer alternative.

Your choice of attire may also be something worth considering as wearing your tailored wool suit may not be so comfortable or breathable as cotton or another blend. You probably don’t want oil or other substances on your nice suit or your trousers tangled in your chain. A light weight rain jacket may also be a good idea in the event you are caught in the rain. You may also want to consider whether the hunched over position of your road bike or a more upright cruiser will be a better choice given what you will be wearing. It has already been quite hot this year, so water for the ride is a good idea.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time the morning of the ride so you aren’t rushed or forget anything and you can enjoy your ride as this should be fun! Brush up on appropriate hand signals and bike laws for your commuting area as Colorado bike laws can vary depending on where you live (for more information scroll down to our previous post from September 17, 2012: Colorado Bicyclists Be Careful that points out some of the variations). Since bicycle operation on city streets can be dangerous following your local bike laws will help ensure your safety, and the safety of others on the road. It may take you a little longer and require a little more stop and go, but it is better to get to your destination late and in one piece rather than never or taking an unscheduled trip in an ambulance to the emergency room.

As a Colorado personal injury attorney who has seen a fair share bicycle and automobile accidents, and interacts on a daily basis with bicycles on Denver’s city streets, I know the serious injuries that can result from accidents involving cars and bicycles. So, if you are considering participating in this year’s bike to work day, please plan ahead, know your route, obey all traffic signals, don’t weave in and out of traffic, have fun, and be safe!
For more information on the June 26, 2013 bike to work day visit the Bike to Work website.