I want to start biking or running to work. Tomorrow.

Update: I did it and survived! The bike has a rack so I took a gym bag and a small backpack for overflow. It's cool today so I thought maybe I wouldn't need a shower but HILLS AT THE END. Then I had to scramble to shower and get to my desk by 9:00 a.m. but I made it so we're good. I'm worried that I look like I biked to work but casual day, right?? I thought about the morning/evening commute temperature difference which is why I wanted to start when it's warm though I thought when it gets cooler, I can get a foldable jacket for after work. I have an app where I can check to see if there are bikes at the nearby bike share (and docks at my destination). Spare outfit at the office is a good idea. For posterity, the thing I forgot was a lock for a locker by the shower. And some plastic bags would have been helpful for things like rain on the bike seat, sweaty clothes post run, wet towel and loofah, etc. I folded the loofah up in the sweaty shirt. I arbitrarily decided that I would seriously think about getting a bike if I rode more than 100 miles on the bike share bike and I'm up to about 38 over the last four weeks or so. I like that with the bike share, I can go one way on the and that I don't have to worry about locking it, but the flip side is that if there isn't a dock available, I have to find one, which might be a problem in the near future. Anyway, thanks for your advice and if you think of anything else, please let me know!

Are you planning on biking in your work clothes? I couldn't tell. My husband bikes to work (just a little longer commute than yours) and he sometimes gets sweaty. I don't know where you live but also consider the temperature difference between your morning and evening commutes. Also, if I were you I'd be a little bit anxious and would hop on a bike right now and try out my planned route to work. In my city at least there are lots of ways across town, some better than others.

Panniers are much more comfortable on a bike than a rucksack in hot weather, plus they lower your centre of gravity & make the bike safer to ride - you can brake harder with a pannier rack than with the same load on your shoulders. On a bike there’s no need to push hard - arriving sweaty is usually optional unless it’s particularly hot. Being able to get daily exercise from your commute is great for your health! Enjoy!

I don't bike to work, but one thing that occurs to me is to keep a spare outfit at work, just in case something happens on the ride (you get caught in a downpour and everything is soaked, etc.), as well as making sure you have a decent bike lock. And eventually you might want to invest in some good rain gear. I know there are other questions on here about bike commuting that might have good info for you. Sounds like a great and practical way to stay fit!

Give yourself a lot of extra time the first few rides. If you're not riding regularly already ramp up slow, every other day at first, or ride in and leave the bike overnight if it's in a safe lockup. Review google maps for routes, a small (or even large) detour onto a pleasant street can pay huge pleasure dividends.

Yay! Do it! Do it! On maiden voyages I like to bring water and a small snack. Especially good for morale during any pauses to check the map or de-stress.

Awesome, glad it worked out! My tip for rain on bike seats: go to a beauty supply store and get the most entertaining-looking shower cap you can find. I mean, you can get free plain ones from hotels, but it's just so much fun to cover my saddle with paisley and lace trim when I'm leaving it out where it might get wet. (Also, elastic = much faster than trying to tie a knot with a grocery bag, and easily reusable.)

I bike 4 miles each way on city streets and have been doing so every day to a professional job for 11+ years. Here's what I have learned: Get a bell, it is a great way to keep pedestrians, cars and drunks from crashing in to you. Don't be shy about ringing it. Get a real set of lights, now a crappy tiny led blink. Pay at least $40 for the front light and less for the back light, and take it with you if you have to lock your bike outside. If you end up getting your own bike: I like putting my backpack in a baby seat in the back of the bike, better than panniers in my opinion. A front basket is nice to have in order to add some light shopping on the way home. Get a real strong u-lock, never use a weaker chain or combo lock. No need to be a speed demon, you get there when you get there, no need to get sweaty. After a while you will really know the light cycles and will get through them just in time or just before they turn green. Figure out your route and mix it up from time to time. Treat EVERYONE like they don't see you. Once a year you will have some idiot on their phone blow a light or take a turn right in front of you. Don't be afraid to be cautious, but also don't be afraid to "take the lane" if it is the safest way for you to get through or past a situation. If someone is being violent toward you (and it just might happen) know how to get your video camera on you phone on very quickly, and if you can't, even pretending to take someones video can quickly diffuse a situation. Nothing is more decadent than showering at work! Have fun!

I think this sounds like a great idea. Commuting by bike can be heaps of fun. The bike share bikes that I am familiar with are all very heavy for some reason (to try to prevent people from riding too fast?), so if you do find that you're commuting regularly, I think it might be worthwhile to buy a second-hand bike with a lighter frame. I'd pack some baby wipes in case having a shower is not possible for some reason, like forgetting your towel, or the water being off, or running out of time. I recommend wearing an enclosed shoe (rather than something like a ballet flat) while riding your bike in because if you do - God forbid - come off your bike sometime, losing the skin off the top of your foot is not fun. Signed, the scar on the top of my foot from coming off my bike on the way home from university while wearing a pair of slip-on sneakers.