Commuter Compendium for Cyclists

[Certifried]

I was thinking of putting together some sort of “compendium” of information for new commuters. It seems there have been a few recurring questions, some of which I know I’ve posted, seeking commuting tips from you commuting veterans. Even if it’s just a collection of links pointing to sites like Greenbelt’s tips. Anyone know if this has already been done?

[Birdstrike]

Bikewashington.org has a useful site that helped get me started:

http://bikewashington.org/routes/index.htm

[Bilsko]

Are you thinking something along the lines of BikeSnob’s Enlightened Cyclist?
http://www.amazon.com/The-Enlightened-Cyclist-Two-Wheeled-Trancendence/dp/1452105006/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=35X3L74UG8L0R&coliid=I3NPB1NK4TT0G6

[Dickie]

@Certifried 26167 wrote:

I was thinking of putting together some sort of “compendium” of information for new commuters. It seems there have been a few recurring questions, some of which I know I’ve posted, seeking commuting tips from you commuting veterans. Even if it’s just a collection of links pointing to sites like Greenbelt’s tips. Anyone know if this has already been done?

If you do commit to this I would be glad to help out, I think it’s a great idea. I have found myself providing help to many of my friends who are just beginning to commute by bicycle and have legitimate questions and concerns.

[zanna_leigh]

I think this is a really great idea and I think it might even be worth setting up a new category for beginner bicyclists. I’ll discuss with les bosses.

I also think it is important to direct them to resources that are not just online. For example the BikeArlington Two Wheel Tuesday get togethers and the WABA educational classes. Some people learn better when they are instructed face to face, or they just prefer and trust real people as opposed to the internet.

Even though most of the people on this forum commute to work, not everyone does, nor will everyone. So the word “bike commuter” implies that the thread is strictly for people riding their bike to and from work. I think the thread/category should be dedicated to utilitarian bike riding – riding your bike to run errands, to go to a friend’s house, to go out, as well as to go to work. We don’t want to lose interested beginner bicyclists because they think the thread has to do with just riding their bike to work. Obviously it can still be applicable no matter what the trip is for, but word choice can be pretty important.

I will find out if we can make a new category for this conversation. It’s a great idea and think it will be very helpful to people getting ready to start riding their bikes more! Thanks!

[acc]

You mean like a thread titled, “Commando Cycling?”

[consularrider]

@acc 26451 wrote:

You mean like a thread titled, “Commando Cycling?”

Discussing clothing choices is so important to utility cycling.

[Certifried]

@zanna_leigh 26450 wrote:

I think this is a really great idea and I think it might even be worth setting up a new category for beginner bicyclists.

That’s an awesome idea! Then we could have sticky threads for various topics people write about.

[Greenbelt]

@Certifried 26456 wrote:

That’s an awesome idea! Then we could have sticky threads for various topics people write about.

You could start by gathering up threads under “the best of Dirt” — I’d sort of like to have a handy Dirt reference too, actually.

[krazygl00]

I’d be interested in contributing as well. I’ve been commuting for a few years and I guess I’m kind of a strange animal because I’ve developed strong opinions that are usually different from the norm.

Personally I think commuting is different from other types of utility cycling; commuting to me is more about streamlining your gear and figuring out how to carry as little as possible, rather than trying to figure out how to accommodate large loads.

[KLizotte]

You may wish to call it a FAQ of some sort and have questions/categories listed that people can provide advice on. The idea is to keep it as concise and to the point as possible. Let’s face it, some of our threads end up going in funny, but off-topic, directions which would frustrate most people looking for an encyclopedia compendium of best available info.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@KLizotte 26556 wrote:

Let’s face it, some of our threads end up going in funny, but off-topic, directions which would frustrate most people looking for an encyclopedia compendium of best available info.

That’s a feature, not a bug.

[5555624]

@ShawnoftheDread 26557 wrote:

That’s a feature, not a bug.

I prefer to think of it as a test.

[Author]

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