Bike to Work or School

Before starting out, take time to:

Plan your route.

Use a map to plan a route that avoids freeways and steep hills. Explore the area for alternate routes and find your local bike paths on 511’s Biking Maps and Trails page. Don’t worry if your commute involves a bridge–every Bay Area bridge provides access (either by path or bus/shuttle) for bikes.

Decide if you need a change of clothes.

On a short, relatively flat ride, you will likely arrive at work or school in good shape. For longer rides, you'll find that racks, bike bags and special panniers are great for carrying a change of clothes to work wrinkle-free. You can also leave a small stock of work clothes at the office or use another commute option when you have special meetings that require dress attire.

Find out where you will park.

Does your school or employer offer bike racks and/or lockers? If so, find out if you need clearance to use these designated parking areas. You can also store your bike in your office or at nearby bike racks. For additional options on where to store your bike, head to our Bike Parking page.

If you are biking to a transit station, visit the transit agency website for information on bike rack and locker availability, or head to our Bicycles on Transit page.

Check your equipment.

Essential equipment includes:

• A sturdy bike that fits you properly
• A comfortable helmet (with "ANSI" or "SNELL" safety certification)
• A strong U-shaped lock
• A headlight (required by law if you ride at night)
• Tail lights

Also consider a rear-view mirror, biking gloves, a repair kit, a mounted water bottle, bicycling shoes, and wet weather gear if you plan to ride in the rain.

Ride the route on your day off.

Carry everything you normally would on a work or school day—backpack, laptop, lunch, etc. Test the route: is it too steep? Well-lit enough for evening rides? Consider alternatives if needed. Try to imagine typical traffic during commute hours, and remember that the route may look very different after dark.

Know the rules of the road.

Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as drivers, so ride your bike like you would drive a car. Obey all traffic laws and signals. For a quick overview of safe riding practices, check out our Bicycle Safety page.

Here are some programs to help you commute to school.

Bay Area Bike Mobile is a mobile bicycle repair clinic that offers free repair services and mechanics and safety education to schools, community organizations, and public events in the Bay Area.

Safe Routes to School programs provide safe and direct access to schools, training for students, and encouragement and information for families to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions. Find a Safe Routes to School Program near you.

Spare the Air Youth educates and encourages Bay Area youth and their families to bicycle, walk, carpool, and take transit. To learn more about bicycling, pedestrian, transit, and carpool programs near you, browse Spare the Air Youth’s Events & Programs page.