Gear Up for Bike to Work Week 2023

Jes Slavin

Written by
May 10, 2023

Northampton Mayor Sciarra reads Bike to Work Day Proclamation in 2022

National Bike to Work Week will take place May 15-21, 2023, and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 19th. We’re excited to see communities across the Commonwealth are already gearing up for Bike to Work Week by planning bike commuter-focused events.

Bike to Work Week is the perfect time to try out bike commuting or to encourage your friends and co-workers to try biking to work if it’s already a part of your daily routine. Across Massachusetts, there will be bike commuter events to help you to leave your car keys at home and opt for some pedal-powered transportation.

If you’re looking to try biking to work for the first time, here are five tips to kick-start your bike commute journey:

Get your gear ready

You don’t want to pull out your bicycle on your commute day just to find you have a flat tire. Make sure to check your bicycle ABC’s (air, brakes, chain). We also suggest inspecting your helmet for any cracks. If there are cracks or if the helmet is over 5 years old, it's time for a new one! You should also make sure to locate your bike lock and charge your lights just in case.

Plan & practice your route

The best way to get comfortable with bike commuting, just like any other skill, is with preparation and practice. Plan your route to use as many low-stress roads and bike paths as possible. If you’re not sure where to start with route planning, ask for help from a more experienced bike buddy. Once you have your route, practice it on a weekend morning when traffic is lighter. Give yourself a little extra time on your commute day, knowing that there will be more traffic, and ensure you don’t feel rushed.

Decide your clothing plan

If you’re worried about getting sweaty on your ride, it’s key to come up with a clothing plan. You can bring a spare set of clothes to the office in advance or pack them on your bike. You can plan extra time at the end of your commute for a quick shower before work if there is a commuter shower in the office or if your local gym is nearby. If you work near the Green Line Lechemere Station in Cambridge, the Kittie Knox Cycle Center is a bicycle center that is now open to the public, offering a bike tune-up station, a shower, restrooms, changing rooms, and lockers.

Another option is planning a bike & office-friendly outfit that will keep you cool while riding. For example, throwing on a pair of bike shorts under a dress can be a great commuting option.

Figure out bike storage

You don’t want to show up to your office and find that there’s no place to lock up. Before you bike to work, scout out bike racks near your job or inquire about bike parking at your office. Some buildings have secure bike parking, but you may need an access code or to register for the bike parking in advance. If there aren't other secure options, some workplaces will let you take your bike into your office if you ask.

Find a ride bud!

Biking is always better with friends! Is there someone at your office who already bike commutes or a friend/neighbor who works nearby who can ride in with you? Ask them if they'll be your bike commute buddy! There are also several communities hosting bike conveys to local bike breakfasts this year, which can be a great way to try out bike commuting and find some new riding buddies. 

Do you have bike commuting tips? Share them on social media & tag us @MassBike for a chance to win a Bike Month T-Shirt.

Mark Your Calendar - Bike to Work Week Events


Are we missing your Bike to Work Week event? Add it to the Bay State Bike Month Calendar so we can help spread the word!

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