Anyone who’s ever biked to work knows that it’s a fun and enjoyable way to commute, and the most affordable way to get to work.  But making the switch to a new mode of travel usually means figuring out the how-to’s that work for you.

When I started bike commuting, I’d pack all my work clothes in a bag and change once I got to the office.  I quickly found that a full costume change in a bathroom stall multiple times a day, twisting myself into a pretzel to avoid dropping a pant leg into the toilet (this is the stuff sitcoms are made of), just wasn’t practical for me. 

I adopted the mantra, “If I can wear it in life, I can wear it on a bike.”  I’ve worn it all on my bike; suits, stilettos, dresses, pencil skirts, and yes, even a formal gown.  Dressing for my destination makes it easier to jump off the bike, and stroll into a meeting or brunch with friends (hopefully, again soon). 

It’s easy to picture myself peddling along in a skirt on a sunny spring day.  But what about those heavy spring rains?  It took longer to figure that out, but I was determined to find a way to bike in inclement weather and still arrive at my destination ready to go.  Here is the gear that worked for me:

·         Raincoat:  A good raincoat makes all the difference.  Must-haves for me include a breathable fabric so I don’t overheat, pit zips for extra ventilation, and a hood that can be cinched down tight.

·         Rain pants: A similar breathable fabric is best.  Full length zippers on each leg make it easy to get them quickly off without getting wet.  Make sure they’re roomy enough to fit over your clothes.

·         Glasses or goggles:  These keep the rain out of your eyes.  There are plenty of cycling glasses on the market, but an inexpensive pair of safety glasses from the hardware store work just as well.

·         Waterproof helmet cover: It keeps the rain from sneaking in around the raincoat hood and out of your eyes.  It holds in a little extra heat in cold weather.  In a light rain, I don’t even put the hood up.  It’s also reflective for low light cycling, like in a rainstorm. 

·         Waterproof shoes:  Without too much searching, I found stylish boots that are also waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about soggy feet. 

I recently rode to work on a chilly, stormy March morning.  With this system, a quick-change transformation from rain-proof road warrior to boardroom-ready professional took less than 30 seconds, with little more effort than peeling off a jacket.  My colleagues couldn’t believe I’d ridden my bike.

Happy Bike to Work Week!