Biking

BURN CALORIES, NOT GAS

Pedal your way to a cleaner, healthier commute! With biking, every ride saves money, cuts pollution, and boosts your well-being—let us help you gear up and get rolling.

One of the best choices you can make—for your health, the environment, and our roads—is to bike to work. Biking is a key form of active transportation, which includes any human-powered way of getting around, like walking or biking. It’s healthier, more sustainable, and often more fun! 

  • Burn calories, not gas. Biking is a fun, low-impact workout that strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles. Just 30 minutes of biking can burn over 250 calories.
  • Boost your health. Biking improves cardiovascular fitness and reduces the risk of chronic illness.
  • Reduce stress. Regular rides help ease anxiety and combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Save money. Leave the car behind and cut down on fuel and parking costs.
  • Protect the planet. Biking reduces your carbon footprint and eases congestion. More people biking means fewer cars on the road and smoother commutes for everyone.
  • Obey traffic laws. Review Virginia bike laws if you need a refresher.
  • Make eye contact with drivers and stay alert—don’t use both earbuds.
  • Be seen: use lights and wear bright gear. 
  • Signal clearly when turning or changing lanes.
  • Ring your bell or use your voice to alert others.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Watch for car doors and “claim your lane” when needed.
  • Keep your bike in top shape—check tires, brakes, and chain before you ride.
  • Carry basic tools and know how to fix a flat.

DOWNLOAD your “I took my commute by the handlebars” certificate. 

Need a tune-up? Support your local bike shop! Call ahead for hours and services.

Track your rides! Log in to your ConnectingVA account and record your trips on your personal trip calendar. Every ride counts!

Did you Know?

Biking strengthens your heart, lungs and muscles, eases stress and helps reduce health issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages that is earth friendly! Biking can also help you maintain or reduce weight and tone muscles! GET out, RIDE your bike and RECORD your trips on your personalized trip calendar when you login to your account.

May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.

Additional Benefits of Riding Your Bike:

  • Economical. Save money by leaving the car at home.
  • Heart Healthy. Walking and biking help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Eco-Friendly. Reduces your carbon footprint.

Bike Safety Tips

  • Follow the rules of the road.  Review the Virginia Laws. if you’re unsure or need to brush up.
  • Make eye contact and stay alert. Watch drivers’ eyes to ensure they see you. Expect cars to make rolling stops and not see you. Don’t wear earbuds and earphones in both ears while riding, your hearing is your second most important sense.
  • Be seen. Use flashing lights on the front and rear of your bike and wear brightly colored clothing. Use hand signal and be very explicit when changing lanes or turning.
  • Be heard. Have a bike bell or be willing to use your voice, LOUDLY.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Watch for parked cars. Be very careful when driving by parked cars and claim your lane.
  • Be prepared for repairs. Carry a spare inner tube, pump and repair kit. Know how to change a tire and do minor repairs. Keep your bike tuned and your brakes in good working condition.

Before Biking:

  • Make sure there’s enough air in your tires.
  • Check that your brakes are working properly.
  • Examine your chain to ensure it runs smoothly.
  • And if you have quick release wheels, make sure the levers are secure!

If your bike is in need of more serious repair, consider calling your local bike shop. Bike shops are essential businesses, but may have limited hours and services. Call your shop for the most up-to-date information!