CELEBRATE BIKE TO WORK WEEK WITH AN AGENCY OFFICER'S GUIDE TO RIDING TO WORK

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06505812
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: August 4, 2020
• Case Number: F-2016-00691

Approved for Release: 2020/08/03 C06505812
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(U) Agency officers live all over the Washington Metropolitan Area; some have
commutes of an hour or longer, others are at work in fewer than 10 minutes. After
parking far away in the Lot, the walk into Headquarters could be almost 15
minutes. So, how does an Agency officer get a better, perhaps quicker, commute
and get great exercise at the same lime?
(U) In support of National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week (11-15 May), What's
News has the following information to encourage Agency officers who have
always been interested in biking to work, but might not have had the information or
support necessary to make the trek.
(U) Plan Routes in Advance
- what's
....Produced by the Office of Public Affairs
(U) Celebrate Bike to Work Week with an Agency Officer's Guide to Riding to Work
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(U) Most cyclists do not take the same route they would via car, so employees
should plan accordingly. Other bikers can provide route tips, and online maps can provide cycling directions and suggest
roads with bike lanes. Employees can visit the Cycling page for information on commuting and other biking topics.
Several other public websites like www.mapmyride.com and www.ridethecity.com provide well-known and frequently used
bike routes for commuters.
(U) Employees should ride their pre-planned route on a weekend day to estimate the lime needed to ride to and from work.
For longer routes, employees can consider combining their ride with a bus or train ride. Employees can visit the bus and
train map and schedule for more information on public access to the Headquarters compound.
(U) How to Ride In...and Still Look Professional
(U) Many potential riders object to riding a bicycle to work because they don't want
to arrive at work sweaty. The Headquarters compound and a few other Agency
buildings have showers available, and employees can consider keeping in their
offices some basic items, including extra slacks, socks, shoes, shirts, blouses,
etc. Baby wipes are another good way to freshen up if showers are not available.
Employees can also keep deodorant, hair dryers, make up, and otter items at
their desks. Employees can swap clothes and replace new items on days they
drive.
(U) Choosing Which Bike to Ride
(U) As long as a bicycle has two air-filled wheels that roll and brakes that work, the bicycle probably is fit to get to work
�riders do not need a brand new, expensive bike to ride to work. If a bike has sat in a garage for a few years, employees
should consider getting a tune-up for the cycle to make sure it is safe to ride. For employees who have long commutes or
steep hills, electric-assist bikes, which have electric motors, can help riders make it up the hills.
(U) Recommended Gear
(U) Employees should consider using each of the following:
� Helmet � Helmets are not always required by law, but they are always a smart move. In the
event of an accident, helmets save lives.
� Reflective gear � Consider wearing gear that is reflective. Lots of gear specifically made for
cycling, including jackets, bottoms, gloves, and shoes, has built in reflective material. Many
bike shops sell reflective stickers, which will stick on backpacks, helmets, and bicycle
frames.
� Lights � Basic front (white) and rear (red) lights help other drivers see bicyclists. Many
lights are strong LEDs, which can be seen from hundreds of feet away.
� Lock � Although Agency buildings are secure locations, a bike lock is always handy. "U-locks" are sturdier than cable locks, but any lock
will act as a deterrent to thieves.
� Fix Flat Kit� Being stuck on a ride with a flat tire can be disappointing. Consider purchasing a fix flat kit, which will repair a tube in the event
the tube pops or runs flat. Most bike shops will demonstrate how to change a tube for no charge. '
� Good sense � Biking in traffic can be scary, but reflective clothing, proper hand signals, obeying traffic laws, lane control, and eye contact
with drivers can help to reduce the risk of a crash.
(UThrtNIQ Bike Rack Locations
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� Headquarters: lower level of parking garage, Northeast Entrance, Southwest Entrance
(U) When Bike Riding Is Faster Than Driving a Car
(U) In 2014, one Agency staff officer realized his five-mile drive from his home in
Tysons Corner to Headquarters via car took about 30 minutes, considering he '
parked in the Lot and had to walk a long distance into the building. The
officer had always enjoyed riding bikes, so he donned a helmet, reflective gear,
and put some necessities in a backpack and starting pedaling to work on a regular
basis. How long did it take him from his home to Headquarters' Northeast
Entrance? 28 minutes, two minutes shorter than his driving commute. This story is
not unique, but is just one example of many how biking to work can save time and
money.
(U) National Bike Month/Bike to Work Week
(U) May is National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week is 11-15 May. The DC Area Bike to Work Day is Friday, 15 May;
vendors will be stationed at dozens of locations throughout the WMA to provide refreshments, entertainment, and
information for riders. For more information on Bike to Work Day visit www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. For more information
on potential bike routes to several Agency buildings, visit the Office of Medical Services Fitness Staff website. (This article
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Modified: 5/6/2015 1:56 PM
Published: 51512015 10:41 AM
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