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It's a healthy and inexpensive solution!
Biking, walking, and running are becoming more popular commute alternatives in the Triangle region due to transit bikes-on-buses programs, better roadway facilities, and enhanced sidewalks for pedestrians and runners. Biking, walking and running are the most inexpensive and, for many, the most efficient forms of transportation around the town and to work. Remember to be careful on days when our Air Quality is poor. Check the Air Quality Index and protect your health by minimizing strenuous outdoor activity on high Code Orange, Code Red and Code Purple days. Exercise in the morning or late in the day when temperature and ozone levels are lower. If you ride your bike or run to work then do so in the morning and arrange to take the bus or carpool home in the hot part of the day on Ozone Action days. Prolonged strenuous activity in a high ozone environment can, over time, cause permanent scarring and diminished lung function.
Guaranteed Ride Home program for vanpools, making it even more appealing as a commute alternative.
Rewards of Biking, Walking, or Running
- Financial savings
- Stress reduction
- Reduced traffic congestion
- Improved air quality
- More control over work schedule
- Better use of commuting time
- Improved mental well-being
- Reduced vehicle maintenance
- Possible lower insurance rates (check with your agent)
- Health benefits
- Reduced need for parking
- Preferred parking at bike racks located near work sites
- Less absenteeism
Guaranteed Ride Home
Triangle Guaranteed Ride Home Programs
Getting Started
- Before you decide to bike, walk, run or use a combination of those with transit to commute to work, you may want to:
- Assess the area surrounding your home and work site
Is it safe and convenient to bike/walk/run? Consider traffic flow, the width of road shoulders, blind curves and hills, etc. Are sidewalks, cross walks, and pedestrian overpasses available? The Research Triangle Park jog and pedestrian trail map.
- Get to know safe pedestrian and bicycle routes in the area.
- Find a biking, walking, or running partner or mentor to help you get started.
- Assess whether your employer offers the following incentives:
- Bike racks, showers, or lockers
- Guaranteed Ride Home
- Biking, walking or running subsidy
- Flex-time to accommodate biking/walking schedules
- Secure bicycle parking
- On-site amenities: food service, cash machine, postal service, etc.
- Read about Bikes-on-Buses if you plan on using a combination of transit and biking, walking, or running.
Modern Bicycle Myths writer Lauren Cooper debunks myths about bicycling.
- Myth: Bicycles Must "Keep Their Place" To The Right
Both traffic law and traffic experts recognize that there are numerous situations when bicycles should not try to squeeze over. That is why vehicle law lists many conditions when bicycles should merge into the traffic lane and take the full lane: where roads become narrow or in narrow traffic lanes; to ride clear of glass, debris, potholes, rough paving, moving, turning, or parked cars; to operate correctly as a vehicle in the proper lane at intersections, and when passing or turning left.
- Myth: If I Take the Lane, Cars will Run Me Over
The simple truth: it doesn't happen. Getting hit from behind is one of the rarest incidents. Most motorists would feel traumatized if they injured someone. Many are actually afraid of cyclists. People do wait their turn behind bicyclists because they can see why the cyclist is in the lane; to avoid parked cars, blocked bikelanes, cars pulling out, or it's just a bit too narrow to pass safely without "squeezing". For those who try to pass anyway, riding near the center of the lane leaves a safety margin of 4-5' into which the bicyclist can move if needed.
- Myth: Bicycling With Traffic Is Dangerous And Stupid
Bicycling with traffic is safe and fun for those who operate by predictable, vehicular rules. The single most important rule: merge with traffic and take the full lane whenever necessary for your safety. Bicyclist Education is the most effective method known for eliminating up to 95% of car/bike accidents. Lawful Vehicular Cycling is bicycling cooperatively with traffic by emphasizing the same simple vehicular rules that all drivers use. Vehicular Cycling is safer than driving a car, flying in an airliner, motorcycling, skiing, swimming, or boating.
Resources for Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Runners
Sharing the Road - Rules of the Road for Cyclists and Motorists
If you are preparing to commute by bike, please visit the NC Department of Transportation for rules and regulations before you hit the road.
- Rules of the Road for Cyclists
- Ride on the right
- Always ride in the same direction as traffic
- Use the lane furthest to the right that heads in the direction that you are traveling
- Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
- On the road
- The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
- Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings
- Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn to motorists and cyclists
- Always wear a properly fitting helmet
- Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back
- Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip
- After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately
- Ride predictably
- Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
- Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
- Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
- Be visible
- Wear brightly colored clothing at all times
- At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector and reflective tape or clothing
- Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there
- Rules of the Road for Motorists
- Drive cautiously
- Reduce speed when encountering cyclists
- In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room
- Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space
- Yield to cyclists
- Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way
- Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
- Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
- Be considerate
- Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
- Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists
- Look for cyclists when opening doors
- Pass with care
- Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing
- Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass
- Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position
- Watch for children
- Children on bicycles are often unpredictable - expect the unexpected and slow down
- Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic laws
- Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults
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