Ultimate Bike Commuting Guide for Women

Biking to work or to run errands is one of the most enjoyable and environmentally responsible decisions you can make. It also provides good exercise, and helps busy women fit in a workout into their already jam-packed days.

Whether you’re already riding a for transportation, or you want to try it for the first time - here are some of our top tips for making your bicycle commute go smoothly.

Make Sure Your Bike is in Good Working Order

If your bike has been sitting in the garage for a while, dust it off and make sure that it is working properly and is safe for riding. At a minimum, you should ensure your tires are properly inflated and that they have plenty of tread left on them, that all your bolts are properly tightened, and that your chain is lubed and running smoothly. If you’re not sure how to do these things, you can either learn or take your bike into a shop for a once-over.

Choose Step-thru E-Bike

Before we tell you why women bike commuting to work should choose a step-thru e-bike, we should walk through the various different types of bikes so that you have a clear picture of what is on the market and why some are better for certain people or situations. In general, men’s bikes will be taller, have larger wheels, longer crankshafts, and higher and thicker crossbars. This is primarily due to men being, in general, physically larger. Women's bikes, by contrast, typically have slightly smaller wheels, wider and shorter saddles, and have lower crossbars. These lower crossbars make a bike what is known as a step-thru bike, which means that rather than swing your leg over the bike to get seated, you can simply step comfortably over the crossbar and take a seat.

For women bike commuting to work, a step-thru electric bike is the best option for multiple reasons. First, step-thru bikes were designed specifically for women. These bikes make it easy to ride with grace and tact even while wearing a dress or a skirt, something women may need to wear to work. This makes step-thru bikes a comfortable and convenient transportation option. Additionally, the reason an electric bike version is the best choice for women bike commuting to work is that they are simply easier to ride. While one of the primary benefits of riding a bike to work is cardiovascular activity, it can also be helpful to access supplemental electric power when you have a long commute or if you need to keep from breaking too much of a sweat before a big meeting.

Use Bike Light

Just because women bike commuting to work is a growing trend and has many physical and mental health benefits does not mean that it is without its own shortfalls. One primary concern is biking to and from work in the wintertime when the days are much shorter. During this period, even if you do not have to go to work early or stay late, you may be riding either partially or exclusively in the dark. If your job has odd hours, if you are an early riser, or if you tend to stay late to work overtime, you must ensure you can be seen by drivers while you ride. While all drivers should be alert and aware of potential bikers, that is unfortunately not always the case - so as a biker, you must do everything you can to make sure you are visible to others around you.

Riding your bike to work safely in the dark means taking precautionary measures. There are two key ways of doing this. The first is to equip your electric bike with flashing tail lights. These bike lights can function in one of two ways. One way is to use them as pseudo-reflectors, illuminating your bike so that people can see you riding. Another way to use bike lights is in the same way that cars use headlights, by fashioning the lights to the front of the bike so that they help guide you on the road or pathway. This makes it both easier for you to see and easier for drivers to see you.

Backpack or Panniers

Women generally have lots of stuff. A man can leave for work with only his wallet, keys, and cell phone. But for a women, she leaves with purse, laptop, lunch, a spare change of clothes, a book to read at lunch, snacks for children, etc. The question is how to carry all of this on a bike. You really have two basic options: a backpack or panniers.

A good old-fashioned backpack works pretty well, but if you have a long ride or you are biking in warm weather, your back might get sweaty. If you have a lot of heavy stuff to carry, it can also cause strain on your back and shoulders. Another option is to invest in some panniers. Panniers attach to a rack on the back of your bike. They come in all sizes and designs, and we prefer the waterproof ones. There’s nothing worse than an expensive laptop getting wet on the way into work.

Make Sure You Have a Spare Water Bottle

Please keep an extra water bottle in your locker. A really cheap solution to what can be quite a crippling problem – especially on a hot summer’s day!


Keep your Bike Lock at the Place Where you Park Your Bike

Locks are really heavy to drag back and forth daily. Get a really great lock and then leave it wherever you park your bike. I recommend a really strong U-Lock. Don’t ever rely on a cable lock. 

Women bike commuting to work who want to have the most success and do so comfortably and safely should take all of these steps into consideration. Choosing a step-thru bike, using a bike light and reflectors, and ensuring you always have essentials with you are all important to making your commute enjoyable and efficient.