Undaunted by Downtown, Doug Smith makes the ride to Waterville every day from work.Undaunted by Downtown, Doug Smith makes the ride to Waterville every day from work.
Workplace Issues for the Bike Commuter
Bicycle commuting isn't very common yet, especially in Toledo, and your employer may be surprised to find there's anyone even interested. This doesn't mean that your company can't or won't be accommodating. There aren't very many reasons for them not to, and a few good reasons why they should. Start out by inquiring as to what facilities are available for bike commuters and how far they would go in accommodating your commuting needs. These needs will be primarily 1) secure storage for your bike, 2) cleanup facilities and 3) storage for clothing and accessories you'd want to leave at work. You may have to make do with less than ideal conditions to start, but you may be able to improve on this over time, especially if you can convince co-workers to join you on their bikes.
Take The Initiative
Even if your company doesn't seem overly welcoming to cycle commuters, there are ways to improve the situation. There are concrete benefits to the employer who fosters bicycle commuting - learn these and make a presentation to your boss. There are many on-line resources to help you with this.
Make sure your boss understands the public relations and employee relations benefits of becoming a "green workplace." Explain the health benefits, productivity increases and reduced parking pressure which usually accompany bike commuting. Volunteer to organize and implement a bicycle commuting program.
Co-existing In The Office
Once you've gotten past management, the key to your success in the office as a bike commuter is to leave a small footprint - be unobtrusive and don't inconvenience your co-workers. For example, don't spread wet clothes out for others to see (and smell), don't monopolize the bathroom in peak morning hours, don't take your bike up in a crowded elevator, always be extra polite to custodial and security staff. All this shouldn't stop you from converting others to your cause at some time in the future, however.
Look for Help
There are thousands of bicycle commuters out there, many of whom have been doing this for years. The on-line bike forums are great places to look for tips and advice. Don't just lurk and read old posts - sign up and post your own questions and problems on-line. You'll find that lots of forum members will go out of their way to help you, even to the extent of private messaging individually.
Stimulus Tax Benefit
In the recently passed stimulus plan there is a tax credit for biking commuters which you may be able to take advantage of. The Virginia Bicycling Federation summarizes the benefit this way: "The bottom line is, you can get up to $20/month tax-free from your employer, if he feels like giving it to you, to reimburse you for your bike commuting expenses. Your employer can write it off as a business expense. This benefit goes into effect at the beginning of the year 2009."
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