STOP RIGHT THERE.

I know you at some point in the next four weeks you will be tempted to tweet “Every day is bike to work day” with a picture of yourself braving the snow or the torrential rain or whatever on your noble steed.

Don’t do that.

Instead, take those 19 seconds and do this: Copy and paste this into an email to a coworker:

“Hey, want to ride to work together on Bike to Work Day?”

Here’s the deal. Bike to work day is not about you. I mean it is, a little bit. It’s a recognition that that thing you do every day, or most days, is pretty awesome and you can and should feel proud about it. Accept your t-shirt and granola bar and ankle strap with grace, then step back and let someone who’s never done this before feel like a champion.

I know it’s tempting, but let’s all avoid being smug, OK? Because, to reiterate, bike to work day is (mostly) not about us. It’s about our neighbors and our coworkers and our family and our friends who don’t ride every day. It’s a chance for them to try out this neat thing called biking to work and decide that maybe it’s not so weird or hardcore after all.*

So here are some do’s and don’ts to think about:

Do:

Enjoy the company of someone who’s new to this Be patient. Offer to ride with a friend who’s never ridden to work before. Volunteer to work at a pit stop.

Give other cyclists three feet of space if you pass.

Obey traffic laws. Set a good example for people who are new.



Don’t:

Ding your bell or snap your brakes or sigh loudly at people going slower than you. If you’re late or bored or just want to go faster, wait for a safe opportunity to pass and do so without fanfare. Shoal, or engage in other cat-6ish behavior. No one has to prove anything here, we’re all just trying to get to work. Assume that the person with a flat is clueless. “Do you have the all tools you need?” is a way to offer help without condescending. “You look like you need help” or “Do you know what you’re doing?” are rude things to say and you should not say them. Hog all the swag at your pit stop. Tell people which components or bike they need to be better at bike commuting. Offer unsolicited advice: mechanical diagnoses, bike fit suggestions, clothing tips, whatever. If someone asks your opinion, fine. If someone is in immediate danger of hurting themselves, fine. “Excuse me I can’t help but notice your quick release is open and your rear wheel is about to fall off” is a-ok, “you’d be more comfortable if you raise your saddle” is not.

Just be patient and nice to everyone ok?

*Think about that for a minute and let it sink in. The inevitable consequence of more people biking is that it ceases to become something that sets you apart. If you rely on your bicycle to make you feel different or better than other people, it’s time to start learning to unicycle.

