ride your bike

Commuting by bicycle can be a great alternative to using a car.
Benefits of biking

Get in shape on the way to work.
Burn about 500 calories an hour.
Biking is convenient, dependable and low-cost mode of transportation.
Help the environment and relieve traffic congestion in central Iowa

Liberty Bike Station
The City of Des Moines and the Transportation Management Association (TMA) are pleased to announce the addition of the Liberty Bike Station to downtown Des Moines. Located within the Liberty Parking Garage at the corner of 6th Street and Grand Avenue, the Liberty Bike Station provides a safe and secure location for bicycle commuters to park their bikes for free every day of the week. Eight racks have been installed in this new location on the ground level of the Liberty Parking Garage. The racks have been specifically designed to combat bicycle theft and accept both padlocks and U-locks. We invite all bicycle enthusiasts to make the most the Liberty Bike Station. For more information, please contact the TMA at (515) 286-4969.

Getting Started

Plan your route. Use a map to chart a potential route that avoids freeways and steep hills. Explore the area for alternate routes. If your commute involves a bridge, be sure the bridge provides bicycle access. Friends who ride to work can give you tips on routes, safety and parking. If they live near you, ask if you can ride with them for the first few days while you get used to your route and traffic patterns. Bike routes and maps often are available at bike shops.
Identify workplace facilities. If your employer doesn't offer bike lockers or showers, check into storing your bike in a nearby building and carry your work clothes in a backpack. Many employers want to help employees use alternatives to driving alone, so ask your employer if lockers or showers can be installed or if other provisions can be made for storing bicycles during the workday.
Know in advance where you'll park. Get clearance to use lockers and parking areas. If you park outside, you may want to protect your bike with multiple locks. Ask co-workers to be aware of your bike and to interrupt any suspicious behavior.
Gear up. Essential equipment includes a properly fitting, sturdy bike, helmet, biking gloves and a strong bicycle lock or two.

Be sure your bike is tuned-up and equipped with reflectors.

A good helmet can be purchased for as little as $20. It should consist of an outer polycarbonate or fiberglass shell, an energy-absorbing inner liner made of semi-rigid foam, comfort pads and an adjustable strap. Replace your helmet if you have an accident and break the foam liner.

Depending on the length and frequency of your ride, the terrain and weather, you may need additional equipment, such as a rear-view mirror, repair kit, a mounted water bottle, bicycling shoes and wet-weather gear. For equipment recommendations, ask cyclist friends, co-workers and your local bike shop.
Test the route on your day off. Carry the same amount of clothes and other items as you would on a workday. Is the route too steep? Explore alternatives. Imagine traffic conditions during regular commute hours and remember that your route will look different after dark.
Know the rules of the road. As a bicyclist, you are recognized as a legal driver of a vehicle. Therefore, drive your bicycle as you would any vehicle. Obey all traffic laws. The Department of Motor Vehicles can provide you with rules for cyclists.

Bike & Ride with DART

Another option for bike commuters is to Bike & Ride. DART now offers bike racks on all of their regular and express routes buses, allowing bikers the opportunity to bike a portion of their commute and then ride the rest of the way. For more information on DART's Bike & Ride program, visit http://www.ridedart.com/programs_bike.html.