<p>I’m living off campus next year and I don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a parking spot 15 minutes away from classes so I’m taking my bike. But the path is about 3-4 miles which would probably take me 20 minutes by bike and I was wondering if that is too long? Its a straight path from my house to uni and we have our own bike lane, also I’m a girl so I don’t know if I should bring some sort of weapon or what? I mean do people get attacked on bikes? The only time I would have to get off my bike would be to walk it up the hill where the house is located and down. I think the latest I’ll be out next semester is 8pm Tuesday and Th. </p>
<p>How long is your commute?
What’s a good bike for a slacker? (I get tired easily, seriously I almost blacked out once)
Any other advice that would be helpful?</p>
<p>Thanks any input is appreciated!</p>
<p>Look for either a Hybrid or a City bike for commuting. 4 Miles isn’t too awful bad you might want to try riding shorter distances first though to be sure you can make it. Passing out halfway there along the highway would suck pretty hard.</p>
<p>Just be sure you get a light for the front of your bike and a really good reflector for the back. Also, gears are great if you have to deal with any hills.</p>
<p>3 miles isn’t long at all. It’s 2 1/2 miles to ride around my neighborhood and back to my house. </p>
<p>Start riding your bike every day and ride a little farther each day to build up endurance. Also start riding with whatever you plan on carrying with you because it’s more work if you are carrying something vs if you are not.</p>
<p>Get a good bike. Don’t get something cheap. Check ebay and craigslist (make sure you figure out what size bike you need first). You can usually get good bikes for lower prices vs going to a bike shop and buying something new for $400 that is “okay” quality.</p>
<p>Get two really good locks and also don’t get cheap lights. Get some heavy duty bright lights if you are gonna be on a busy road at night. And wear a helmet.</p>
<p>As for a weapon you could bring pepper spray but it’s not going to be much use against someone in a car…</p>
<p>I would stay away from mountain bikes and cruisers. Road bikes are good for commuting but you’re not going super far so it might not be needed.</p>
<p>Im an avid biker, but I didnt start that way. I am in my 40’s, and a parent of a college student. When I started riding a few years ago, I could hardly go 5 miles. Now I go 30-50 for “fun”. </p>
<p>Start riding now and add a little each day or week. I went from 5 miles to 15 in about 4-5 weeks with no problem.</p>
<p>I would look for a “hybred” type bike. I would look at a bike shop for used if on a budget. They can help you get the right “fit”. Makes a big difference in comfort. </p>
<p>Get a GOOD head light for on the bike, and also a good helmet light. This one (helmet) lets you see “where you are going” as in looking to the side where as the bike mounted one looks “straight ahead”. Also get a tail light, not just a reflector.</p>
<p>Pepper spray is a good option, you need to keep it where you can reach it though. There are also VERY loud hours you can get that could be good for safety too.</p>
<p>You can either use a backpack or get what are called Panniers or bags that mount onto a bike rack. Make sure to get a good lock too.</p>
<p>good luck</p>
<p>DJD</p>