Biking Resources
Workdays, Weekends, and even Winters:
Hop on a Bike
Enjoy Rochester’s 100 miles of paved trails for a
commute, recreation, fitness
Workdays, Weekends, and even Winters:
Hop on a Bike
Enjoy Rochester’s 100 miles of paved trails for a
commute, recreation, fitness
Getting started . . .
New to biking or bike commuting?
Follow these tips:
- Ride the bike you have; you don’t need anything fancy. If buying a new bike, test ride a rigid framed single speed with slick mountain bike tires. A bike like this keeps cost, weight, and maintenance down.
- Get a rechargeable light set with at least 500 lumens for the front and 110 lumens for the rear. Run your lights day and night for safety.
- Carry rain gear and think of adverse weather as an opportunity for adventure.
- Use a basket or a rack and pannier to keep you from having a sweat spot from a backpack and to let your bike do the heavy lifting.
- Always carry a light lock for quick stops. Leave a heavy lock at work.
- Change your route. Explore the side streets, trails, back alleys, and shortcuts.
These Rochester bike shops can help get you started:
Bicycle Sports*; My Bike Guy*; New Spin*; Rochester Cycling*; Erik’s Bike Shop; and Scheels.
*Locally owned shops
Getting started . . .
New to biking or bike commuting?
Follow these tips:
- Ride the bike you have; you don’t need anything fancy. If buying a new bike, test ride a rigid framed single speed with slick mountain bike tires. A bike like this keeps cost, weight, and maintenance down.
- Get a rechargeable light set with at least 500 lumens for the front and 110 lumens for the rear. Run your lights day and night for safety.
- Carry rain gear and think of adverse weather as an opportunity for adventure.
- Use a basket or a rack and pannier to keep you from having a sweat spot from a backpack and to let your bike do the heavy lifting.
- Always carry a light lock for quick stops. Leave a heavy lock at work.
- Change your route. Explore the side streets, trails, back alleys, and shortcuts.
These Rochester bike shops can help get you started:
Bicycle Sports*; My Bike Guy*; New Spin*; Rochester Cycling*; Erik’s Bike Shop; and Scheels.
*Locally owned shops
Hear from year-round commuters:
(Click on the names to read the full responses to biking questions)
“I can easily bike from my house to my office in LESS time than driving because I can zip around town, park at the entrance of the building, and walk in – all while burning some calories and enjoying the breeze.”
“My commute home after work is therapeutic. I’m generally refreshed, recharged, and ready to transition to being a husband and father.”
“Biking gives you a chance to take in the details of the world around you, to slow down, and enjoy.”
“You may sell your car before you know it.”
Hear from year-round commuters:
(Click on the names to read the full responses to biking questions)
“I can easily bike from my house to my office in LESS time than driving because I can zip around town, park at the entrance of the building, and walk in – all while burning some calories and enjoying the breeze.”
“My commute home after work is therapeutic. I’m generally refreshed, recharged, and ready to transition to being a husband and father.”
“Biking gives you a chance to take in the details of the world around you, to slow down, and enjoy.”
“You may sell your car before you know it.”
Check out these resources:
Biking Infrastructure
Click on the following topics to learn more about the local biking infrastructure:
Biking Infrastructure
Click on the following topics to learn more about the local biking infrastructure:
Commuting in Winter Conditions
Winter biking brings its own challenges — and rewards
Follow these tips to enhance your ride:
- Studded tires and handlebar mittens are worth the cost
- Layers are key for clothing
- Stay on top of bike maintenance; the salt and snow can be damaging to bikes
- The winter environment can beautiful and enchanting!
More tips are available here from The Hub Bike Coop in Minneapolis
Commuting in Winter Conditions
Winter biking brings its own challenges — and rewards
Follow these tips to enhance your ride:
- Studded tires and handlebar mittens are worth the cost
- Layers are key for clothing
- Stay on top of bike maintenance; the salt and snow can be damaging to bikes
- The winter environment can beautiful and enchanting!
More tips are available here from The Hub Bike Coop in Minneapolis