Bike commuters?

vamedic4, EMT-P · Apr 30, 2008

I used to, the ride was 18 miles round trip, year round in Virginia. Did that for about 4 years. I worked during the day so I lef the house and it usually took me about 25 minutes to go the 9 miles. I kept a backpack full of clothes and some of that wrinkle release spray for when I got to work to make me look presentable. If you have access to a locker at work, leave toiletries in there. Showering was a must for me, and it was easily done...I just got there a little early and showered prior to work.

I rode a mountain bike and don't recommend it - buy a hybrid bike instead. It has thin, mountain bike tires and a lighter frame so that you don't have to work as hard to get where you're going. And a road bike is just terribly uncomfortable.

You can do it. I work too far away or I'd still be doing it. Be safe, too. Buy a comfortable, well fitting helmet and retro reflective riding gear if you're going to be doing any riding at night.

Keep baby wiped in your backpack so that you can wipe yourself down after a ride too.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2008

I'm a bike commuter. My ride is only 3.5 miles. During the colder months, I can ride in my scrubs with raingear over them and still be presentable when I arrive at work. During the warmer months, I put my scrub top in my bike bag and do a quick pit wash and baby powder application before reporting for work. I'm not a really sweaty or stinky type of person, so it works for me.

Advocate1 · Apr 30, 2008

Im a bike commuter too! Save on gas and get a workout all in one. I have toiletries (sp?) at work, and take a quick shower there. I ride 8 miles each way and I love it. I also like passing the cars in traffic.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2008

I live just a tad bit more than a mile from my hospital and I started walking a few weeks ago. I think it is silly to pay now 3.75 dollars for gas and use it for a selfish reason like driving a mile to work. I can get there in about 15min so I am not sweaty , it is a relaxed pace.

I also started walking to the grocery store, one nice thing about walking to the grocery is you dont buy nearly the non essentials as you have to carry them home.

The other night I had to do "big" shopping and the 5year old threw a down right hissy fit cause we were taking the car, he wanted to ride his bike.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2008

I drive 50 miles to work so no bike for me. I do have a few suggestions for bike commuters. I go in at 5 AM and pass a lot of cyclists.

1. Please wear reflective clothing. We want to see you.

2. Have lights that are visible from not only front and back but on the sides.

3. Please follow traffic regulations. This is not only for your safety but also for that of pedestrians. I've seen more than one pedestrian go flying when hit by a cyclist running a red light.

I'm a cyclist myself and nearly get an ulcer every day dodging "ninja bikers" dressed in black with not one light or reflective item on them.

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Your DOT nurse

moonischasingme1 · Apr 30, 2008

I live just a tad bit more than a mile from my hospital and I started walking a few weeks ago. I think it is silly to pay now 3.75 dollars for gas and use it for a selfish reason like driving a mile to work. I can get there in about 15min so I am not sweaty , it is a relaxed pace.
I also started walking to the grocery store, one nice thing about walking to the grocery is you dont buy nearly the non essentials as you have to carry them home.
The other night I had to do "big" shopping and the 5year old threw a down right hissy fit cause we were taking the car, he wanted to ride his bike.

:yeah: Cute story!!!

Thanks everyone who has replied so far. I'm feeling motivated that it can be done. It is hard to imagine at the moment since I have yet to find a place to live, but now I am pretty much determined to find a place close to the hospital,so this can be accomplished:)

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2008

Wow, thanks for posting this thread. I currentally walk to work, but I'm planning on moving a couple blocks farther away in Aug, so I had considered biking. The only think I have to add is to check and see if your hospital has bike racks for you to chain your bike too. Mine hospital has bike racks in the parking garage.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2008

I do. 1.5 miles, not quite. Very pleasant way to travel. We're getting a bike rack installed.

queenjean · Apr 30, 2008

I ride my bike when it works for my schedule (sometimes it does, sometimes not). It's 3 miles each way; not too bad.

I carry my scrubs in my back pack. I *must* shower in the summer; it's usually between 85-100 most days all summer with high humidity--I'm dripping by the time I get there, even if I wear a tank top and a running skirt. Plus, if you wear a helmet (I do), you just about have to do something with your hair, and for me it is a wash and fix sort of need. I really hate showering at work--there's not good place, I just shower in our old pt shower room that is now a storage room. The main locker room showers don't have curtains!! and so I don't have a lot of options. I wear shower shoes and have my own towels.

I keep my towels, toiletries, shower shoes, and a hairdryer in my locker. I ride through some busy traffic, and I'm slow, so it takes me about 15-20 minutes to get there.

I really have no suggestions to add to the previous posters. Good for you, though. It's a money saver, better for the environment, healthier for you, and a great example for your pts and coworkers.

K98 · Apr 30, 2008

Showers? At work? Wow. We have coed everything, barely a quarter of us are even lucky enough to have a locker, one toilet/sink on the unit for employees (yes, I put the seat down). A couple of us were sprayed with blood from a broken perfusion line on a CentriMag VAD and needed a shower badly. Turned out to be quite a chore to find one in an 850 bed teaching hospital. BTW, they are available to doctors. On the bright side, we do have a bike rack (that nobody uses).

nurseklw72 · Apr 30, 2008

I'm getting ready to be a bike commuter. I live 3 miles from my hospital. We don't have bike racks and I am currently asking human resources to make one available for the employees who wish to go "green". :yeah: