Although I didn’t know it when I biked to work yesterday for the first time in my life, May is National Bike Month.  Next week (5/14 – 5/18) is National Bike to Work Week, and Friday the 18th is National Bike to Work Day.

On my first-ever bike commute yesterday, I made a wrong turn since it looked a lot different on the bike than it does in a car, and I was distracted a bit.  And yes, I’m the team’s navigator which explains why we never win anything.  Regardless, I made it to work, and I loved it.  However, I have a few questions for all of you veteran bike commuters out there.

1. What do you carry your stuff in?  Backpack?  Messenger bag?  What would you recommend?
2. Do you carry extra bike clothes for the ride home?  Putting my bike clothes back on to ride home was a bit gross.  They were pretty sweaty even though it was a short ride in 70 degree weather.  I can’t imagine how funky they’ll be in mid-Summer.
3. Is it okay to bike on sidewalks?  Or is that taboo?  What if the sidewalk is a designated path for bikes and pedestrians like the Greenway here in Jefferson City?
4. What do you say to coworkers who whistle at your hot ass in spandex?
5. Do you lock your bike up?  If so, what kind of lock?  Do you have a storage space inside the building for your bike?
6. How far is your commute?
7. Any other tips, tricks, or knowledge bombs this newby bike commuter should know?

Seriously, I’d love to hear what you guys do.  I think it would be helpful for not only me, but others who are new to bike commuting or thinking about starting it.