This post has not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can create a post or quiz. Try making your own!

Buzz

Posted on Jan 15, 2014

The Bicycle Commuter's Guide To Biking Los Angeles

Okay, you've moved to LA and ditched your car, because, uh... your physical fitness? the sake of the environment? the insane traffic? to be hip and trendy? you're too poor to own a car? Whatever the reason, here's what you need to know to survive.

by Desmond Moran

Community Contributor

First things first: LA drivers are angry. And they hate you so much.

Therefore, protection is key. Helmets keep your brains inside your skull. And technology is making them safer and more stylish than ever before!

Vimeo — Via hovding.com

Check out the Invisible Hövding Helmet. Truly epic.

Second, choosing to commute by bike is a lifestyle choice. Some days will be harder than others...

Luckily, rainy days in LA are few and far between.

Understandably, you may be nervous to embark on this endeavor alone. Luckily for you, you've got options, like LA Bike Trains.

But if going at it alone is more your style, you should know that LA is more bike-accessible than you realized, and expanding all the time!

For example, Greenway 2020 is only six years from realization, with major progress being made everyday.

Q: "But aren't you all sweaty when you get to your destination?"

Not convinced? And bringing a change of clothes not an option?

Admittedly LA is a sprawling city, and a long commute can be intimidating, so if you need that extra push, or just want to cut down your commute time, start saving your pennies.

Via kickstarter.com

FlyKly Smart Wheel to the rescue, pushing you to speeds of 20mph!

WHOOPSIE! Flat tire? Squealy brakes? Rusted chain? No problem is too big with a little help from a local co-op!

Bikerowave, Bicycle Kitchen, Bike Oven, and Valley Bikery are all viable DIY bike repair shops and a valuable resource for any bike commuter.

For general info, LADOT is a great resource for new bike commuters. Use it. Love it.

Via bicyclela.org

Their blog is pretty great too! Access it via their site.

Browse links

The Bicycle Commuter's Guide To Biking Los Angeles

First things first: LA drivers are angry. And they hate you so much.

Therefore, protection is key. Helmets keep your brains inside your skull. And technology is making them safer and more stylish than ever before!

Second, choosing to commute by bike is a lifestyle choice. Some days will be harder than others...

Luckily, rainy days in LA are few and far between.

Understandably, you may be nervous to embark on this endeavor alone. Luckily for you, you've got options, like LA Bike Trains.

But if going at it alone is more your style, you should know that LA is more bike-accessible than you realized, and expanding all the time!

For example, Greenway 2020 is only six years from realization, with major progress being made everyday.

Q: "But aren't you all sweaty when you get to your destination?"

Not convinced? And bringing a change of clothes not an option?

Admittedly LA is a sprawling city, and a long commute can be intimidating, so if you need that extra push, or just want to cut down your commute time, start saving your pennies.

WHOOPSIE! Flat tire? Squealy brakes? Rusted chain? No problem is too big with a little help from a local co-op!

Bikerowave, Bicycle Kitchen, Bike Oven, and Valley Bikery are all viable DIY bike repair shops and a valuable resource for any bike commuter.

For general info, LADOT is a great resource for new bike commuters. Use it. Love it.

View this video on YouTube

In closing, I love LA. And I love my bicycle.

The Bicycle Commuter's Guide To Biking Los Angeles

First things first: LA drivers are angry. And they hate you so much.

Therefore, protection is key. Helmets keep your brains inside your skull. And technology is making them safer and more stylish than ever before!

Second, choosing to commute by bike is a lifestyle choice. Some days will be harder than others...

Luckily, rainy days in LA are few and far between.

Understandably, you may be nervous to embark on this endeavor alone. Luckily for you, you've got options, like LA Bike Trains.

But if going at it alone is more your style, you should know that LA is more bike-accessible than you realized, and expanding all the time!

For example, Greenway 2020 is only six years from realization, with major progress being made everyday.

Q: "But aren't you all sweaty when you get to your destination?"

Not convinced? And bringing a change of clothes not an option?

Admittedly LA is a sprawling city, and a long commute can be intimidating, so if you need that extra push, or just want to cut down your commute time, start saving your pennies.

WHOOPSIE! Flat tire? Squealy brakes? Rusted chain? No problem is too big with a little help from a local co-op!

Bikerowave, Bicycle Kitchen, Bike Oven, and Valley Bikery are all viable DIY bike repair shops and a valuable resource for any bike commuter.

For general info, LADOT is a great resource for new bike commuters. Use it. Love it.

View this video on YouTube

In closing, I love LA. And I love my bicycle.

Share This Article