{"success":true,"data":{"id":"833c4246-38ae-4aa1-9af1-f1c12fbbad5d","title":"Thinking about biking to work? Here’s how to get started safely and arrive fresh","summary":"US Edition Change Support Now × \"Clear search box\") Custom Search Sort by Relevance Date NewsNews World CupWorld Cup SportsSports CultureCulture LifestyleLifestyle MoneyMoney TravelTravel PremiumPremium More More Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the si...","content":"US Edition Change\n\nSupport Now\n\n[×](javascript:void(0) \"Clear search box\")\n\nCustom Search\n\nSort by\n\nRelevance\n\nDate\n\n*   News[News](https://www.independent.co.uk/us)\n\n*   World Cup[World Cup](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup)\n\n*   Sports[Sports](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport)\n\n*   Culture[Culture](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment)\n\n*   Lifestyle[Lifestyle](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style)\n\n*   Money[Money](https://www.independent.co.uk/us/money)\n\n*   Travel[Travel](https://www.independent.co.uk/us/travel)\n\n*   Premium[Premium](https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium)\n\nMore\n\nMore\n\n### Thank you for registering\n\nPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in\n\n# Thinking about biking to work? Here’s how to get started safely and arrive fresh\n\n## Cycling can be a healthy, enjoyable and affordable way to a job site, especially at a time of elevated gasoline prices\n\n[Cathy Bussewitz](https://www.independent.co.uk/author/cathy-bussewitz)Thursday 23 July 2026 09:42 EDT\n\n*   Copy link  \n*   Bookmark  \n*   [Comments](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/biking-work-exercise-how-to-b3020289.html#comments-area)Go to comments  \n\n## Bookmark popover\n\nRemoved from bookmarks\n\nClose popover\n\nopen image in gallery\n\nMany cyclists reach their workplaces a few minutes early to freshen up and change into work clothes(Getty Images)\n\n### Your support helps us to tell the story\n\nFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.\n\nAt such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.\n\nThe Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.\n\n**Your support makes all the difference.**\n\nWhen 72-year-old Michael Roper rides his[bicycle](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/benefits-of-cycling-vs-walking-efficiency-exercise-b3013765.html)to and from the pub he owns in Chicago, he can't imagine a better way to commute. He's getting exercise, drifting through fresh air and catching glimpses of neighborhood life — a recently opened coffee shop or a diving owl at night —that he's convinced he'd miss if he were driving.\n\nIf you’ve considered bike commuting but assumed you needed expensive gear and to be in excellent [physical shape](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/exercise-heart-health-vo2-max-biobank-b2979568.html), or worried about arriving at work disheveled or smelly, there are ways to overcome those hurdles. Cycling can be a healthy, enjoyable and affordable way to a job site, especially at a time of elevated gasoline prices.\n\nIf you’ve considered bike commuting but assumed you needed expensive gear and to be in excellent physical shape, or worried about arriving at work disheveled or smelly, there are ways to overcome those hurdles(Getty Images)\n\n“It’s such a great, practical invention that I became enamored with as a little kid, and I find it just as valuable as a 72-year-old,” Roper, owner of the Hopleaf Bar and restaurant, said.\n\nBelow, experienced cyclists and bike safety advocates share tips on how to get started and arrive safely at your destination while still looking reasonably workplace-presentable.\n\nSome cyclists splash out on pricey gear such as foldable bikes, premium padded shorts and waterproof bags. Specialty cycling equipment can be fun, but you can spend less and still have a great ride. If you don't want to purchase a bicycle, consider a bike-sharing program that rents two-wheelers for short rides.","source_name":"The Independent","source_url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/biking-work-exercise-how-to-b3020289.html","url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/biking-work-exercise-how-to-b3020289.html","author":"Cathy Bussewitz","author_name":"Cathy Bussewitz","published_at":"2026-07-23T13:42:51.000Z","publication_date":"2026-07-23T13:42:51.000Z","image_url":"https://static.the-independent.com/2026/07/23/13/27/iStock-2169945553.jpeg","category":"health","topic":"health","tags":[],"political_bias":null,"bias_score":null,"confidence_score":null,"credibility_score":null,"factual_quality":null,"reading_time":3,"word_count":563,"view_count":0,"breaking":false,"breaking_news":false,"ai_analysis":null,"fact_check_status":"unverified","archive_status":"hot","language":null}}