Going to college doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your bike. In fact, having your partner on two wheels with you can turn out to be a lot more beneficial than you might think.

With the transition to a sustainable lifestyle, many have switched to cycling as their primary mode of transportation.

Additionally, many colleges and universities also promote cycling in and around campus. This article highlights some of the ways you can use your bike while a student.

1. Familiarize yourself with the university campus

One of the first things you should do is explore your college campus by bike, preferably before class starts. This is crucial because you don’t want to get lost on your way to your first class of the year.

Plus, finding different paths to different buildings and courtyards will allow you to explore every corner of the campus. If you do this when the campus is less crowded, you will be able to refer to Google Maps and easily find your way as a beginner.

2. Experiment with routes

If you live off campus and cycle to your classes, you may need to spend some time finding where the bike paths are. As you should know, you don’t necessarily have to use the main roads.

There may be additional tracks that can be used for biking that will help you stay away from busy streets and maybe even save you time.

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So whenever you have time, choose safe routes and find parking spaces. You can also talk to other bikers or your campus security to find out more.

3. Wear everything

Another advantage of having a bicycle is that you can carry a lot more on wheels. Most students and riders opt for backpacks because they are convenient to take no matter where you are going.

However, with a pack on your back, even a short trip can cause you to sweat because there won’t be enough braking space. But this can be easily alleviated by packing an extra shirt. Or, you can start with your bike outfit and change your outfit, Needless to say, that can be an inconvenience.

Alternatively, you can also get a basket or a rack that allows you to tie some cargo to the side. These can help relieve your back and can help you store a lot more items, including odd-shaped packaging.

4. Storing your bike

Before bringing your bike to University, you also need to make sure that you have a place to keep it safe overnight. If it rains, leaving your bike outside can cause rust and make it less efficient. While wear and tear may not be evident right away, it can be a cause for concern if it becomes regular.

For those who live in a dorm, you’ll want to check with your college if you can store the bike in your room. If the available space is small, you may need to find covered parking. You’re bound to find other cyclists like you, and they can offer you some tips on how to safely store your bike on campus.

5. Exercise

Another way to get the most out of your bike is to use it as an exercise tool. Although this is obvious, this article would not be complete if this point was not included.

Whether you use it just to get around campus or for a two hour commute to cardio, your body will benefit from physical activity anyway.

Cycling is a great form of cardio training. It reduces the impact on your joints and makes it a better alternative to running. Many see cycling as a sustainable exercise that can also be beneficial for the environment.

That said, if you are interested, you can also find opportunities for competitive triathlon or cycling. You can use tools like a power meter to track how much energy you are using when riding a bike. You can also contact student groups to find out how you can pursue athletics in this field.

6. Know the anatomy of your bike

Bikes can require relatively less maintenance, but you still need to know the basic methods to keep the wheels spinning. Before getting on your bike, it is recommended to check the following points:

Air

Check the tire pressure to make sure they have enough air.

Breaks

Squeeze the pauses to make sure they work.

Chain

Check if the chain is well oiled and if the cracks are tight.

Doing this routine will only take five minutes out of your day, but can help prevent accidents to a great extent. Not to mention always wear a helmet to ensure safety while riding.

7. Join a bike club

Needless to say, biking can be an activity you enjoy with other people. With an increasing number of students using bicycles at the university, you might not find it so difficult to find groups of students on bicycles.

This will not only help you expand your network, but you may also discover more bike paths in your area. Not to mention, you can also take a weekend bike ride to enjoy the places near your campus.

Also, don’t forget to check with your college if there are any incentives for bicycle users. For example, many universities offer discounts on other services for those who use bicycles. It could be a voucher, access to parking spaces, tools, air stations or even lockers and showers. These can complement your use of a bicycle and help make it more comfortable.

8. Remember that you are not the only one on the road.

You should always keep in mind that you have the same responsibility as any other driver on the road. It’s common for bikers to assume that vehicles should stop for them, and since they’re on a bicycle, they don’t have to follow traffic rules. But that couldn’t be far from the truth.

When you share the road with others, whatever, pedestrians or other pilots, you should make sure to use the required directional cues. You should also check if there are any specific rules you need to follow when cycling on campus.

Many colleges now have designated bike lanes. You must share a gateway only when it is the on; y option.

While most of these might seem fairly common, when you’re late for class or thinking about something else, it’s easy to overlook these little details. As always, avoid using your phone when cycling and focus on your surroundings, whether you are inside or outside campus.

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