Veteran bicyclist Louis Fineberg suggests easing into it.

“[It’s] not an all or nothing choice,” said Fineberg, program manager for BikePGH, the bike advocacy organization. “Try it once a month, maybe eventually once a week. More than likely, once you start, you’ll realize the benefits immediately and you’ll want to bike to work regularly.”

To make that experience easier, especially for novice commuters willing to pedal year-round, BikePGH has published “Bike Commuting 101.” The free booklet, illustrated in “a fun, graphic style” by local artist Glen Johnson, begins with the basics: selecting a bike that fits properly, safe riding techniques, helpful accessories and general information designed to “enhance the bike commuting experience.”

Fineberg, the author of “3 Rivers on 2 Wheels: An Explorer’s Guide to Urban Pittsburgh,” said the booklet contains the distilled advice of BikePGH’s staff and longtime members. It utilizes the “themes of convenience, comfort and safety” to focus on the essential elements of bike commuting.

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Check out the online version of our Bike Commuting 101 Guide

Not a member of Bike Pittsburgh? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bike-pgh.org/membership