Bike Commuting Basics

My name is Ross and I have been biking regularly as well as commuting by bike for over a decade. Check out some of my general biking tips on a previous blog I wrote and read on for more tips about making biking a part of your commute below.

Every Community Transit Bus has a bike rack and many of our bike trails connect to transit hubs, so making biking a part of your commute can be convenient and easy with the right planning. The pandemic is a great time to get on a bike for your commute as it’s a safe, open-air, and distanced way to get to work. It’s also a great option for incorporating exercise and time spent outdoors into part of your day. 

Bike commuting tips

Plan your commute with these tools
Visit communitytransit.org/bikes and see our recently updated maps of the Centennial Trail, Interurban Trail, and North Creek Trail and their transit connections. You can also map your route for riding by bike using Google Bike Directions on Google Maps and Apple Maps now offers bike directions. 

Have a plan for keeping work attire clean
Depending on the weather, you may want to bike to work in gym clothes and bring your work clothes in your bag to change into. Some even leave clothes at the office to change into. Don’t be afraid to sweat – it means you’re getting a good workout! Bring a hand towel and toiletries to freshen up when you arrive at work. Roll up your pant legs or put a rubber band or ankle strap around your pants near your ankles to avoid getting caught in the bike chain and getting grease on your clothes. 

Make room for hauling your gear
A bike rack is helpful to attach bike bags, panniers, and a basket or crate so you don't have to carry everything in a backpack or shoulder bag. 

Prepare for rain
The Pacific Northwest gets its fair share of rain, but a little planning can keep you dry and warm. Always carry a rain jacket, poncho, or rain pants in your bag in case of an unexpected shower. 

Have fun! 
Biking allows you to enjoy the scenery and find new reasons to love the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy the exercise, time outdoors, and the chance to see your community from a new perspective. 

Bikes on the bus

Combining your bike commute with transit is a great way to get further distances and save some energy. Currently, masks are required on all buses, so bring a mask if you plan to connect with a bus. Learn more about how we’re keeping you safe while taking transit during the pandemic. 

Every Community Transit bus is equipped with a bike rack. Bike racks are on the front of most Community Transit buses and can hold up to three bikes.



Swift bus rapid transit racks are inside the bus and can hold three bikes.

To load your bike on a Swift bus:

Board through the rear door with your bike.

Push your bike’s front tire onto the rack and make sure the front wheel is centered and secure under the roller.

To remove, pull back firmly on your bike and exit through the rear door. 

Visit communitytransit.org/bikes to see a video on how to load bikes onto Community Transit racks.

Securing your bike

Bike locks

When leaving your bike unattended, use a strong lock to secure your bike’s frame plus one wheel to an object fixed to the ground, such as a bike rack. You can use an additional cable or lock to secure your second wheel for added protection. 

U-shaped, steel locks are recommended, as cable locks are more vulnerable to theft. Remove and secure your valuables and loose items, as items like lights, water bottles, and seats can be easy targets. 

Register your bike on bikeindex.org, a free-to-use registry that helps people get their stolen bikes back and consider visiting bicyclesecurityadvisors.com for more tips on how to properly protect your bike.

Bike lockers

Bike lockers through Community Transit are a secure, weatherproof way to store your bike at a park and ride while you continue your trip on a bus, carpool, or vanpool. Bike locker rentals are available on a first-come-first-served basis for a small fee plus deposit. Check bike locker locations, availability, and our current rental rates at communitytransit.org/bikes or contact the Bike Locker Coordinator at bikelockers@commtrans.org or (425) 353-7433. Bike lockers that are not managed by Community Transit are also available at all Sound Transit stations in Snohomish County and at some Everett Transit stations.

Many employers also offer secure onsite bike storage for employees as well as transit passes. If you are at a large worksite, contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) or HR department for more information about what your employer offers for bike and bus commuters. 

Plan your trip

Ready to get started? Visit communitytransit.org/bikes to use our trip planning tools, explore bike trail maps, and get resources and information about combining your bike trip with a ride on a Community Transit bus.