Written by Alina Yudkevich
Photography by Renée Aylworth

We’ve all seen them: the sleek cyclists dominating their way up the most brutal of Athenian hills and gracefully cascading down them, carefree, bent forward, and often enviable.

You may have similarly passed numerous bicycle shops, all while assuredly being annoyed with the timeliness or crowds of the buses. You may be hoping to yourself that there exists a way to reconcile these factors and become the cycling commuter you were meant to be. Not only does it save time, provide an excellent way to squeeze in a workout, decrease traffic and harmful emissions, but it is, in our humble opinion, fun. This guide is therefore here to show you how to get going.

First, the vessel itself. How do you know which bike is right for you? There are road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid road-mountain bikes, cruisers, trick bikes, fixed gear AKA “fixies” and many other varieties. It is recommended to procure a road bike with a minimum of 7 speeds to tackle Athens’ notorious hills.

Single or fixed gear road bikes are still an option, and if you are up to the physical challenge, ride away. My first bike in college was a rusty, unwieldy one-speed cruiser, complete with fender, front basket, and high handlebars donning original 70’s streamers. I sacrificed function for a charming aesthetic and the scorn of all who had to maneuver around me as I labored up bike lanes and sidewalks alike, seemingly in sweaty slow motion.

Now that you have narrowed down the sort of bike you want, perhaps after our subtle recommendations, you may be wondering where to acquire the cruiser or fixie of your dreams. There is a cornucopia of specialty bike shops in Athens, including the Hub and Sunshine. Don’t be intimidated by the lycra-clad patrons and employees; their expertise will surely come in handy as they demonstrate their helpfulness and eagerness to get you on the road.

If that fails you, or if budget constraints are a factor, consider going pre-loved by hitting up one of the many area thrift stores such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, Agora on Clayton, or Craigslist. In reading ads, however, be mindful of the frame size; for a rider 5’3 and under, a frame of no taller than 50 centimeters is most likely required, especially if the bike is not of the bent-bar “ladies” variety. On that note, don’t let your search be hindered by preconceptions of gendered bicycles. If it is the proper height, ride away!

Next comes the transition from commuter to biker. Once you’ve verified you are, in fact, still capable of basic pedaling and parking lot navigating, take to the streets. Practice at a time of low-traffic, both of the car and pedestrian variety, to minimize stress and the potential for impacts. Helmets come highly recommended; traumatic brain injuries less so.

Do not be discouraged if you have to get off and walk your bike up a hill on the sidewalk, as muscle growth rarely catches up with mental motivation for the majority of us. With enough practice and a refined understanding of what a smooth ride requires, your ride will soon become powerful and seamless. To go uphill, shift down, and if necessary, stand up and “pump.” However, the perfect balance of gear, pedal speed, and incline ought to ensure the same level of difficulty regardless of elevation.

Take it from seasoned cycling commuter Ashley Rae Moore, 21, from Denver, who now regards the process as a treat, and has often been accused of hipsterdom despite the economic necessity underlying her decision to bike rather than drive.

“The first couple weeks were torture, but now that I’m in more reasonable shape I don’t think I’d get a car even if I could,” Moore said. “It’s been at least a year since I started biking everywhere and now I feel ripped off if I go a day without having to ride somewhere. The longer you bike the better you get at strategizing routes based on hills, pedestrians, traffic, and so forth, but when it comes to the elements there’s no winning. Georgia summers are thoroughly unforgiving. I just plan to look and feel repulsive upon my every arrival from now until fall.”

Now that you’ve been instilled with inspiration, hopefully a brand new way to get around town is on your horizon. Become one with your bike paths, as well as your fellow cyclists and motorists. Announce which side you intend to pass someone, and get into the routine of using your hand as a turn signal. Remind yourself constantly that eye contact is one of the only assurances that a driver has, indeed, seen you, and don’t let your newfound confidence guide you towards unnecessary risk taking. In the unfortunate rendezvous between bike and car, only one party survives unscathed. But most importantly, enjoy, and remember that the environment and your healthfulness are most appreciative!