More tips? Send them to Sustainability@viu.ca
Want to try an active commute out, but not sure how to start?
Make your active commute less of a chore and more of a habit you’d like to keep up!
These are just a few!
Plan
- how long will your commute will take– generally you’ll need 12-15 minutes to walk 1 km
- for the day–what will you need for the day and how will you carry it? Lighten your load where you can and use a bag/pack that’s going to be comfortable for you.
- will you need other clothes/shoes at school/work? See if you can leave those items at school/work the night before so you don’t have to pack them.
- walk with a buddy–it can be so much more fun with friends
- an alternate way home–if it suddenly rains, you may want to take the bus
Wear
- shoes that are comfortable for walking. Flip flops probably won’t cut it if your commute is more than 500m
- something reflective/bright (a light or reflective band/vest is great). Drivers may not see you in low light conditions.
- clothes that don’t restrict your movement
Watch and Listen
- for vehicles and others (runners/cyclists/pet walkers) on the road/path. Even small collisions can have unpleasant outcomes.
- use the sidewalk–or if there isn’t one, use the shoulder and face oncoming traffic
- use crosswalks where available, and be sure oncoming traffic can see you in the crosswalk before you step out.
- make eye contact with the driver (or watch for vehicles to slow down) before crossing the street . Cars may not be able to stop in time if you randomly walk out to cross the road!
Be Aware of your Surroundings
- you may be happily surprised by the cool things you see/hear
- trust your instincts–if a situation feels unsafe, it probably is. Cross the road, call a friend, get the attention of others nearby, or other evasive actions as necessary. Acting alert and aware can convince bad guys to choose an easier target (Borrowed from 11 Walking Safety Tips)
- turn down the volume! Be sure you can hear what’s happening around you–listen for other pedestrians/cyclists/runners, vehicles, dogs, other critters… Being distracted can end badly
These are just a few!
Plan
- how long will your commute will take? Bike speeds are varied of course, so consider your route/pedalling enthusiasm when figuring out time.
- for the day–what will you need for the day and how will you carry it? Lighten your load where you can and use a bag/pack that’s going to be comfortable for you and not impede your cycling
- will you need other clothes/shoes at school/work? See if you can leave those items at school/work the night before so you don’t have to pack them.
- ride with a buddy–it can be so much more fun with friends
- where you’ll park your bike and how you’ll lock it
- an alternate way home–flat tires, wicked weather, or a bad day can all contribute to not wanting to/not being able to cycle home. What’s your plan B?
Wear
- a helmet! It is the law–and besides, do you want to be picking out little bits of gravel from your head for weeks after a spill? Ouch!
- something reflective/bright (a light or reflective band/vest is great). Drivers may not see you in low light conditions.
Watch and Listen
- for vehicles and others (runners/cyclists/pet walkers) on the road/path. Even small collisions can have unpleasant outcomes.
- be heard by others! Use your bell or warn pedestrians that you’re closing in.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
- be predictable and follow the rules of the road – brush up on your road rule knowledge
- can you really park your bike there? A designated bike area is best, but if that’s not available, be sure your bike isn’t in the way of stair railings, pedestrian paths, doorways, exits…. Here at VIU bike parking not allowed inside buildings.
- turn down the volume! Be sure you can hear what’s happening around you–listen for other pedestrians/cyclists/runners, vehicles, dogs, other critters… Being distracted can end badly
These are just a few!
Plan
- how long will your commute will take? Use the bus guide to figure out what times will work for you.
- for the day–what will you need for the day and how will you carry it? Lighten your load where you can and use a bag/pack that’s going to be comfortable for you.
- travelling at a busy time? Consider going earlier/later.
- don’t have a bus pass? Consider getting bus tickets or a day pass. Where to buy? Click here SO much better than fussing with change!
Be a Thoughtful Rider
- turn down the volume! Be sure you can hear what’s happening around you–and besides, not everyone is into your latest Spotify play list.
- share the seating bench–don’t put your bags on the seats next to you if the bus is full
- take your waste with you–the bus is not a zero waste station.
- more etiquette tips
At some point in your bus commute, you’ll be a pedestrian, so keep these in mind…
Wear
- shoes that are comfortable for walking
- something reflective/bright (a light or reflective band/vest is great). Drivers may not see you in low light conditions.
Watch and Listen
- for vehicles and others (runners/cyclists/pet walkers) on the road/path. Even small collisions can have unpleasant outcomes.
- use the sidewalk–or if there isn’t one, use the shoulder and face oncoming traffic
- use crosswalks where available, and be sure oncoming traffic can see you in the crosswalk before you step out.
- make eye contact with the driver (or watch for vehicles to slow down) before crossing the street . Cars may not be able to stop in time if you randomly walk out to cross the road!
Wow – so many possibilities depending on the group! In general:
Communicate
- Share phone/text coordinates in case there’s a last minute change of plans
- Routes/pick up times
- Ground rules — things like how long you’ll wait at a pick up spot before leaving, what radio station will play, to eat or not to eat in the car, stopping for coffee on the way…. All good things to know from the outset.
Be Respectful
- be punctual – at least most of the time
- unless everyone has agreed, leave the perfume/cologne/super-scented shampoo for other times
- be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with a more casual, expletive-riddled flow of conversation. Know your fellow commuters before you drop into using the f-bomb as noun, verb, and adverb
Be Safe
- let the driver drive
- buckle up
- keep the vehicle in good repair
- check that your insurance is up-to-date and appropriate