Warm weather bicycle commuting tips

Seasonal Bicycling Tips

Bicycling  tips for summer commuters.

•  Try to avoid exertion and excessive sweat by slowing down and preparing for a slightly longer commute than usual. Find a pace that minimizes increased body temperature. Arrive at your destination early and give yourself time to cool off. Your body’s response to warm-weather activity is delayed, so it will continue trying to cool itself long after you get off your bike.
• Slather on the sun screen you don't want to end up with cancer.

• Choose neighborhood routes with tree-lined streets and avoid densely packed city streets. The exhaust from large vehicles and buses will make you heat sick. 
•  Stay off roads that have a fresh coat of black asphalt, they are sticky, smelly, and hot. 
• Wear loose-fitting clothes made of thin fabrics. Choose shorts, dresses, and tanks that catch the breeze. For work, bring a change of clothes and change into your fresh clothes at your destination. Leave your backpack at home on hot days, in warm weather, it makes your back sweaty. Bring a pannier, basket or canvas bag with you instead and clip or bungee it to a rack.

• Consider switching helmets and try one that is vented.
• Bring a water bottle or two to stay hydrated. 

• "The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that the heat index is even higher when you are standing in full sunshine. WebMD"