Who commutes to the job by 'cycle?

[bryant8]

Where are you located?
Dallas, Texas

Distance?
~ 20miles 1 way ( I commute on the bike 3 times a week and 2 time in my truck)

Weather-dependant?
It's pretty much riding season most of the year, but it does get really hot

What accomodations has your employer made?
Nada, but it is a family business

What extra hassle does it add?  Juggling around supply run schedules

Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?
I have a weeks worth of office clothes in my office along with stuff to smell better than a gym sock

[Triple J]

Where are you located?
Seattle, WA

Distance?
Currently about 10 miles each way, previously about 20 when I was at the job site.

Weather-dependant?
I ride as long as there isn't any ice...about 2 weeks per year total I can't ride.

What accomodations has your employer made?
They don't hassle me when I wear jeans at work.  I can commute in khakis, and do if I have a meeting, but jeans are easier.  I still wear overpants either way though.

What extra hassle does it add?
Carrying your gear.  This is more than offset by being able to use the HOV lanes though.  I'm also in a better mood when I ride. 

Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?
Main tip is get good gear for your weather conditions.  Around here there is a lot of rain...I probably ride more on wet roads than dry.  I ponied up and got some Aerostitch overpants and jacket (both Darien model).  I also have a heated liner and heated grips, and waterproof riding boots.  Being dry and warm makes a HUGE difference.  On nice days I just wear the 'stitch pants and a leather jacket.

Getting a bike with panniers helps also.  I sold my Monster and got a Multistrada because it is a much better commuting rig.  Being able to easily carry things is very nice...the upright seating position is also nice when you get stuck in traffic.

[KnightofNi]

Where are you located?
Conshohocken, PA (just outside of Philly)

Distance?
around 40 mi round trip

Weather-dependant?
only if i feel like using snow/ice as an excuse to not go to work

What accomodations has your employer made?
they alredy have moto parking

What extra hassle does it add?
more stupid questions when it rains/snows/is cold/is hot/is sunny or when people jsut want to ask the stupid questions. cna't carry much with me so i have had an overloaded bag quite a few times. if you get a flat you're boned.

Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...? plan ahead, get used to checking the weather a few days ahead and keeping on top of any developments so you can dress appropriately or carry your rain gear. get good rain gear, it's worth it. watch out for what the other person is going to do because they are late for work. eating breakfast, on a conference call, trying to figure out how they can get out of going to work that day, ect...


i've been bike only for about 3.5 years now and have found the only time i am really aggitated in traffic is when i am driving a car or when some jackass tries to kill me.

[ODrides]

Where are you located? Richmond, VA
Distance? Less than 4 miles
Weather-dependant?  Yes.  If it's not too cold and not too wet.
What accomodations has your employer made?  None.
What extra hassle does it add?  A little extra time to throw on the helmet and gloves = minimal
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?  Keep the shiny side up.

[dbran1949]

Where are you located?  San Diego, CA
Distance?  22 miles one way to Sorrento Valley
Weather-Dependant? As long as it isn't raining
What accommodations has your employer made? None
What extra hassle does it add? Keep extra shoes at work, can't ride when I have big shots visiting
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfully motto to work...? drivers on cell phones in SUVs (I know it sounds predjudicial but it is factual - I've been keeping count) and lane splitting - It's going to be worse starting July 1st when everyone has to be hands free. Then it will be hard to tell who is on the phone

oh .. just noticed how easy it is to change text color

[Porsche Monkey]

Where are you located?San Antonio, TX
Distance?10 miles to work, 10 - 200+ miles home
Weather-dependant? sometimes
What accomodations has your employer made?  I work as a tech in a dealership.  I am allowed to keep my bike inside in front of my work bays.
What extra hassle does it add? not any
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...? Keep a change of clothes at work in case it rains

[NvrSummer]

Yup!

Where are you located?     Denver, CO
Distance?      25 Miles round trip
Weather-dependant?   Oh yeah!!
What accomodations has your employer made?   Ha ha, none!
What extra hassle does it add?   Gotta be awake and alert at 6 am!
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?   Spend all day smiling knowing that you get to ride home instead of drive!

[Ashmon]

Where are you located      Orange County, CA
Distance?      6 Miles
Weather-dependant?      Thankfully it doesn't rain here much, but I pretty much ride through anything, and I don't have any special weather gear.
What accomodations has your employer made?      None, but we have commandiered two full parking spots for our 16 bikes to fit in. Also it is covered parking / with surveillance so we feel very pampered.
What extra hassle does it add?      Not owning a car, you just get used to it, but shopping, and having packages delivered to work can be a bit of a pain in the ass.
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?      While it can be hard some days, make sure you are riding in good spirits every day. I notice that my riding style tends to reflect my mood so do everything you can to keep your head high. and like everyone else has said just think of every car out there as if they are out to take you down.

[DCXCV]

Where are you located?     Tucson, AZ
Distance?      15 to work; 20+ home
Weather-dependant?  I avoid riding on likely monsoon days
What accomodations has your employer made?   nada
What extra hassle does it add?   wrinkles, mostly
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?  I have to carry house plans fairly often (1"-8" diameter rolls that are 24" long)- it's not a problem with a bungee net and/or backpack and a little thought.  Of course, backpack plus 110 degrees = a bit of sweat.  Try to do everything out of the office early/on the way to work. 
Good gear for the climate is the most important and a way to carry stuff.
A way to get home via backroads is always fun, but it can help leave a bad day somewhere between the office door and your house.

[hay13]

Seattle area traffic stinks!!! 

Where are you located?  I live in Federal Way and ride / drive into Everett
Distance?  50 miles each way
Weather-dependant?  yes, We're finally getting sun.
What accomodations has your employer made?  We've got a pretty tight parking lot but the shop manager will let us bring the bikes in the shop if it rains.
What extra hassle does it add? Just dealing with the traffic when the car pool lanes end around Seattle.
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?  If you're leaving Seattle heading North watch out of the State Patrol car parked facing the freeway arounnd Shoreline.  He pulled me over yesterday and something incredible happened...he let me off with a warning.  He must have liked the bike [moto]

[fwtcc]

Where are you located?  Cincinnati, OH
Distance? 6 miles
Weather-dependant? Yes, I don't like working while wet
What accomodations has your employer made? None, I park in a non designated spot and the garage company doesn't mind
What extra hassle does it add?  Gearing up in the morning, Having gear around the desk, changing shoes, asked "Did you ride in to day?"
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?  Watch everyone, my commute is through city streets and people are dumb, especially in OH.  I had both wrecks during commuting.  Never came close to an issue not commuting.

[Fritzkrieg]

Where are you located? Seattle area - Live in Edmonds, work in Kirkland
Distance? 17 miles
Weather-dependant? I ride even when it's snowing. . . no choice though! I don't do cars.
What accomodations has your employer made? Moto parking right next to the rear entrance
What extra hassle does it add? None, unless the Duc breaks down at work!
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...? Don't let the cagers slow you down!

[TiAvenger]

Where are you located? Visalia CA
Distance? 8 miles one way
Weather-dependant? nope, I commute in 110 summers, and in 17 degree winters (rain included)
What accomodations has your employer made? None really, but I ride my scooter into, and park in my office.
What extra hassle does it add? The hassle of having a much fuller bank account and no idea where to spend it.
Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...? 

[DEVO!]

Los angeles to sun valley.
39 mile total rain or shine! ( i do not own a car) I wear a orange safety vest at all times, cut traffic at no more that 15 MPH than current traffic conditions. I have a headlight modulator and a LED tail light. Always wear full gear boots gloves leather. my opinion is the louder and brighter you are,, you stand a much better chance of making it home in on piece! number one tip is to have a good attitude that goes a long way....

[somegirl]

Where are you located?
SF Bay Area

Distance?
Currently 16 miles one way, although it will soon be 26 miles one way (office is moving).  I also commute to customer sites on it so that can really vary.

Weather-dependent?
No, I ride rain or shine, even in bad storms.  But sometimes I take the bicycle instead (25 miles one way, I have to take a different bridge).

What accomodations has your employer made?
None, although it is not a problem to park in the lot.  Luckily I was able to pass up on having a company car (Ford Explorer) in favor of a car allowance.  I even managed to get away with expensing a rental motorcycle (instead of rental car) in Germany last summer. (Although after the last acquisition and new corporate policies I don't think I can do that again.)

What extra hassle does it add?
The time to put on and take off the gear.  It is offset by saving on bridge tolls, being able to lane share and take the carpool lane. 
I also cannot take customers out to lunch on it obviously, but that seems to be offset by the "cool" points that I get instead.
Having to plan more as far as how to carry things...between a large backpack and a tailbag I can manage most of what I need.

Tips, techniques, and tricks to successfuly moto to work...?
Just do it!  (Although if I had a short commute like some here, I would be walking and/or bicycling everyday instead.)
Oh, and if you ride in the rain, find a good spot in your office to let your gear hang to dry out during the day.