Tips for Bicycling to Work
April 13, 2026
National Bike to Work Day falls this year on Friday, May 15, 2026! The WMPO/Go Coast will be celebrating by supporting two pit stops in Wilmington that will hand out goodies to cyclists on their morning commute, 7:30am-9am:
— Bijou Park in downtown Wilmington (231 N Front St)
— UNCW at the corner of College Rd/Randall Dr
Read on for five tips for bicycling to work!
1. Plan your trip on a route that feels comfortable.
This may be a different route from the way you drive! WMPO maps can help you find off-road paths, bike lanes, and sharrows that bicyclists may use, as well as roads rated by suitability for bicycling based on traffic volume, speed limit, and other factors.
Do a test run of your route on a day off to build your confidence if needed. And don’t forget, if you need help planning your route, you can always request a personalized commuter plan from Go Coast.
2. Use appropriate safety gear.
Always wear a helmet! If you’re a parent, be a good example: helmets are required by state law for those below age 16. If you’re worried about helmet hair, consider using a hair wax (for shorter hair) or a silk scarf under your helmet (for longer hair). Lots of cyclists online have tips. Bottom line: Safety first!
Use a white front light and a red rear light or clothing visible from 300 feet for riding in low light. It’s state law!
3. Know the rules of the road.
Make sure you’re staying predictable as a cyclist by following the rules of the road. Bicycles are defined as vehicles within North Carolina state statutes, which means they need to follow the same rules as cars on the road. This means:
- Ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. (You would walk facing traffic in the absence of a sidewalk, however.)
- Stop at stop signs and red lights.
- Use hand signals to alert others when turning or stopping. (Check the NC Driver’s Handbook page 89 in Chapter 6 for a refresher.)
- Slower traffic including bicyclists should keep right when possible (unless entering a left-turn lane, avoiding the “door zone” of parked cars, or other special cases). Remember that bicyclists are entitled to use the full lane.
- There are no statewide laws prohibiting riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, just remember to check for any local ordinances and always yield to pedestrians and alert others when passing.
- Do not ride a bicycle under the influence (since bicycles are considered vehicles, they are subject to DWI laws).
4. Lock your bike securely.
If parking outdoors, lock to a stable, highly visible bike rack rather than a tree or pole.
Consider purchasing a lock that is hard to cut through, such as a U-lock (also called a D-lock, pictured to the left), to lock your bike frame to a rack. Optional but recommended: secure wheels using a separate lock, such as a cable lock. Backpacks or panniers are good for carrying a lock.
Don’t forget to secure/take with you any removable parts, like lights, your helmet, or other gear.
5. If possible, keep spare clothes at work.
If you have a secure location to store them, spare clothes are useful in case you get sweaty or ride through a mud puddle on your commute.