<p>I'm looking forward to being lots faster than all of the sundry pedestrians in college, but I have a few questions for collegiate bicycle commuters. What are the pros and cons of bike commuting? Am I going to miss the "walking to class" social life :-P? Also, is bike theft extremely commonplace? Do I need two locks or something? Lastly, I'm pretty sure I will end up somewhere cold (lots of ice and snow), so do you have any tips for bike maintenance in the wintertime (I'd rather not have rusted components in spring, or snow riding tips?</p>
<p>Especially on urban campuses, bike theft is extremely commonplace. Get a really good lock, a really cheap bike, or both. :)</p>
<p>Bikes are a lot faster than walking. That's enough of a pro for me!</p>
<p>I alternate riding my bike and walking, depending on my schedule. Biking is really much more convenient. I find that one lock is sufficient, and bike stealing isn't really common place. But if you're buying a new bike, I wouldn't opt for a really nice one. Something basic will work just fine.</p>
<p>"Walking to class social life" is usually a lot of sleepy looking people either taking their sweet time, or practically running, and in the winter everyone is too cold to even look up.</p>
<p>The winter/biking situation is tough. I don't recommend biking in icy conditions at all. I don't really have any maintenance tips, but invest in a good hat and scarf, as riding on those chilly days can be painful to the face.</p>
<p>bikes get stolen rarely here, and if you go around a bike rack you can usually find one that doesn't have a lock on it. There's not really a social aspect in walking to class. It's unlikely that you will live in the same place as people in your classes, with the exception of freshmen halls and large intro courses (ie: chem, bio, econ). People come from every part of campus to a class, and then each go a separate way after class. Most people walking to class will either be talking on a cell phone (why you must fill your 10 minute walk with a cell phone conversation, I have yet to figure out) or an iPod in their ears.</p>
<p>I have a bike, and I use it based on my class schedule and locations. And also ride around the area sometimes.</p>
<p>I go to UC Davis... bike capital of the world.. Davis is flat, and it doesn't snow so it's ideal for biking, bikes are everywhere.. more bikes than people. The campus is also pretty spread out - 1.2 miles square - getting from one end to the other in 10 minutes between classes can be quite a workout. That said, biking is on average 3 times faster than walking briskly. There isn't much social chat walking between classes unless you have the exact same schedule as your best friend - and even then, I've seen people riding bikes next to eachother & talking so you won't miss out if you're on bike instead of foot.</p>
<p>If you go to a school filled with bikes, as a biker please go counterclockwise in traffic circles. As a pedestrian remember to look both ways before crossing a street, or look over your shoulder before darting to the other side of a path. Bike accidents hurt.</p>
<p>Bike theft is pretty common, it's recommended that you get a cheap bike & a more expensive bike lock. U-locks are more difficult to cut than wire cord locks. Lock your tires to the frame, and if the seat or headlight is easily removed - take it with you to class. </p>
<p>My only weather related tip is about biking in the rain - get a bike with fenders or you'll get a mud stripe up your back (aka "the freshman stripe"). Keep a plastic bag in your backpack to tie over the seat before you ride to keep your butt dry.</p>
<p>you know, I race for Cornell University Cycling, yet I dont bike to class! However, many people around here do. You'll need a good lock, but they dont cost any more than $30. Wipe it down after some serious rain riding, and you'll be fine. People have pretty much covered everything else important on this thread!</p>