[Published: April 4, 2024]

With spring –and longer days–here, there’s no better time to incorporate biking into part (or all) of your commute. To get your bike in shape, register for a free Bike Repair 101 Class or a Fix a Flat Class in April or May available on both campuses. 

Watch past bike safety webinars to learn how to map a safe route, boost your confidence, learn about traffic rules, and more.

To get you through the April showers, two Stanford Transportation staffers who bike as part or all of their commutes share rainy day tips.

Rainy Day Riding Tips from Ariadne “R” Delon Scott, Stanford’s active mobility/biking guru.

1. Get a bike well-suited for the rain. 
2. Wear the right gear. 
3. Ride slowly and look for hazards.
4. Use bike lights, even during the day, to increase your road presence. 
5. Have Fun. Sing or hum a tune when you arrive at your destination. And dry off! ST’s suggested playlist:

•  Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics

•  It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

•  I'm Only Happy When it Rains - Garbage

•  Purple Rain -  Prince 

•  A Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall -  Bob Dylan 

•  Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head -  Burt Bacharach

Want more tips? Read Helpful Hints for Your Active Commute.

Erin’s necessities

• Waterproof bike bag
• Attachable front mirror - to see cars coming
• Front and back fenders
• Waterproof gloves, pants and rain jacket
• Waterproof boots or waterproof shoe covers
• Bright helmet with visor
• Extra pair of pants and socks - in case you get stuck in a downpour and need to change when you get to the office