Though we have experienced some of the most prolonged heat in recent memory, we have also seen an increase in commuters who are walking and biking to work!  The PTC recently asked them to share some ways they keep cool during the summer season. Don’t forget that you can earn monthly rewards for biking and walking.

Walking
•    Switch your “stuff” from a briefcase or shoulder bag to a backpack. It evenly distributes the weight, and is easier than switching shoulders every block or so.

•    Travel lighter, consider small changes in behavior (is it really necessary to tote your laptop home every night?).

•    Carry a small fold-up umbrella, but you will be surprised how infrequently it actually rains during your commute.

•    Carry a small towel, or keep a roll of paper towels at your office for humid mornings.

•    Bring a cold beverage from the fridge, and reward yourself with a cool drink as you log your commute.

•    Focus on chirping birds and colorful landscaping instead of the traffic buzzing by.

•    Greet people you pass on the sidewalk – it’s a friendlier community than the one you encounter behind the wheel.

Biking
•    Drink a lot of water before (around 3 pints) and after the ride (around 2 pints). I don’t drink a drop during the ride because I find it distracting. I’m sure many people will think I’m crazy …

•    Whenever I stop at traffic lights I look for shade. There is a spot where I’m always the first at the light, but I stop 30 feet before the intersection so I can avoid that minute of sun.

•    I don’t wear sun glasses because it makes wiping off the sweat more cumbersome. I have a (tennis) wrist band that I use to wipe off the sweat.

•    Leave home before sunrise to avoid the direct heat of the sun’s rays. Just be sure and have lights on the front and back of your bike.

•    I wear convertible pants with zip-off legs so that I can ride in wearing shorts then add the legs when I get to my desk. I then convert them back to shorts for the ride home.

•    I use the restroom at work to take a quick “sponge bath” with paper towels. It makes a big difference.