Some Tips on Getting Around Town on Two Wheels

Choosing to forgo car ownership in Los Angeles may sound downright unnatural, but it can be tempting as traffic worsens. For Webb Sussman, it has become a reality.

Sussman threw away his car keys back in 1977 when, as a Boston resident, he wanted to make an environmental statement. Moving to Los Angeles three years ago didn’t alter his mission.

“I’m fairly radical in my approach--that’s not possible for most people,” said Sussman, 33. “I suggest trying to commute to work just one day a week, and if you like it, try a few more days.”

Sussman commutes three miles from his West Los Angeles home to Santa Monica, where he works as a computer programmer. He rents a car every two or three months for social events or long-distance travel.

The sensory experiences found along the route help jump-start his day, Sussman said.

In Boston, it was the scent of fresh bread from a bakery he passed each morning. “Here, I look up and see the whole chain of Santa Monica Mountains lit up in colors by the sunrise,” he said.

Inspired? Commuting to work by bicycle cuts air pollution and traffic, and can save you money--most motorists spend at least $3,000 per year to own, operate and maintain a car. Sussman, along with the Baltimore-based League of American Wheelmen, offer the following bicycle commuting tips to get you started:

* Scope out and test-ride a route on a weekend. If possible, choose wide avenues with designated bike lanes. For a free Los Angeles County bike map that shows designated bike lanes and routes, call (213) 244-6539.

* Consider park-and-ride lots if you live far from work. Sussman suggests cycling to a lot, securing your bike there and hopping on a bus to work. Or, transport your bike by car to a lot, park and cycle to work.

“You can also cycle to a lot and hook up with a car pool,” he said. Some businesses now provide transportation coordinators who can help create the arrangement. For locations of park-and-ride lots that have bicycle lockers (a $10 key deposit fee is required), phone Caltrans at (213) 897-0235.

* Try to be visible while bicycling. Sussman said a certain amount of aggression is necessary when sharing the road with 2,500-pound cars. “Don’t ride timidly--avoid ducking to the right every time traffic passes by,” he said.

* If you ride at dusk or later, make yourself highly visible. White front headlights are required by law in every state for night riding. A red reflector may be adequate for the rear of your bike, but consider a flashing red light. Wear bright clothing during day or night hours.

* Wear a helmet. About 75% of serious bicycle injuries are head-related, according to emergency room statistics.

* The League of American Wheelmen, a bicycle advocacy group, offers guides for businesses that want to encourage bicycle commuting: 190 W. Ostend St., Suite 120, Baltimore, Md., 21230. (410) 539-3399.