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With the winter months behind us, it’s time to get suited up for some urban cycling. Riding your bike to work is not just an opportunity to get fresh air, but a timesaving way to fit in a workout.

According to Liz Elliott, co-founder of Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange (C.I.C.L.E.), an estimated 40 percent of auto trips are two miles or less, a distance even the most inexperienced cyclist can ride. Considering that motor vehicles contribute almost a quarter of annual U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide (and that the U.S. is the No. 1 global-warming polluter in the world), riding your bike is a great way to go green and save green — gas money, that is.

Elliott believes that bicycling should be as promoted and encouraged in America as it is abroad in cities such as London and Copenhagen, Denmark. “We have to begin emulating these examples here in the U.S., and make the transformation into healthier and more vibrant urban environments,” she says. Here, a guide to get you started.

BIKING BASICS If you’ve never been urban biking before, start off slow. Do short trips (a few miles) before you decide to go on longer rides to work (some urban cyclists commute up to 25 miles one way!). If your daily commute is longer than that, consider taking the bus or train and bringing your bike along with you. Ride with friends who bike regularly, or take an urban street skills class from a cycling instructor in your area. For local resources, log on to bikeleague.org.

Make sure you are comfortable on your bike when in traffic, and wear bright colors and use lights and reflectors when cycling at night. Elliott says all cyclists should be prepared for common mechanical failures, such as flat tires or broken chains. “These repairs are simple to make,” she says. “And it’s tremendously empowering to know that you can take care of it yourself.”

SAFETY FIRST The most obvious danger when urban biking is traffic, so avoid high-traffic streets when you can. Watch for pedestrians and moving vehicles, but also parked ones. One of the most common accidents is what Elliott refers to as “getting doored,” when a parked motorist suddenly swings his or her car door open and hits an oncoming cyclist. To avoid this, always allow 3–4 feet between you and parked cars.

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Don’t leave home without the following nine items:

•    Mini air pump

•    Good bicycle-specific multitool

•    Patch kit

•    Spare inner tube

•    Lights for night riding

•    Horn or bell

•    Good bike lock

•    Backpack or basket

•    Helmet

FOR MORE INFO Click here for advice on choosing the right bike, clothing and safety gear. For more tips and information on biking, go to cicle.org.