Bike commute logistics

I ride sometimes, but am stepping my game up starting next week since I got a new bike with disc brakes and a nice messenger bag.  I ride to work in my cycling kit and change/shower there and park my bike in my cube with my kit hanging on a hanger on the cube wall.  No one says anything to me about it.  It's about 10 miles each way for me on mostly bike friendly roads, and only one section that is a little sketchy in the afternoons.  I'd probably stop all together if they made me leave my bike outside. 

My commute is only 2 miles so I just wear running shorts. That anecdote probably doesn't help you, but the idea of wearing gym shorts over your bike shorts might, or slipping them on when you arrive.

I ride my vintage roadie and use a rope lock to chain it to the bike rack outside. I do have to walk through the building and take an elevator to the basement to get to the showers, but it's not completely uncommon to see employees in gym clothes here, since the company provides a gym. 

I roll my work clothes tightly (so they don't wrinkle) and put them, my shoes, a makeup bag, hairbrush, my lunch, etc. in a day pack. It's small enough where it's not too heavy at all, especially for only 2 miles. If you're carrying a laptop or other items I'd recommend the panniers. 

I'm probably not typical, so I don't know how much I can help. My commute is about 3.5km so 10 minutes. I ride my 1970s cruiser and it has big fenders and a chain guard, so it's pretty good at protecting me from the rain. Also in the rain, I wear rubber pants and jacket, so I really don't get wet. My commute to work is also mostly downhill or flat, so I don't even get sweaty. If I feel like I am going to get sweaty, I just slow down. Taking 50% longer to get to work only adds 5 minutes, so it isn't a big deal. I just wear regular clothes and have flat pedals.

However, it is often the case that I am going somewhere after work. In the summer, I'm often going for a ride, so I do change into my cycling kit and ride my road bike. I have clothing and shoes at work that I bring in an home once a week, so I just ride my commuter bike with a backpack a couple of times a week and can bring the stuff in.

In the winter, I often just ride my winter road bike with a backpack as when I ride after work it is usually to the velodrome, so isn't that far to ride with a backpack.

When I get to work, I don't shower because I haven't sweated. Also, we have a bike room with hooks on the wall, so I keep my bike in it and there is no need for a lock.

I would not assume this automatically... my previous employer specifically forbid bicycles inside the buildings, yet provided no bike rack or anything. I had to chain it to a fence in the parking lot. 

I prefer a U lock because they're a lot harder to cut then a cable lock. I'm also pretty paranoid about my bike getting picked over so I'll take the front wheel off, and send the U lock through the frame, and both the front and back wheels, then I'll take the entire seat post off, and the bike computer if I have one, and just bring that with me wherever I'm going. In the past I've had a crummy $50 craigslist bike that I could commute on and not worry too much if it did get jacked, but I certainly wouldn't commute on a nice bike. I've also been lucky that a lot of places I've worked had a shower which makes a huge difference. I can't imagine sitting at work sweaty and gross all day. When I lived in Montreal my friend and I actually rode our bikes to work all winter long in the snow, and the salt really grimes up the transmission, so when nobody was looking she'd actually take her bike into the shower with her to spray it off!

Good luck, and congrats on making the wonderful decision to bike commute!

Last summer was the first time I bike commuted into work. I'll start again soon but the weather has not been so good. 

My office building has a ton of outdoor bike racks for parking - and we can't bring our bikes in.  I work in a 30-storey office building.  I got my sister's cheap moutain/hybrid bike and ride that in.  Lock it up with a u-lock and it's good. It's about a 10k ride in and i don't use it for training or anything. It's not the point to go as fast as i can in city traffic. 

For clothing i usually do a semi change at work since I'll bike in comfier pants and change into a business skirt or pants when there. But if you're in class you can likely dress more for comfort. The mornings are cooler and the route is shady then so i didn't get too sweaty and then it didn't matter much on the way home. 

Helmet hair was usually the issue (no way am I commuting without a helmet) - so all summer my hair was mostly in a ponytail. 

this year i may leave a stock of clothes at the office to change into and replenish occasionally.  Also, I got a basket for my bike this year so maybe i can stow more stuff instead of using a small backpack. 

Best bike commute logistical choice I made was investing in a bike rack and removable panniers (like this, 100% worth it).  I find carrying the weight of my stuff on the back wheel to be comfortable and my back doesn't get sweaty.  My commute is about 14 mile each way, so I sometimes stop at the nearby gym to shower and get ready and then soft pedal it the last mile.  I do bring in clothes and food in advance, but still have plenty to bring on the day.  Especially if I plan to shower.

Perhaps needless to say, I do not ride my racing bike. I ride my original roadie, but if I didn't have that I would consider investing in a sturdy bike that performs decently for any commute over 10 miles.  I tried using a really crappy bike (80s 10 speed that didn't fit) and commutes were miserable.

If you're locking up outside, I recommend a very well rated U lock and cable system.    Your bike will be unattended for 8-10 hours, so you want to loop in the front wheel and make sure the frame is secured.  I take off my underseat wedge and lights.  I don't go as far as removing the seat, but I would if I was in an urban area. 

I started by talking to my health promotions/HR bod at work. They do a wellness challenge every Summer to log fitness minutes and so piggy backing on that I announced I was riding to work. A hospital should have a similar supportive policy?

I am able to leave my bike in the bottom of a stair well. Its this side of the building security so typically I don't lock it up (my Trek 1 series, not a nice bike but too nice to get stolen).

I am so glad to have a shower room at work. Staying in any kind of combo cycle gear is asking for trouble like jock itch. Don't stay sweaty.

Cold weather here is a big deal (Canada) but while the season is on cooler temps actually help as you arrive less sweaty.

Aside from personal experience I would highly suggest:

1) Talking to a boss or HR saying you want to do this to support your health.

2) Leave some supplies at work (shower gel, deoderant etc)

3) Be bold about walking through the place in your spandex. Do it. Why would anyone care about you walking into the place in sports gear.

I ride home from work a couple of times a week, as TW and I carpool most days. So, my "bike commute" is quite different than most people. Today is one of those days, as the bike came in the back of the van a couple of days ago. 

Enjoy the ride!!!!

Given you have a locker and showers, I found that bringing clean clothes to work on the weekend (or if during the day you might have to drive to work) and just taking home dirty clothes is what works best for me.