Commuting by bike sometimes seems overwhelming, but there are solutions for many of the common problems.

Why can't you bike to work? or to the grocery store? Why can't you move to a new apartment by bike? Maybe you don't have the right bike or accessories for the job.

Does rain stop you cold? Many bicycles in North America are sold without fenders or chain guards. You can wear rain gear ... but that muddy stripe up your back just doesn't look good in the office.

You have to bring stuff with you to work? Does that mean you can't bike there?

* You can carry a bike messenger bag or backpack.
You don't have to add anything to your bike.
The load is always with you.
But the high center of gravity destabilizes you and the weight will tire you.

* A rack on the back of the bike can hold a variety of loads.
North American racks are shorter than European racks and usually have smaller-diameter rods.
Panniers clip to the rack for carrying everything from groceries to camping gear.
You can put the panniers on your grocery cart; you'll always know if everything fits.

* If your heels hit the panniers, you could:
Get a bike with a longer back, like the Xtracycle
Go recumbent. Your heels will be miles from the panniers.
Try a trailer.

* Bags or baskets on the handlebars can take small loads.
If you put too much in the basket, steering suffers.
Some European bikes have a stable, frame-mounted front load platform instead.

* Special bikes solve load-carrying problems -- we will be writing more about them and adding more links.

Mary Arneson