These top 5 tips for biking to work, courtesy of our friends at Grist, will help you in your eco-pursuits to green your commute, save on gas, and even shed a couple of summer pounds you may have put on while sipping those backyard pina coladas during your “staycation.” Besides, the fall season is the best time to get out on two wheels and enjoy some beautiful colors and cool, crisp air. Check out the full top 5 after the JUMP—>

1) Get a map: familiarize yourself with bike-friendly streets and view routes in your area that other bikers use via a Google search or sites like Map My Ride. You can also sign the petition asking Google Maps to add a “bike there” option to their public transportation directions.

2) Plan your route: Use a road parallel to the main drag to avoid traffic, and be careful around intersections - over half of bike/car crashes happen there. If you live far from work, try to combine your ride with a commuter train, subway, bus, or carpool.

3) Gearing up: Check out commuter bikes if you tend to perspire, which have a higher comfort factor than mountain bikes. Also, don’t forget to get a full tune-up at a local bike shop. You’ll need lights and reflectors, and you might also want to look into fenders to keep your wheels from spraying street gunk on your clothing.

4) Safety first: If it’s been a while since you’ve been on a bike, consider a safety course before braving the road, or find a bike coalition or bicycle-advocacy organization in your area and ride with them. When you’re ready, do a trial run to work on the weekend, keeping in mind that it’ll be busier during weekday rush hour.

5) Start with one day a week: Pick one day a week to bike to work, and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Find out if your building has a bike room and make sure you have a good lock. Same for showers — your building may have some, or a nearby gym might be willing to strike a deal for occasional use. Eventually, you’ll be able to work your way up to everyday!

takepart and check out some of our earlier TakePart coverage on urban biking sharing in your area.

Related:

• Tips for Biking to Work
• Bike to Work Guide
• Bike to Work Day