Nervous of cycle commute

sammyjammy

Bit of background - I'm really trying hard to get fit and healthy, as part of that I go to the gym four or five times a week and walk to work and back every day (its about 2 miles each way) and hiking regularly.

I've been thinking of getting a bike, its been a while but I've always enjoyed cycling and if I use it to commute I can get a 12 month interest free loan from work to cover the start up costs. Now in theory commuting by bike instead of walking sounds great for starters I could have another ten minutes in bed even accounting for having to shower at work before I "clock on" but I've got cold feet.

What if cycling on the road is too scary? What if its too hard (lots of hills)? What if I get fed up having to lug clothes to work every day and cycling in the rain? I know you can't answer these questions for me I'm just interested to see how others have found it if they started a cycle commute, I guess the one thing I have in my favour is I've picked the perfect time of year to start (well after it stops snowing ).

I travel to work in the morning at around 6.30am so the road is reasonably quiet compared to later and have the journey would be on pedestrianised cycle paths.

Hope I haven't waffled too much.

Sam

ScottishSapper

I've been thinking of getting a bike

Physiatrists are available on NHS

What if cycling on the road is too scary?

no IF there

I travel to work in the morning at around 6.30am

This as about 6 hours too late!
Sorry To be serious, I tried it, 2 days, sold bike! Anytime you go on a road you are taking your life in to your hands, This country just does NOT have any tolerance for cyclists, vehicle drivers hate them and roads not built for them (have you seen the state of the road sides) even pedestrianised cycle paths are not safe - they have pedestrians.
I'm all for keep fit (well reading about it) but I would seriously rethink a bike

verybigchris

I started commuting to work about 18 months ago and I love it. For me it's just as quick as by car (because I can use all the quiet residential roads that cars avoid because of all the speed bumps!) and twice as quick as the bus. It's great exercise and I also find I arrive in work in a much better mood after cycling. Rain is rarely an issue, and there's only maybe one day per month when the weather's bad enough to make me chicken out and get the bus instead. I even rode through a blizzard the other week, and found it more exhilarating than annoying (although I'm glad it was on the way home from work so I could jump straight into a hot bath!)

If you're unsure, I'd suggest doing a dummy run. Borrow a friend's bike and ride the route on a day-off, so you can get a feel of it and get used to any traffic issues without the pressure of also having to be in work on-time. 2 miles is nothing really (unless you live at the bottom of a big hill!) and you should ride it in 10-15 minutes with little effort.

Mids_Costcutter

As John Franklin points out in the excellent Cyclecraft guide:

"If you learn to cycle skilfully you will enhance your ability to use the roads in safety. Although you may encounter much bad driving, most of it can be anticipated and its effects avoided"

You may wish to consider adult cycle training which many local councils now offer for free or at a low cost: they'll help develop skills and increase your confidence.

Enjoy your commute to work and you'll never look back. Oh, and you'll definitely save money too!

ozvaldinho

Two miles isn't really enough to get you too hot and sweaty, especially that early in the morning. If you take it nice and easy and use a good deodorant you'll be fine.
What I'd be most concerned about is falling off in ice or snow. I'd get a bike without a crossbar and with nice wide, grippy tyres. Black ice can be lethal.
I'd also be careful about the time of day you come home: do you finish at the same time as the local schools? School mums parking, toddlers running about and boisterous teenagers could be a bit awkward.

Good luck, hope it works for you.

moneyuser

What if cycling on the road is too scary? You have to be confident to go out on the road but as you only have a mile to go on the road I can't see you having many problems

What if its too hard (lots of hills)? If you're already walking to work then you should know if there are hills or not. If it's different then walk it first and find out what it will be like. Anyway, the more you do them the easier they get

What if I get fed up having to lug clothes to work every day and cycling in the rain? I did get a bit fed up of having a heavy bag on my back for a couple of miles so I would suggest investing in a pannier rack that fits on the back of the bike.

When I was cycling to work I felt really fresh and alert in the morning. It was a lot more pleasant than driving.

Go for it.

anewman

Steel toe cap boots. Cars get too close *bang*

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Don't be scared. Be assertive. Don't take any !!!!. Ride a minimum of 3 feet from the kerb, so that you have more space to dive into should anything come too close.

Plan ahead, signal clearly, and don't forget that motorists don't want to hit you, they're just not very observant.

When you see someone turning from or into a junction ahead of you, get eye contact. Maintain that contact, leave them in no doubt that you have right of way.

Oh, and spend £30 on good LED lights, minimum of 2 separate lights at the rear. You won't regret it.

SailorSam

I know it's a cowards way of cycling but for ages now i've been thinking of giving up the car and getting an electric bike.
You're not going to be as sweaty at the end of your journey.

exup

i would give it a go and see what you are like - 2 miles isnt really that far, and there may be plenty of cycle routes which either are shared with pedestrians or away from raods completely. Around Calderdale and Kirklees area I am lucky as there are plenty of cycle ways which are no where near roads and are in pretty good condition. You can get cheap cycle maps from sustrans, if you start enjoying it more you may find you take the bike out for longer journeys.
Also local library or tourist information may have some free cycle route maps for your area

27col

If you really are doubtful as to whether you are likely to keep on cycling. Why do you not get a cheap bike from a s/h shop to give it a try out first. If the bike is only for going to work I think that I would go on walking the 2 miles. I agree about the danger, I gave up cycling many years ago because I thought that it was only a matter of time before I got clobbered. I have just given up riding my classic motorcycles for the same reason. Car drivers just do not seem to see you, or do not care.