Nervous of cycle commute

DIYPhil

I've been cycle commuting for 18 years on and off, I've also completed several long tours and compete in triathlons. Here are my tips:

1. Two miles is not a long commute, but, generally speaking, I'd still suggest you buy the best bike you can afford (assuming you have secure cycle parking). There is a real difference in riding a quality bike in terms of comfort and, thus, enjoyment. And if you enjoy it, you'll probably then want to cycle more in your spare time.

2. For commuting, the best cycle is usually an audax or touring bike, with mudguards. For carrying luggage, panniers are best, so you'll need a rear rack. Alot of people use rucksacks, but you become unstable if they are heavy, which is not fun.

3. Ensure the bike you buy is the correct size for you and it is set up correctly for you. If not, it will be so uncomfortable. Go to a specialist cycle shop.

4. Build up your bike skills, cycle fitness and confidence by riding on quite roads first, gradually increasing your distances.

5.. Cycling in work clothes, e.g a suit, is very uncomfortable, so cycling clothes are the best choice. But it will be a case of trial and error as to what works for you, especially as your commute is only 2 miles. If you choose cycle clothes, leave at work as many of your work clothes, e.g suits, as you can. A cycling jacket will keep the rain out for short distances.

6. Finally, join the CTC (Cyclist Touring Club) for a minefield of further info and tips. It's worth it for the third party and legal expense insurance alone.

Enjoy.

sickparrot

I wouldn't have thought 2 miles was really far enough to make it worthwhile, I commute 7 miles and last year while we were considering buying a house only 4 miles from where I work I was seriously considering switching to walking for that distance.

Anyroadup, the 'fear' factor you get used to quite quickly, 99% of the time I don't have any problems, there are a couple of junctions I have to be extra wary of. You just have to get used to anticipating where problems might occur, the most common being traffic pulling out of side roads and traffic overtaking then immediately turning left. You'll get used to when to ease off and be ready to brake.

The only 2 accidents I've had in 20 years I actually damaged the car more than myself, so no, they probably aren't deliberately trying to kill you.

Clothing wise, I have a thin windproof fleece and tracky bottoms for winter, and normal shirt and shorts for summer. I actually enjoy it when it rains the odd time, it's refreshing. The only thing I hate is headwinds, but you just have to work harder.

I'm slightly lucky in that I live in a city and work outside it, so I'm against the main flow of traffic, I also have several alternative routes, some road, some resurfaced railways, and some towpaths, so it keeps it interesting.

spiro

Try going on the cyclechat.co.uk forums.

Tucker

A couple of things:

Your local council will almost certainly have free cycle maps. Request them, as you may not know it, but there could well be an alternative route that is either a cycle path or much quieter, if a little longer.

I cummute 2 to 3 times a week in the better weather and longer days. I had no idea how much of the journey I could do off road. My 7.5 miles now involves less than half a mile by road. The rest is tracks, tow path's and cycle lanes made on old railway lines. I much prefer looking at fileds and scenery than the rear end of a ford focus, even though it takes a bit longer.

Secondly, try taking enough clothes on day 1 to last the rest of the week, to save taking some everyday. I drive on a Monday as I play footy after work. So I take in some extra work pants, shirts, underwear etc, so I can cycle with very little being carried. At the end of the day I change back into the shorts and leave the work trousers in a locker, ready for the next day.

kolin_2

Yeah, 2 miles is no real distance whatsoever. just don't think because you're on a bike you can ignore the rules of the road (i.e. not stopping at red lights) get a decent helment, and a cheap bike, and life should be a doddle.

as for getting fed up of changing at work, etc. Simply leave your towel/shower gel, etc at work, and work clothes in a suit bag or something. I used to cycle a good 4 miles to work and back everyday, and I can say that having a shower/etc getting changed at work never bothered me in the slightest.

watch out for increased CO2 emissions from excess breathing though. the government can tax you for that these days i've heard.

also as "exup" said, visit the sustrans website, they've got loads of cycle routes and greenway plans.

good luck!

sammyjammy

Wow so many replies, you've all been so nice and helpful, had to smile at the toe capped boots

I'm going to go for it, I know its a shortish journey but if its successful I'll definitely travel around the city (Sheffield) generally by bike, we've got secure parking at work and at my gym I can leave it at the bottom of a secure stairwell.

I've got a specialist bike shop (j.e.james) very locally so will go to them, don't worry I'm intending on helmet and safety gear (although as a vain woman I'll need to check the helmet suits me ).

Excellent advice about cycle tracks, I'll make a point of finding out and I'll come back and let you know how it goes.

If I did cycle on a pavement that was empty of pedestrians am I likely to get into trouble with a passing policeman?

SAm

Mids_Costcutter

sammyjammy wrote: »

If I did cycle on a pavement that was empty of pedestrians am I likely to get into trouble with a passing policeman?

SAm

Really unlikely that they would bother, unless you were riding very recklessly. However do you need to? Riding on pavements doesn't help the image of cycling, but I understand why some people do it in some circumstances.

diable

Someone near you must run a cycling course, you need to be assertive in your positioning on the the road and need to learn to know what is going around you and ho to check over your shoulder. Another thing is at traffic lights make eye contact with the driver behind you and if you are in front of a lorry make sure that the driver knows you are there. One last one NEVER EVER go down the left hand side of a lorry, bus or long vehicle as you are never too sure if they will turn left taking you with them.

PasturesNew

If you already walk to work, you won't get more fit by cycling. The only thing cycling might do is encourage you to cycle for fun on light evenings or weekends, thus increasing any exercise you do.

Why not hire/borrow a bike for a week and see how you get on?

PasturesNew

sammyjammy wrote: »

If I did cycle on a pavement that was empty of pedestrians am I likely to get into trouble with a passing policeman?

It is illegal to cycle on a footpath. You may only cycle on designated cycleway parts of any footpath.

Here are some rules: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

If you are on the road, you must comply with the Highway Code too. It's not optional... that's why drivers shout at cyclists.