Commuting Tips

Before I begin I have to confess at being a Jekyll and Hyde character when it comes to commuting to work by bike. I am not a morning person therefore any plans I make during the afternoon that involve making a focused effort first thing can be swiftly cast aside during the first 10 minutes of the day. The weather would always be the barometer and any hint of rain, heavy winds or frost would be the cue to roll over in bed and indulge in the extra time I had allowed to ride in rather than take the car.

Needless to say I would instantly regret the decision as soon as I had passed the point where it was either too late to ride to work or I had stepped out of the door to realise that the weather was not actually that bad after all. I have to say that when I am focused and organised it is never a problem to make the effort but having been an active cyclist most of my adult life I have an understanding of how difficult a routine cycling to work can be for someone that is used to the corporate comforts or is just starting out.

I have yet to meet anyone who cycles to work because they want to help save the environment, that is not to say that no one does. Most of us have a more practical and personal reason, such as parking restrictions or charges at our work place, cutting the fuel costs of commuting by car, keeping fit and, in some cases if you work in a congested city it is speed because the bike gets you to your destination faster than travelling by car or public transport.

Whatever your motivations to ride to work positive side effects and how you will feel will be the reason you want to continue with this positive lifestyle change. For many of us the routine of BED – CAR – DESK – CAR – SOFA – BED is a reality for at least five days every week and breaking this routine by adding riding to work will become surprisingly easy to do once you have made a few practical adjustments to your lifestyle.

Once you have begun the routine of riding to work the many positive and inspiring benefits will become apparent but the one that I found most rewarding was the increase in energy levels that as a result made me more productive, enthusiastic and successful!

"Commuting by bicycle is an essential part of my day. It's mind-clearing, invigorating. I get to go out and pedal through the countryside and on the open roads in the early hours, and see life come back and rejuvenate every day as the sun is coming out"

James L. Jones, former US Supreme Allied Commander Europe, now Barack Obama's national security advisor

• Getting Started
• Morale – Overcoming the "can't be bothered" feeling
• Your bike
• What to wear
• Be safe on the road
• Carrying luggage
• Roadside repairs
• Route planning
• What I need at work
• What facilities do I provide as an employer
• Recommended reference books

• Get used to riding on the roads when you are not under any time restraints by cycling to the shops and back or completing a short ride at the weekend.
• Do a dummy run to work at the weekend to see how long it takes you to ride the distance.
• Talk to work colleagues who ride to work to gain any useful tips.
• Don’t rush the process if you can only ride in to work once a week it’s a good starting point.
• Put the equipment and things you will need on your Christmas list!

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• Team up with a colleague that lives local to you and ride in to work together.
• Take the scenic route and find the off road routes and country lanes that will add to the pleasure of riding to work.
• Ensure you are ready for the ride by preparing your bike, clothing and kit each evening.
• Give yourself plenty of time to ensure you arrive at work in good time to shower and change.
• Don't over do it. Start by riding in once or twice every week until your fitness levels improve and you want to do more.
• Do as many things in the evening that will save you time the next morning i.e, preparing breakfast or even having a shave before you go to bed will save you time.

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• Having the correct style of bike will make the commute more enjoyable therefore avoid using dual suspension bikes and aggressive mountain bikes that are designed for off road use.
• Ensure your bike is safe and road worthy.
• Ensure you have the correct size bike.
• Don't use cheap tyres because they won’t last and are false economy.
• Make sure you have your bike serviced regularly to ensure it is road worthy and most importantly safe!

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• Ensure your clothing is suited to the seasons but don’t under dress because you can always loosen or remover the top layer if you become too hot.
• Reflective or brightly coloured clothing will make sure you can be seen by other road users.
• Never commute to work without wearing a helmet.
• Ensure you wear or carry a lightweight waterproof
• During the winter months it is worth investing in a good pair of gloves, overshoes and skull cap because it is the extremities that feel the cold most

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• Follow the Highway Code.
• Don't assume you have been seen by other road users, always try and make sure you have eye contact with drivers of cars emerging from junctions etc.
• Be aware of pedestrians crossing the road because they can't hear your engine so if in doubt SHOUT a warning.
• Avoid busy roads by using off road routes like cycle paths, canal paths and bridle ways where possible.
• Invest in quality lighting for your bike and use two fronts and two rear lights, one with a fixed beam so that you can see the road ahead and have the second on a flashing mode to catch the attention of other road users.
• Wear reflective clothing in all conditions.
• Carry your name and address and who to contact if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.
• Carry your mobile phone.
• Don't use MP3 players with headphones because you won't be able to hear the traffic.
• Make allowances during poor visibility and rain by slowing down and being more careful at road junctions.
• Personal accident and bike insurance will protect you and other road users in the unfortunate event of an accident.
• Remember that skin and bone is no match for concrete and steel therefore NEVER take unnecessary risks.
• It is a legal requirement for all bicycles to be sold with a bell however if you anticipate a dangerous situation involving a pedestrian or motor vehicle don't hesitate to shout out to alert.
• Look out for pot holes and grates especially after heavy rain when they maybe full of water.
• Wear gloves in winter and fingerless mitts in the summer because in the unfortunate event of an accident our first instinct is to put our hands out to break our fall.

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• Ensure you luggage is secure on your bike.
• Carry the minimum amount by leaving as much as possible at work.
• Never carry bags on the handlebars.
• Avoid using rucksacks because they are not comfortable.

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• Prevention is better than cure.
• Ensure your bike is serviced regularly and road worthy.
• Use puncture prevention methods.
• Carry a road side repair kit and spare tube.
•  Make sure you carry out your road side repair in a safe place well away from the traffic.
• Carry your mobile phone so that if necessary you can “phone a friend” to come and pick you up if you are unable to fix your bike at road side.

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• Don't be too ambitious if you are not very fit or live too far away from work.
• Use off road routes where possible even if the journey is further.
• Avoid as many busy roads and junctions as possible.
• Talk to colleagues who ride to work and learn from their experiences.

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• Wash kit including flannel if you have no showers at work.
• Hair brush or comb.
• Clean towel.
• Your work clothes and shoes.
• Some food i.e., cuppa soups and energy bars that keep and are important for refuelling for the journey home.
• Your bike lock.

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• A dry and secure area for staff bikes to be stored or bike lockers.
• Changing rooms with showers or a hot water supply for washing.
• A warm and dry area for clothing to hang to dry.
• Staff lockers for helmets and clothing to be securly stored.

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Commuting by Bike

• Bike to Work – Burn calories not gas - by Carlton Read and Tim Grahl
• Cycling to Work – a beginners guide – by Rory McMullan
• The bicycle Commuters Pocker Guide – by Robert Hurst
• City Cycling – by Richard Ballentine

City Cycling and Route guides

• Traffic Free Cycling Trails – by Nick Cotton
• The Birmingham Cycle Guide – by Neil Simpson
• The Manchester Cycle Guide – by Neil Simpson
• London Cycle Guide – Nick Crowther
• Cycling in Nottinghamshire – by Arnold Robinson
• Cycling in the UK – Official guide to off road networks – by Sandi Toksvig

General Reference Books

• Cycle Craft – Complete guide to safe and enjoyable cycling for adults and children - by John Franklin
• Women’s guide to Cycling – by Susan Weaver
• Nutrition for Cyclists – by Ray Anderson and Alan Heeks

Bike Repair and Maintenance

• Simple Bike Repair – Fixing your bike made easy – by Rob van de
• Bike Repair and Maintenance for Dummies – Dennis Bailey
• Bicycle Repair Manual – Chris Sidwells

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