Top 9 How To Become A Bike Commuter 28679 Votes This Answer

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The easiest solution is to ride your bike in the clothes you will be wearing for work. This is only practical if you have a short commute, but if it’s longer than 3 miles (about 5 km) then you can expect to sweat and you’re better off getting changed for the ride.Go multi-modal and split up your commute. Check out if there are any buses or trains in your area that allow bikes on board. If you live somewhere without good public transit, park your car somewhere closer to the office and ride the rest of the way in.Michael Mayer, Trek’s Director of Product Marketing, tells Cyclingnews the most important considerations when you are looking for a commuter bike are the length of trip, terrain and what you need to carry with you. “If you are travelling a longer distance, road bikes can make a great efficient commuter.

Cycling to work tips

Use a cycle route planner. …
Ask a friend to cycle with you. …
Cycling training for beginners. …
Make an agreement to start later and don’t book meetings first thing. …
Try the cycle route out on a weekend. …
Take some spare clothes to work. …
Find out where the office showers and bike facilities are.

Contents

How do I start commuting on my bike?

Cycling to work tips

Use a cycle route planner. …
Ask a friend to cycle with you. …
Cycling training for beginners. …
Make an agreement to start later and don’t book meetings first thing. …
Try the cycle route out on a weekend. …
Take some spare clothes to work. …
Find out where the office showers and bike facilities are.

How do I make my bike easier to commute?

Go multi-modal and split up your commute. Check out if there are any buses or trains in your area that allow bikes on board. If you live somewhere without good public transit, park your car somewhere closer to the office and ride the rest of the way in.

What makes a bike a commuter?

Michael Mayer, Trek’s Director of Product Marketing, tells Cyclingnews the most important considerations when you are looking for a commuter bike are the length of trip, terrain and what you need to carry with you. “If you are travelling a longer distance, road bikes can make a great efficient commuter.

Is it hard to commute with a bike?

Riding a bike for daily transportation is beneficial for both the earth and your health. Simply put, commuting by bike equals freedom. The hardest part about bike commuting is getting started, so we’ve put together our favorite tips to help you begin the journey.

Is 10 miles a long bike commute?

Up to 10 miles each way is a reasonable bike commuting distance for a person of average fitness level. Riding 10 miles at a moderate pace in normal traffic conditions takes about 1 hour. For a person with exceptional fitness level 15 miles each way commute is still doable.

Is it weird to bike to work?

Biking to work is fun, plain and simple. Many people look back wistfully on fond childhood memories of riding their bike around their neighborhood, wishing they could still be so carefree amid the rigors of working life. Biking to work allows you integrate that simple feeling of exhilaration into your daily grind.

Does your bum get used to cycling?

Like all aspects of cycling training, you have to build-up slowly and allow your body to adapt. There’s no doubt that your undercarriage does get used to time in the saddle but you can’t rush it. Novice riders tend to sit fairly heavily on their saddles and, because of this, typically bounce more in the saddle.

Can I lose weight bike riding?

If you’re looking to get fitter, trimmer and lighter – not to mention healthier – then cycling is a great way to lose weight. It’s efficient, enjoyable, easy to slot into a busy day and, best of all, has emotional and mental benefits as well as physical ones.

Does your body get used to cycling?

Every cyclist goes through this hell after any longer break. The body adapts to the new activity pretty quickly, though. After two or three days of rest, you’ll find you can ride easily again with much bigger appetite. Your brain starts to release more endorphins, which lift your mood.

How much should a beginner spend on a bike?

Rule #1: Spend $1,000-2,500 on your first bike

To others, it may seem like too little. But this is a good starting point for newer riders who are motivated to get into cycling but aren’t ready to eclipse the cost of their cars.

Can I use a road bike for commuting?

Is a Road Bike Good for Commuting? While road bikes aren’t designed specifically for city riding, they can be great bikes for commuting if your route is relatively straight and over smooth terrain. For bumpier or curvier routes, a hybrid bike or a gravel bike may be more suitable for cycling to work.

Are single speed bikes good for commuting?

Single-speed bikes are excellent for commuting moderate distances without extended hills. They are less expensive to purchase, easier to maintain, more reliable in harsh weather, and simply a fun change of pace compared to multi-speed bikes.

Is 15 miles a lot to bike?

In the biking world, 15 miles is deemed a short distance. They usually consider 40 miles as the medium distance to build speeds from 16 to 19 mph. However, bikers tend to go over greater speeds during long-distance trips.

Is 7 miles a long bike ride?

7 miles on a bike is fine, but it’s not a long way at all.

Is cycling 15 miles Good?

Although it’s hard to accurately measure a good average speed for cycling outdoors, 15 miles per hour is a very competent pace for a beginner cyclist.

Can you commute on a road bike?

Can I lose weight bike riding?

How can I cycle to work without getting sweaty?

Sweat The Details

Slow down. The slower you go, the less you’ll sweat. Don’t stamp on the pedals. …
Wear lighter, looser clothing. Allow air to circulate and you’ll stay cooler. …
Put your luggage on the bike, not on your back. It’s good advice all year round but it matters more in summer.

Do you need to shower after cycling to work?

Cycling to work is a great way to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine and many people find it makes them feel more alert and ready to start the day. If you cycle to work, it’s not always necessary to shower once you get there.

7 Hacks To Make Commuting By Bike Work For You | Cycle Commuting Made Easy

How to Become a Bike Commuter (more than just the gear) – Bike Commuter Hero

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How to Become a Bike Commuter (more than just the gear) – Bike Commuter Hero

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Summary of article content: Articles about Guide to cycling to work | Cycling UK Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Guide to cycling to work | Cycling UK Updating Cycling to work is fantastic. It comes with a whole host of benefits for your health, wealth and the environment, but just knowing this might not be enough to help you start if you are nervous about trying it for the first time. But you don’t have to be worried; just follow our advice and you’ll wonder why you ever had any doubts.
Table of Contents:

Use a cycle route planner

Ask a friend to cycle with you

Cycling training for beginners

Make an agreement to start later and don’t book meetings first thing

Try the route out on a weekend

Take some spare clothes to work

Find out where the office showers and bike facilities are

Remember you don’t have to do it all at once

Take some bike lights

Be kind to yourself and enjoy it

Cycle insurance

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Guide to cycling to work | Cycling UK

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for 9 Ways to Make Bike Commuting Easier for You | Bicycling Updating We reached out to some of the most committed bike commuters around to get their tips on tackling common issues while riding to work.
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Organize Your Stuff

Pre-Ride Your Route

(Obsessively) Check the Weather

Gear Up With Racks Fenders and Panniers

Bring Your Coffee Along

Divide the Ride

Find Clothes that Work For You

Flat-Proof Your Ride

Have a Contingency Plan

9 Ways to Make Bike Commuting Easier for You | Bicycling

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Commuter bikes: What are the differences and how to choose the best bike for you | Cyclingnews Updating Flat bar road bike? Hybrid? Touring bike? Cargo bike?
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What are the different types of commuter bikes

1 Flat bar road bikes

2 Folding Bikes

3 Hybrid bikes

4 Touring bikes

5 Road bikes

6 Cargo bikes

7 eBikes

How to choose the right commuter bike

Commuter bikes: What are the differences and how to choose the best bike for you | Cyclingnews

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Summary of article content: Articles about How to Become a Bike Commuter – 7 Tips to Plan for Success for Women Tip #1: Try to get a job within cycling range · Tip #2 – Bike commuting part way is better than not cycling at all · Tip #3 – Try to find a safe … …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Become a Bike Commuter – 7 Tips to Plan for Success for Women Tip #1: Try to get a job within cycling range · Tip #2 – Bike commuting part way is better than not cycling at all · Tip #3 – Try to find a safe … How to Become a Bike Commuter – 7 Tips for Success for women bike commuters. Experience-based tips to ensure you succeed as a bike commuter!
Table of Contents:

Tip #1 Try to get a job within cycling range

Tip #2 – Bike commuting part way is better than not cycling at all

Tip #3 – Try to find a safe route to bike commute

Tip #4 – Find safe dry storage for your bike

Tip #5 – Make sure you have a place to shower change do hair and make-up and store your clothing

Tip #6 –Practice for your bike commute and then ease into it!

Tip #7 – Get the right equipment

Bottom Line It’s not Easy but you can do it!

How to Become a Bike Commuter - 7 Tips to Plan for Success for Women — How to Become a Bike Commuter – 7 Tips to Plan for Success for Women

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How To Become a Bike Commuter & Start Saving $$$ – Green Guru Gear Where will your commute take you? The first thing you’ll need to determine before we get into gear is where you’ll be going. Bicycle commuting doesn’t solely … Sitting in traffic is a drag. It’s literally the worst, and anyone who tells you different is a liar. Not only does it suck to be stuck in traffic, but it’s terrible for the planet and your wallet. What if you could be flying through traffic, passing cars, and getting to your destination much faster than you would be s
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How to Become a Bike Commuter (more than just the gear) – Bike Commuter Hero

A few days ago I had to go to work by car instead of by bike. I had completely forgotten how frustrating it was to sit in a car stuck in a traffic jam. When I caught a cyclist passing by in the corner of my eye I was ready to smash the steering wheel. The rider made his way through the traffic and disappeared in no time. I was standing still in the same place for another 2-3 minutes, which felt like an eternity. I thought to myself: how much I hate commuting by car and love my bike commutes Pedalling and leave all the traffic behind makes you feel like you’re the only free man among prisoners. If you feel the same frustration in your commutes, but you don’t know how to begin bike commuting, this article is for you. We will go through the basic steps of being set free from the prison of your car.

How to become a bike commuter?

To set yourself up to become a successful long term bike commuter you need to have a few key things in place: mindset, gear, habits, skills. It’s quite easy to think that the proper gear is all you need, but in reality, while usable gear is important, having the other elements in place is just as crucial.

Mindset

Like with other things in life that you get excited about, it’s easy to get enthusiastic about bike commuting, but in order to persist when going gets tough, you need to have the proper mindset and have formed firm habits.

The first is a shift in mindset, and it’s really simple. It’s nearly silly to say, but it’s important. You need to decide that you want to commute by bike. That’s it! Start thinking about yourself not only as someone that entertains the idea of bike commuting but as a bike commuter. This will change your attitude in every other aspect of the process.

A good thing about bike commuting is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do it as much as you enjoy it. Initially, you may do a day or two a week, gradually building up towards more days. Maybe you’ll never want to do it 5 days a week, but maybe you will be riding every single day after the first month of trying. As you ease yourself into this new habit, you will fall in love with it more and more, and you may change your mind down the line. You don’t need to put extra pressure on yourself; it’s about having fun first and foremost, getting in two extra workouts a day for free and during a time you’d spend commuting anyway, if your budget is tight, then saving some money and doing your bit for reducing your carbon footprint.

Real diehards will bike commute whatever the weather, come rain or snow. But if you feel uncomfortable with that, feel free to skip those days. You can still call yourself a bike commuter because you have the habit of commuting in certain conditions. More on what you need for cold, wet and muddy rides later.

When you first set your goal, be realistic about what you can do. It is reasonable to bike commute up to 12 miles each way every day, but 20 miles or more is stretching it too much. If your commute is 20+ miles and you’ve never done it before, you should look into multimodal commuting, which means that you combine riding with some other form of transportation, be it public transport or car.

Having seen the proper mindset, let’s jump into the next most important thing: your gear.

Bike and gear

A commuter bike needs to be reliable, durable and practical. Reliability and durability mean that you can get on it every morning without having to worry that something will go wrong with it, and it can withstand anything that your journey may throw at it (potholes, mud, rain, shifting etc). A bike that isn’t reliable or durable doesn’t shift or brake properly after a few days, you hear clicking noises from the chain. These can put you off very quickly from bike commuting.

A commuter bike needs to be reliable, durable and practical. Common sense

Make sure you have at least a good entry-level bike that can serve you and makes riding enjoyable. If you already own a bike that’s decent enough, try it out for your first commute, but if you buy new, don’t purchase a cheap department store bike that was designed for occasional recreational use. It’s too heavy, chunky and handles very imprecisely. After a few weeks, it will cause more frustration than fun. There are some decent entry-level bikes starting from 500 dollars that can perfectly serve you.

If you only want to dip your toe into the bike commuting pond initially and you’ve never bought a bike before I would suggest borrowing one for the first couple of weeks. As you use the bike you will realize what is important for you and for your commute, what you like and what you dislike about it. The distance, terrain and traffic conditions will also influence your choice a great deal. After the first couple of weeks, you will be able to form a pretty clear idea of what you want and need. In this previous post, I wrote about how much you should spend on a commuter bike. If you are looking for some clear and simple to use guidelines to pick a good commuter bike you can check out the post here.

To make your bike as practical and commuter-friendly as possible you will need to add a few pieces of gear to it.

A good set of lights should be one of your first purchases for your bike. It helps you to stay as visible as possible in traffic on dull and darker days as well as on bright ones, and in some countries, it is also a legal requirement for cyclists. I recommend a Cateye Volt 800 light at the front and a Cateye Rapid X2 at the rear. After buying three other cheaper lights I can say that they are truly the best, and they’re worth every penny. Here’s a link to the front light and another one to the rear light on Amazon. They offer great visibility and will keep you safe on the road. They have saved my life on at least two occasions. They are easy to charge from any USB port and have ample battery life even for longer commutes.

Fenders or mudguards will keep the water and muck away from your bottom and belly. If you fail to get one you will realize how important they are at your first wet commute.

Some commuters use a backpack to carry their stuff, but panniers are a much more convenient way to carry your belongings, as they allow air ventilation to your back, leaving you less sweaty. The gold standard of waterproof panniers are Ortlieb. They aren’t the cheapest, but they are very durable and offer good protection to your laptop, clothes and other whatnots. Sometimes you can grab a good deal on Amazon.

You need a good, sturdy rear rack for your bike to put the panniers on. Some dedicated commuter bikes come equipped with a rear rack, but if yours doesn’t, you can choose either a permanent solution like the Ibera Bike Rack, or if your bike doesn’t come with mounting holes (or you prefer to be able to take it off easily), you can go for the comingfit adjustable bike rack, which can be easily mounted and dismounted.

What to wear for your bike commute? You can either dress for the ride or dress for the destination. The easiest solution is to ride your bike in the clothes you will be wearing for work. This is only practical if you have a short commute, but if it’s longer than 3 miles (about 5 km) then you can expect to sweat and you’re better off getting changed for the ride.

If you dress for your destination, it’s best to choose clothes that are not too tight. Slim fit jeans are not a good idea, because they can make your ride very uncomfortable, even if it’s a very short one. They’re also bad at drying when they get wet, so they’re best avoided.

Dressing for the commute has two main benefits: it’s more comfortable, and it can get dirty, messy and sweaty without having to worry about how you look at your workplace. Your dedicated commuting clothes don’t need to be lycra, but clothing that allows for ventilation in the summer and keeps you warm without making you sweat too much in the winter.

It’s a little bit of an art to getting the amount of clothing right, but once you get used to it you will have no problem deciding what you’ll be wearing just by looking at the weather forecast or the thermometer.

I usually think in terms of three temperature ranges, and dress accordingly. Your body probably tolerates these temperatures differently, but you can prepare at least a mental table, which will help you decide what you will wear without having to think too much. You will figure it out after a few rides.

59F+ (15C+) – Top: short sleeve running or cycling jersey. Bottom: running or MTB shorts. Sandals or runners.

– Top: short sleeve running or cycling jersey. Bottom: running or MTB shorts. Sandals or runners. 41-58F (5-14C) – Top: short or long sleeve running jersey with a light cycling jacket. Bottom: thermal underwear and running shorts. Thin cycling gloves. Runners with socks.

– Top: short or long sleeve running jersey with a light cycling jacket. Bottom: thermal underwear and running shorts. Thin cycling gloves. Runners with socks. 40F (4C) or less – Top: short or long sleeve running jersey with windproof warm cycling top. Bottom: long, warm, windproof cycling trousers. One or two pairs of socks, wind, and waterproof hiking shoes.

For safety I always make sure that the outermost layer is bright and reflective so you can be spotted when visibility is poor.

Rain doesn’t bother me too much on warm days, so if it’s not too intense, I just get wet, because I know that it will dry quickly. If it rains heavily then I use a rain jacket.

It’s OK to be wet, it’s OK to be cold, but it’s not OK to be wet and cold. Anonymous

Rain on cold days is completely different. It’s ok to be wet, it’s ok to be cold, but it’s not ok to be wet and cold at the same time. It leads to sickness. In wintertime, I always make sure that I have a rain jacket (and waterproof pants) with me.

Route. Which way to go?

Of course, you know where you work. Of course, you can get there. But can you get there in the safest, most efficient, shortest and quickest way? Sometimes those can’t all be combined in one route, and you need to find a good balance of distance, speed, safety. Doubts can arise in you about the route when riding your bike.

The best route for you as a bike commuter is most probably very different than the best route to take when you drive to work. You can take certain shortcuts that you can’t drive on, some way streets allow bikes to go both directions, and some roads are just too dangerous or even illegal to ride the bike on.

It’s good to have a route in mind for your first ride. It is even better to ride it on a quiet day so you understand it in practice. You will find out if there is any major issue with what you planned. You can make other changes as you get used to bike commuting. Distance isn’t the only factor that determines how fast you can get to work or home. The number of lights you need to cross, how they are synchronized, the quality of the roads, shared paths with pedestrians, climbs and descents all come into play. Also, you may find out that the quickest way is not the one you enjoy most. After over a year of commuting to my current job, every now and then I still find ways to improve the route.

You can use Endomondo or Strava on your phone to check the route you took and to compare it to other possible routes. Komoot is another cyclist specific application, which allows you to plan out your commute ahead of time.

After seeing your route on the map you can compare it with other possible routes. Having direct riding experience helps you decide if it’s worth trying another way.

For example, my commute used to be 25 miles (both ways) initially and I was able to shorten it to 18 miles. Not only was it 7 miles longer, but it was full of traffic lights and busy pedestrian areas, and it took me 2 hours to get there and back. Today my commute is only 1 hour and 15 minutes in total.

In short: know the way, but don’t be overconfident that you know the best route. Ever since I started bike commuting I keep improving my route and make little changes. Obviously the changes you make at the beginning are greater than the ones you make after a year.

Take care of your bike

To maintain your bike in good working order and to keep it running smoothly for a long time, you should have some tools at home.

If you take care of your bike, your bike will take care of you. A Bike Commuter Hero

Here’s a short maintenance checklist:

Check the tire pressure twice a month . It’s normal for the tires to lose pressure. If your bike has thin tires running at high PSI then this is very important in order to avoid pinch flats.

. It’s normal for the tires to lose pressure. If your bike has thin tires running at high PSI then this is very important in order to avoid pinch flats. Clean and lube your chain as often as necessary or at least every month (depending on the lubricant you use and the riding conditions – read more about it here).

(depending on the lubricant you use and the riding conditions – read more about it here). Change the chain every 2000-2500 miles and the cassette when it shows signs of wear (usually at every other chain replacement).

(usually at every other chain replacement). Check your brake pads and replace them when they’re worn .

. If you ride your bike in all weather conditions, replace the cables once a year.

Lube the bearings every year

You don’t need to do all the maintenance at home. You can take your bike to your local bike shop for the chain, cassette, cable replacement and lubing of the bearings. However, simple tasks, such as tire pressure, chain cleaning can be done at home even if you live in an apartment.

Keep a decent floor pump at home with a pressure gauge. Pay attention that your pump is compatible with your valve. The most common valve types are Presta and Schrader. Road bike and most hybrid bikes use Presta valves, while MTBs, city bikes and some hybrids use Schrader. I recommend using a twin head pump, which allows you to inflate tires with Presta or Schrader valves without having to use an adapter, change the head or use any trick. It’s also very practical if you have more than one bike at home with different valves. The BV Bicycle Ergonomic Bike Floor Pump ticks all the boxes and it is both an inexpensive and reliable choice available on Amazon.

To keep your chain clean and well lubed, you will need at least a brush, degreaser, a few pieces of cloth and chain lube, but if you don’t like making too much mess, a chain cleaning device, such as the Park Tool Chain cleaner is recommended. It does a great job at cleaning your chain fast and it keeps most of the gunk contained in its body, leaving less for you to clean up.

Prepare for the commute

Besides bike maintenance, you should prepare the things you will need for the ride the night before. It is very hard to get your mind to focus on the things you need in the morning, especially if you are in a hurry and there are other things on your mind. I learned this the hard way, after repeatedly leaving socks, gloves and even my helmet at home on one occasion. Now I have a mental checklist of the items I prepare every night before I go to sleep. Everything is in front of me when I wake up in the morning, and no brain processing power is needed to make sure that I remember everything.

Prepare for the weather

One of the items on the night-before checklist is checking the forecast and preparing the clothes for the next day. The summer and winter are quite predictable, but the temperature changes very much from one day to the next in spring and fall.

On the ride

If you learned to ride the bike as a child you’re probably familiar with some basic bike handling skills. These need to be second nature, especially when bike commuting in traffic.

Riding with one hand off the handlebar: this is needed to signal to turn intent, fix helmet, reach for a water bottle, just to name a few. It can be daunting at first if you don’t know how to do it yet, but with a little bit of practice, it’s very easy to get the hang of it. When signaling, give enough time for those coming behind you to take notice of you and to slow down if necessary.

Shifting weight front and back: standing out of the saddle and having all your weight on the pedals allows you to shift your weight when riding on roads with potholes, crossing train or tram tracks, riding on cobblestones or getting on and off curbs. You can ride without this skill, but mastering it gives you a huge boost of confidence and introduces you to an entirely new dimension.

Shifting gear: know your bike and know how it works, especially how it shifts. This doesn’t only mean that you know where the shifters are, but how to get into higher and lower gears, when to shift and how to shift without destroying your bike. There is a whole article about this on Bike Commuter Hero. If you’re a beginner cyclist, it’s well worth checking out.

Scan the route ahead for vehicles, cyclists, and potholes. It is more a habit than a skill, but it’s essential in order to make good decisions ahead of time. Being aware of your surroundings, including traffic coming from behind you ensures your safety.

Pace yourself, especially if you have a long ride. It requires a conscious effort to spend your energy wisely and not be destroyed by the time you arrive at the office. This takes some trial and error, and you’ll get used to it after a few weeks.

Enjoy, relax and have fun. One of the benefits of bike commuting I noticed in my own life is being less stressed when I get to work and especially when I get home. The 40 minutes I spend on the bike is a winding downtime, which allows me to leave all the worries of the job behind me. If you concentrate on wanting to beat every speed record or worry about how other cyclists perceive you because of your gear, size or speed, you take the fun away.

Refuel the engine

As a bike commuter, you’re not only the rider, but you’re the engine too. You cannot bike commute on a completely full stomach and most people cannot ride on an empty one either.

As a bike commuter, you’re not only the rider, but you’re the engine too. Don’t fill it with gas, but fuel it the right way. Another Bike Commuter Hero

You need to fuel your body the right way. You will experience a spike in your appetite in the first few days. It’s completely normal, given that you’re using more energy than before, and this energy needs to be replaced. Know yourself and plan your meals in such a way that it supports your activity. I recently wrote extensively on the topic of riding after eating as well as the weight loss and nutrition aspect of bike commuting.

Conclusion

To become a bike commuter takes some investment if you don’t have the proper gear but more importantly it takes some mental preparation. For someone living an inactive lifestyle, it’s literally going from zero to hero. I encourage you to take the plunge. You will be so proud of yourself in a year that you can’t even imagine it now. Take it one step at a time and try to have fun every step of the way.

Happy riding!

Guide to cycling to work

Cycling to work is fantastic. It comes with a whole host of benefits for your health, wealth and the environment, but just knowing this might not be enough to help you start if you are nervous about trying it for the first time. But you don’t have to be worried; just follow our advice and you’ll wonder why you ever had any doubts.

Use a cycle route planner

One reservation I’ve heard many times for cycling to work is: “I would but I’d have to ride around that roundabout or down that A-road.” With some good planning, though, it may be that you can avoid those bits of the route you want to avoid.

While it may mean riding slightly further if you have to alternate from the direct route it will make your journey more pleasant. Try the Cycling UK Journey Planner and visit CycleStreets to plot your journey from A to B.

Plan your cycle route

Ask a friend to cycle with you

There may be a person who already cycles into work who may be willing to chaperone you on your first week to work to give you confidence. Someone may know the best local routes to use, quieter roads or shortcuts. You never know unless you ask.

It’s worth checking their cycling style and if they are going to be supportive of your beginner status before you arrange to ride with them, though. The last thing you want is to find yourself sprinting to keep up, or being taken down roads that a more confident cyclist considers acceptable but of which you are nervous.

Cycling training for beginners

Cycling to work can be daunting if you haven’t done it before, but there is a national scheme that can help with your confidence on the road. The Bikeability programme is delivered across the UK to help develop the skills and awareness needed to ride on our roads.

Now, you may be thinking “but I did my cycling proficiency test in school”. Things have moved on a little from the cones in a playground you may remember and the training now is done in a range of settings tailored to the type of journeys you want to make. Even better news is that in many locations the training is delivered free of charge.

For more information and to see if there are courses near you check out the Bikeability course finder.

You may just want a refresher of the basics. If so, our videos explaining how to prepare for a journey on your bike may help.

Road cycle training for beginners

Make an agreement to start later and don’t book meetings first thing

It sounds obvious but don’t try to start cycling in on a week where you have a big deadline or that all-important meeting in the morning as that’s a recipe for disaster.

Pick a day that is less pressured to be in at a certain time

Ask your boss for a little flexibility on when you arrive to work on your first cycling day.

Try the route out on a weekend

The roads on the weekend are less busy and motorists generally feel less pressure to get to their destination, so if you have the time test your journey on a weekend.

Test the route you’re going to cycle

Get a good estimate for how long it will take

Maybe ride to your favourite café for cyclists near work and treat yourself.

Take some spare clothes to work

If your commute is short you may not need to change your clothes, just ride a little slower and you arrive to work ready to go. However if you have the facilities to do so and you will feel more comfortable in fresh clothes, take a change of clothes with you.

Cycle slower so you don’t have to change your clothes

Take a change of clothes with you

If you have a very wet cycle commute it may be a good idea to have some spare clothes in work.

Find out where the office showers and bike facilities are

Finding out where the facilities are will save you some stress on your first day. You may need to sign up for a locker or find out where the showers are, but that will be time well spent to make your ride to work that much simpler.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once

Cycling to work may be a big step for you so think about if you can build up to it over time. If on the first day you cover a small amount of the distance and take the train some of the way, you’ll still have achieved some thing great.

Next time you can ride to the next stop and get the train, and before you know it you’ll cycle the whole way from home to work. Consider also that you may only want to ride in once a week to begin with and add more cycling trips over time. Again, that’s a great achievement and something you can build up from over time.

Take some bike lights

It’s a legal requirement to have lights on your bike during specific times, and depending on the time of year and what time you travel to work that could impact you. Keeping a set of lights with you is always a good idea especially if you might get stuck at the office later than planned.

My colleague Keir has put together this handy video to cover the basics you’ll need to know.

Be kind to yourself and enjoy it

If the day you plan to ride has horrific weather, or you’re not feeling it, don’t worry. Just plan it again for another day. Cycling to work should be an enjoyable part of your day and not something to feel guilty about.

In fact you should feel a sense of achievement that you’re now most likely to be meeting the governments targets for physical activity.

Cycle insurance

Unfortunately, incidents do occur both on and off the bike. So for peace of mind, and to protect you and your cycling possessions, you may want to consider insurance. Cycling UK works with Yellow Jersey and Pedal Cover to offer cycling insurance for members and non-members.

9 Ways to Make Bike Commuting Easier

Most of us recognize that bike commuting is the ultimate win-win and a positive influence on your fitness, mental health, wallet, and the world around you. But, getting started can be intimidating. What do you do if it rains? How do you handle a too-long commute? And where do you even buy those neon strips of fabric to keep your pant legs out of your spokes?

We reached out to some of the most committed cyclists we could find to learn how they manage common commuting issues. Here’s how they streamline the process and how they recommend smoothing over those early barriers to everyday riding. (If you’re still looking for more commuting tips, check out Jason Sumner’s book that’s full of handy info, like how to prep your bike and how to ride safely at night.)

Organize Your Stuff

Robin Skjoldborg/Getty Images

Lay out everything you need the night before. Make sure your bike is ready, your work clothes are packed, and you have everything you need to roll out the door. It helps to make a list of everything you need to bring with you, or just set aside a plastic drawer by the door for all your commuter stuff. And set up a USB charging station nearby for bike lights and other gadgets.

Lizbon Grav is no stranger to commuter prep—she’s been a bike commuter in NYC, DC, Portland, and the Netherlands since 2001. Over the years, her rides to work and running errands have ranged from 16 miles to 32 round-trip. (Read about her car-free adventures on her blog, loveandtransportation.com.) Here’s what she brings on every commute:

“Versatile tires; an extra layer; rain gear; wool socks; cotton handkerchief (for snot); a cap and neckwarmer; a bandana; a bag of snacks; a flat kit with tools, tubes, a pump, and a dollar bill to use as a tire boot; my Metrocard; $20; backup batteries or lights; phone; and a pocketknife. In winter, I carry heat packs (chemical toewarmers) and rubber gloves for extra warmth while making repairs.”

Your checklist might be shorter or longer depending on what you need, but step one is to get organized.

Pre-Ride Your Route

William Andrew/Getty Images

If you’re a new bike commuter or don’t have much experience riding the roads you’ll be taking, then a trial run is a great way to build confidence for your first commute.

Super-commuter Erica Goddard rides 16 miles round-trip to her job in Seattle. She recommends using a trip planner, like the bike mode in Google maps, and reaching out to other cyclists to find the best route. Then, do a test run.

“When I move to a new city I always bike my route on a day I don’t have to actually get to my destination on time, like a weekend when I’m not working, to make sure I actually know where I’m going and that it feels safe,” she says.

(Obsessively) Check the Weather

kizilkayaphotos/Getty Images

Download Dark Sky to tell you when and for exactly how long it will rain in your location. With more pinpointed accuracy than other weather apps, it’s a useful tool for deciding whether to head out early—and how much rain gear to pack. (Of course, if you want to be on the safe side, you might want to always keep yours with you.) Shower’s Pass and SealSkinz make great waterproof socks, gloves, overshoes, and other equipment. And keep in mind that bike lights will always make you more visible in the rain.

“Bike commuting means you’re going to become a little obsessed with weather, but you’re also going to get accustomed to just being prepared for it,” Lizbon says. “As a messenger friend used to say, ‘If there’s a 20 percent chance of rain, there’s a 100 percent chance that I will have raingear on me.’”

“Nothing is truly waterproof,” she warns; “it’s always just buying you time until full soakage. I like Showers Pass and prefer the rain pants that zip off at the knee because the full pants get too hot.”

Gear Up With Racks, Fenders, and Panniers

beemore/Getty Images

Backpacks and messenger bags are easy enough, but if you really want to commit to everyday riding, your back will thank you if you get a rack and panniers. Lizbon recommends a convertible pannier that can be worn as a backpack—that way it’s easy to tote around when you’re off the bike.

“Banjo Bros has a nice, not crazy-expensive one, and Ortlieb is still the gold standard for waterproof bags,” she says.

Bring Your Coffee Along

David Malan/Getty Images

A great way to get out the door earlier is to pack up your coffee and bring it with you, whether in a thermos or a special carrier. Portland company PDW makes a handy mount called the Bar-ista that regular commuter John C. Meyers swears by.

“I’ve used it to transport coffee, soup, sour cream and other things,” he says. “I also occasionally take long rides on the weekend and being able to take coffee with me makes it easier to convince myself it’s a good idea to ride.”

Divide the Ride

Philip Gatward/Getty Images

Is it unsafe or too long to ride all the way to work? Go multi-modal and split up your commute. Check out if there are any buses or trains in your area that allow bikes on board. If you live somewhere without good public transit, park your car somewhere closer to the office and ride the rest of the way in. You’ll still cut down on your driving mileage and reap the health benefits of bike commuting, even if you still have to use some gas.

Find Clothes that Work For You

Jordan Siemens/Getty Images

Some of us like to commute in work clothes, others find it easier to ride in kit and change when we get to the office.

Lizbon says she’s found that riding in a mix of cycling-specific clothes and work clothes works best in terms of changing quickly when she arrives.

“What worked for me was having my business shoes and a blazer or cardigan at work, and riding in a dress or skirt with bike shorts under it and a non-wrinkly loose-fitting or stretchy blouse,” she says. “I just stuck with ordinary clothes that were cut well for bicycling (e.g., knee-length, A-line dresses) and not too wrinkly. More thin layers are always superior to fewer thick ones, and tend to look better too. As far as fabrics go, I look for merino, cotton pique (doesn’t wrinkle), and rayon.”

Lizbon says she also swears by Uniqlo’s ‘Heat Tech’ line of base layers ant thin merino sweaters, which are easy to ride in but look like worth clothes.

Check out our roundups of casual bike commuter clothes for men and women, if you’re looking for ideas.

Flat-Proof Your Ride

Katja Kircher/Getty Images

The best thing you can do to ward off flat tires is start carrying a flat kit and pump with you. There’s just something about being super-prepared that seems to warn the universe not to test you. The second best thing you can do is to get tough tires that can handle rough road surfaces.

“For skinnier road tires I like Maxxis Refuse because they almost never flat,” Lizbon says. “But really I prefer a more versatile tire like Kenda Kwik Trax (the poor man’s Schwalbe Marathons) in about 28C to 32C. Schwalbe Marathons are bulletproof, but the bead is so stiff that if you ever do get a flat you’d better carry a Kool Stop Tire Jack.”

Have a Contingency Plan

Franziska Zuber / EyeEm / Getty Images

Carry a bike lock with you in case you need to make emergency stops. Know where the nearest bike shops are located. Pack water and a snack. Have some cash for public transit. And it never hurts to stick a multi-tool in your pocket.

“It’s helpful to have a contingency for when things happen that you can’t fix yourself (or can’t right away) or if something bad happens & you get hurt,” Lizbon says. “For me that meant having a place or two I could safely store my bike inside overnight (like my favorite LBS, a friend’s house, etc.) and some form of public transportation as a backup. I also firmly believe in bike commuting in shoes you can also walk in if you have to. One night the bridge I crossed every day flash-froze and I had to walk the bike the whole way.”

Lizbon also carries salt packets for hot days and a homemade sports drink made from half coconut water and half tap water, with a small amount of sea salt.

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