7 Tips for
Those Considering
Cycling to Work
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an experienced cyclist and you’ve only ridden for leisure, cycling to work doesn’t have to be as daunting as initially thought. There’s a huge range of bikes available to get you started and we’ve summarized our 7 tips for cycling to work to help get you back on the saddle for good and feeling confident.
1. What Bike Is Best For Cycling To Work?
First thing’s first, get your equipment right. Cycling to work should be fun and enjoyable, and having the right ride can make all the difference. Choosing the best commuter round for you is dependent on the type of terrain you’re likely to face on your route.
There is a range of models available which have been designed to suit all kinds of routes, from riding on the tarmac and rougher terrain to combating even the hilliest of journeys. For those that live a considerable distance from work, don’t feel left out, as you can pick out a set of wheels that are allowed on public transport.
Here are our recommendations:
Crossbar or low step. No matter what is your physical capability, our bikes are designed using either a crossbar or low-step frame, suited for people who can or can’t swing their leg over to mount the bike. Outfit or injury dependent, the frame type can make a world of difference on your joints, enabling you to hop on with ease.
The hybrid bike. A good all-rounder bike for cyclist commuters, hybrid bikes are extremely versatile and are designed to suit various terrains. The tyres are equipped with a reliable tread pattern to provide adequate traction.
The electric bike. Perfect for people who live in particularly hilly areas, ride to work on an electric bike knowing that you’ll always have a bit of ammo behind you. Before (and after) a long day at work, an electric bike can take the weight off your journey, giving you a power boost on-route for when you need to take it easy. E-bikes are also great for anyone concerned about breaking a sweat before reaching the workplace.
The folding bike. For longer commutes that rely on public transport regardless, if you’re keen to commit to greener travel in some form, a folding bike is a must! Bikes like the Stow-E-Way or the allow you to cycle to work for most of your journey, meaning that when you do have to jump on the train, bus or tube, you can still play by the rules and take your bike with you too. Once you’ve reached your stop, hop back on and ride away!
2. Read Up on the Rules of the Road
Treat cycling to work like riding a car: stay safe and know the rules of the road. Avoid cycling on the left hand side of a car, know what is their blindside, and learn how to safely overtake if you have to (including other cycling commuters!). Treat cars and cyclists how you would want to be treated on the road. This step is particularly important for cyclists who aren’t as experienced with UK road laws. If in doubt, there may be cycle lanes and separate routes to take away from heavy traffic.
3. Wear the Right Clothing and Shoes
It might seem easier to wear your work clothes, but dressing in the right outfit can make all the difference when cycling to the workplace. Trainers and cycle shorts or leggings are a must to avoid getting your clothes caught in the chain. Plus, having fresh gear to change into takes the stress away in case you splash through a muddy puddle or experience a downpour. No-one wants to be soggy at work! Top tip: keep a spare clean outfit at work in case of emergency.
4. Pack the Essentials
Whether you're wearing a backpack or carrying a load on the pannier rack, be prepared and pack a few essentials for the journey. Carry a bottle of water, cash money (for emergencies and the inevitable), your wallet, and a bike lock including any bike accessories and equipment you may need for small repairs. Cycling to work burns calories, so it’s also good to throw in a snack in case you need a pick me up on the way.
5. Get Your Bike Fitted to Your Height
For a smooth and comfortable ride, either you can DIY at home, or your nearest bike shop can adjust your cycle to fit your height. It’s worthwhile in the long run, as a correctly fitted bike will help to protect your joints and posture from taking a hit. Simple positioning like the height and angle of the saddle can affect how you reach the handlebars and pedals. Too high and this can put a strain on your knees, so if you’re fitting the bike yourself at home, making small adjustments is best until the position feels right. A much easier option is investing in a professional bike fitting. Calculate what frame type you need with our bike size guide.
6. Do a Practice Run
Take your bike out for a practice ride of your commute. If you're nervous about doing the full journey on your first day, you can gradually build-up to cycling the full route (whether testing it on your day off or splitting your commute between cycling and another form of transport). Plus, it means that you can time your route to ensure you won’t’ be late to work. Don’t forget to factor in rush hour and anything that could cause a delay, like roadworks.
7. Have Fun!
Cycling to work is a freeing experience. So relax, take in the fresh air and have peace of mind now that cramped, sweaty public transport and sitting in traffic is a thing of the past! And better still, you’re helping the planet and improving your health all at the same time.
A few other things to consider when cycling to work:
Don’t wear headphones. Don’t be that guy or gal who isn’t paying attention. It’s just not safe.
Wear a helmet. It could save your life. Honest.
Bicycle insurance. While cyclists don’t need insurance to cycle on the road, it’s a sensible idea to get bike insurance just in case it becomes damaged or stolen.
Electric bike laws. Know the legal requirements for riding an electric bike.
Since the Government is investing £2bn to make the UK safer for cyclists, there are all the more reasons to reduce your carbon footprint and use your pedal power to commute to work.
With various cycle to work schemes available for employees and employers making it cheaper to buy a bike; there’s no reason why you can’t burn rubber on the way to the office and save the planet, making your commute all the more enjoyable and beneficial for your health.
Raring to go? What are you waiting for? Start browsing and pick the best model for you! All of our bikes are available on 0% interest and include free home delivery.