The Cyclist’s Commuting Guide
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a complete amateur, commuting can be a great way of avoiding the drain of public transport and traffic, and it can also shave a significant amount of money off your daily transport costs. As more and more people start to see the light, for example using the enigmatic ‘Boris Bikes’, that means there are more inexperienced cyclists on the road. With that in mind I’ve put together this guide to help you discover the ins and outs of commuting, or even just jog the memory of the veteran commuter.
Road Positioning
The first thing any commuter should think about is safety. As boring as it might be, if you’re going to be cycling in London, especially at the peak morning and evening times, you have to be aware. If you haven’t already, it’s a good starting point to familiarise yourself with the primary and secondary positions, which was covered in the ‘Cycling in Traffic’ article.
The traffic in this city can be pretty rough at times, but as long as you hold your position and be confident and aware, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Know your Code
Just like cars and other vehicles, cyclists have to be aware of the Highway Code, as some sections apply directly to bikes: it makes your whole commuting experience a lot more enjoyable if you’re not being beeped off the road by some impatient drivers. It’s also a lot safer to cycle as you know how to react to potential accidents. You can pick up a good cycle guide for less than £20 – a small price to pay to keep safe – and cycling insurance is also essential!
Treat Yourself
It’s no fun commuting if your ride is fighting against you, so whether you’re a beginner who’s looking to buy their first bike or you’re looking to bulk up your bike collection, it’s crucial that your bike compliments the way you ride. But it’s not just about your bike: getting into commuting is a great excuse to splash out on some cycle paraphernalia such as clothing, gadgets etc.
One thing to check is your main route into work and choose your ride accordingly; if you’re going to be climbing up hills or cycling long distances for example, a road bike is going to suit you best. Getting into the swing of commuting is hard enough without having to work for the bike as well.
Route it Out
If you’ve ever turned up to work late after getting lost somewhere along your journey, it’s much worse on a bike: you have very little protection from the elements so knowing where you’re going is pretty essential. There’s a massive number of websites and apps, a lot of them free, that you can use to plan your ride to avoid the walk of shame to your desk when you trudge in an hour late. Your job isn’t done when you reach the office though: finding a secure place to store your bike in the daytime/overnight is a must or else risk the wrath of the bike thief.
Take it Easy
Unfortunately, you’re not a superhero: if you commute into work every day straight from the get-go, you’re going to exhaust yourself. This applies less if you’re already a keen cyclist, but for beginners it’s vital to give your body a break now and then. Commuting is a fantastic way of building up your fitness and eventually your morning commute will be a walk in the park.
As any fitness coach will tell you however, it’s not just the exercise that gets you fit. Your nutrition is just as important, and upping your calorie intake when you start cycling into work will help offset the new physical exertion.
The rise in popularity in casual cycling has inevitably increased exposure for commuting, and for good reason: there’s no better/freer way of getting into work than whizzing through on your bike. While you can just pick up a bike and go, a little bit of preparation and planning can make your ride a lot smoother and more enjoyable, and you’ll even save some money – to spend on your bike of course – along the way.