Cycling to work is increasingly popular, and it’s not hard to see why. From saving money and helping the climate to boosting mental and physical well-being, there’s much to love about travelling to work on two wheels. The fact that it can make the trip to work fun — not something we usually say about the commute — makes it even more appealing.
Of course, cycling to work requires a little more effort than simply jumping on a bus or getting behind the wheel of your car. But that’s usually only at the beginning. Once you’ve got the hang of things, you’ll find that you never look back (except when making turns!).
In this post, we’re going to run through some handy things to know that’ll ensure your cycling-to-work project runs smoothly.
Find the Right Bike
That old bike that’s been sitting in your garage for the past ten years might have the capacity to get you to and from work, but in all likelihood, you’ll need to invest in a new bike. You don’t have to spend the earth to get the best bike on the market (though feel free if your budget allows!); the main thing is that you get a bike that’s fit for purpose. If your work is only a relatively short distance away, then a traditional bike will be fine. If the office is slightly further away, then it’ll be best to look at getting an electric bike.
The Route Matters
Riding to work on your bike should offer more than functionality. It should be fun. For that to be the case, you’ll need to figure out the right route. In some cases, it can be better to take a route that’s slightly longer if it’s more scenic. You’ll have a much nicer time if you’re cycling on quieter backroads rather than winding through traffic — and this option will also be safer, too. Take a look at all the route options available to you, and find one that offers a nice balance between being bike-friendly and time optimisation.
Try Before You Buy
Your first day riding to work will be exciting, but it also poses a few unknowns that might compromise your enjoyment. For instance, maybe the Google Map directions are overly ambitious about how long the ride takes, and you end up having to pedal faster than you’d like just to make it to the office on time. Or perhaps you realise that the route features a greater incline than you thought, or you simply get lost and have to keep looking at your phone.
Those things do not constitute a good start to a workday. The solution? Try the route on a non-workday before you commit to cycling to work. You’ll feel more confident riding to work if you know that the route is manageable, you know the way, and so forth.
It’s Best to Start Small
It’s unlikely that you have to cycle to work. You’ll likely be doing it for other reasons, such as getting fitter or lowering your carbon footprint. Still, while you’ll likely eventually find that you love cycling to work, it’s best not to overdo things when you first get started. You’ll lose nothing by starting small and just riding to work a couple of times a week. Once you get the hang of things, you can ramp things up — or perhaps you’ll decide that a mix of cycling and driving to work is the best way to go.
Learning Basic Repairs Is Key
Even the best bikes can experience issues, and it’s just a fact that most bike issues occur while on the road. After all, it’s unlikely that your bike will suffer damage when it’s resting in your garage! It’s a good idea to carry a repair kit regardless of where you’re cycling, but it’s especially important when you’re cycling to work. At that point, having an issue with your bike isn’t just inconvenient; it can also impact your professional life.
Remember that carrying a bike repair kit will be relatively useless if you don’t know how to use it correctly, so be sure to learn how to do basic (or even not-so-basic!) repairs by following along with YouTube tutorials.
It’s Worth Investing in Quality Locks
On most days, you’ll likely cycle directly from your home to the office (and the office to your home) without stopping. But part of the fun of cycling to work is that it gives you the freedom to make spontaneous plans. If it’s a lovely day, then you can simply swing by a picturesque park on your way home and soak up the rays.
Carrying a lock — and a good one at that — is essential for keeping your bike safe when it’s not in use, be it whether you’re buying something from a shop, visiting a friend, or unwinding in the aforementioned sunny park. It’s important to secure your bike whatever type you own, but it’s especially essential if you have an electric bike. They’re of particular interest to potential criminals. For that, it’s best to buy a diamond-rated lock and electric bike insurance so that you’re covered just in case the unthinkable should happen. It’s also worth thinking about what you would do if your bike was stolen. For instance, is there someone you could call who could pick you up on their way to work? Is there a bus you can take?
Staying Safe
Riding a bike to work can be fun, but it can also pose dangers, especially during the winter months when visibility is reduced. Speeding cars, drivers failing to indicate, and e-scooters in cycling lanes can all put a rider’s safety at risk.
You can’t control what other people on the roads do, but you can ensure that you’re as safe as possible. A quality helmet is essential, as is high-visibility clothing. Driving responsibility, such as riding at a normal speed and using hand signals, is also key.
Carry a Change of Clothes
Unless you’re only riding a short distance and your workplace has a casual dress code, it’s usually best to carry a change of clothes with you and get changed in the office. Even relatively straightforward rides can leave you feeling a little hot and sweaty, and there’s also a chance that you’ll end up with some mud on your clothes, especially if you’re riding after rainfall.
Having a change of clothes — and perhaps even using the office shower if there is one — can ensure you start your workday from a point of freshness.
Upgrade the Seat
Most bike seats are fine if you’re only riding for twenty minutes or so. But if you’re riding longer than that every single day, then an uncomfortable bike seat will very much make itself known. And if there’s one thing that’ll have you abandoning your cycle-to-work scheme earlier than you’d like, it’s struggling with the pain of an uncomfortable seat.
The solution? Upgrade your seat. There are plenty of aftermarket options available for purchase. Once you’ve got the right one, you’ll find that you’ll be able to ride for as long as you like.
Pack Some Snacks
Finally, look at packing some snacks in your backpack before you set off on your journey each day. You never know when hunger will strike, especially when you’re engaging in exercise. Having some energy-boosting snacks in your backpack will ensure that you can refuel on your way to the office, and it’ll also help you save money on buying food, too.