5 tips for commuting to work by bike with confidence
Top tips for cycling to work
When it comes to getting to work, there are a number of ways to travel — and cycling is just one of them.
Whether you are a keen cyclist or just looking for a more enjoyable (and affordable) commute, cycling to work will undoubtedly get your blood flowing and brain switched on for the day ahead.
Numerous studies have shown that daily exercise can reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, improve sleep patterns for individuals with insomnia, and reduce anxiety. On top of this, cycling to work has been proven to drastically reduce your chances of getting cancer or heart disease.
So why isn’t everyone doing it?
Many people avoid cycling to work as they believe it is too dangerous. The truth is, there are risks to cycling to work but there are some steps you can take to reduce these to a minimum.
Choosing to cycle to work could flip your grueling commute into the best part of your day. So, here are our 5 tips for a fun (and safe) commute:
Be seen, be safe
Attaching lights to your bike, helmet, bag, and even wheels is a great way to feel more confident on the road. Being visible to motorists, other cyclists and pedestrians will make you feel seen, especially in the winter months.
These days most lights are rechargeable via USB which means you can plug them in when you get to work to ensure you can have them on full beam for the commute home.
Assert yourself
As a cyclist, you have every right to be on the road. It is custom, in the UK, to keep left so cars can pass but when cycling through cities, and on single tracks, this should be exercised with caution.
With city cycling, you will undoubtedly stop at traffic lights. If you are at the front of the traffic, make sure to position yourself in view of the first car — even if this means in the middle of the lane. Being seen by vehicles is more important than holding them up! Unfortunately, accidents can occur when cyclists are wedged down the left-hand-side of vehicles at the lights.
Ride smart, ride safe
If you are a few cars back, and cannot safely get to the front of the lights, then just wait. Position yourself in the middle of the lane and set off in the line of traffic when the lights change. As you cross the junction, you can return to cycling as usual on the left.
It may seem obvious, but don’t be tempted to jump the lights. There is no benefit that outweighs the risk of an accident. And this behaviour could infuriate motorists which can affect the wider cycling community.
Think, look and listen
There’s a reason cyclists make great drivers — we have spider senses when it comes to road hazards. It’s important to remain alert throughout your commute and to be aware of not only motorists but fellow cyclists and pedestrians.
Whether you are riding on the road or a cycle path, always check over your shoulder before changing your line or over-taking, and never undertake cyclists. If in doubt, announce yourself — no one will mind knowing you’re there! A simple, “on your right” can avoid startling other riders as you come past.
And when it comes to pedestrians, have your wits about you; they can be totally rogue, dressed in dark colours and stepping out at the last minute.
Check the weather
Trusty weather apps mean that you should never be caught out on the bike. If you are aware of the conditions, you can prepare accordingly, with kit, routes, timings. In most cases, a decent jacket and a spare base-layer will be enough to keep you commuting both ways, whatever the weather.
There will be days, whether due to ice, wind or heavy rain, that you’ll have to rack your bike and opt for the train/bus/tube. Although these can be frustrating, hopefully, they are few. Depending on your commute, you could always change up your routine by running all or part of the way to work instead.
For some cyclists, the commute becomes part of training — choosing to work on acceleration from the lights or intervals on longer stretches. For others, it’s merely a mode of transport. It’s good to keep this spectrum of cyclists in mind as you commute and to respect the road and other commuters, however, they choose to travel.
