Cycling to work? Here are some tips for your first commute

Cities across the globe are becoming more jam-packed by the day, making ‘now’ the perfect time for individuals to make a difference by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

Not only will cycling to work improve your health and pocket, but it will also improve your standard of living.

If an entire country can start to make a difference, you will be contributing to the environment at large.

If you are thinking about commuting to work by bike but don’t know how to go about it, here are a few tips to help you get the ball rolling. Bring out the bike, it’s time to get fit and save the planet!

• Begin with an achievable distance

Beginner or amateur cyclists will struggle in the beginning months to adjust as it will be extremely tiring. For those who live more than 45 minutes away from the office, this will, unfortunately, not be an option. However, if you do live close to work, you should practise your commute beforehand to see if the commute is possible. If you do end up cycling to work, make sure there’s a shower facility close by.

• Start with an achievable frequency

Becoming fit, saving money and doing your bit to decrease the carbon footprint are all wonderful reasons to motivate you to cycle to work. However, you need to start slowly to achieve long-term success. Start by creating an achievable goal that you know you will be able to meet. For example, cycle to work two or three times a week, for a couple of months, before you consider taking the plunge to do it every day.

• Wear the right clothing

Always wear the correct gear, especially a helmet, in case you lose your stability in the bicycle lane and fall. Also, make sure you invest in some reflective gear for the evening cycles and some bright coloured clothing for the foggy days. Because you are going to be travelling long distances with your bicycle, make sure that your new ‘vehicle’ is up to scratch with the correct bicycle parts to withstand a long ride. Cycling clothing can be expensive, and while you won’t need to purchase a large variety, make sure you have a selection of items that are comfortable enough to get you to and from work without causing friction.

• Choose your luggage wisely

As you can imagine, travelling to work with a heavy bag can be challenging. Depending on the industry you’re in, you will need to transport your work items carefully, but if possible, try and opt for a backpack. This is the most obvious option because you can swing it over your shoulders, balancing out the amount of weight that is resting on your back. Be careful with the number of items you put into your backpack as this could put unnecessary strain on your shoulders, causing you to quit your cycle for a few days.

• Ride with confidence

The more experienced you become in your cycling, the easier it will be to ride with confidence. If possible, detach yourself from the curb and maneuver yourself onto the road and in between the cars. The reason for this is that when you drive very close to the curb, you’re more likely to be nervous when passing vehicles and vice versa. It’s an easy way to be caught in an accident if someone doesn’t see you. On that note, learn your hand gestures. For example, indicating with your arms to show your direction.

• Park in a secure area

Once you arrive at your destination, make sure that you park in a safe, secure area. You should have a secure lock that you can attach to your bicycle, and if possible, ensure that your bike gets parked close to CCTV cameras. There is nothing worse than arriving at the communal bicycle rack, only to see that yours is gone. Go the extra mile to make sure that your bicycle is safe at all times, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Final words

Commuting to work is plenty of fun, once you get the hang of things. Depending on the type of bicycle you have, you might find certain areas more strenuous, so if you are cycling with a mountain bike on the roads, make sure your bike is equipped with the correct mountain bike parts. There are various options to find these bicycle parts if you search ‘where to find bicycle parts online’. You’ll also receive a list in your area.

Cycling to work is a wonderful way to relieve stress, keep fit and make a difference in your community. Take it cycle by cycle and soon you’ll be cycling to work every day.