Cycling to work is a great way to commute, but it requires a lot of planning and preparation. You will probably need to invest in a bike that is designed for regular commuting. Like many people, you might feel that cycling to work could be a great way to get more exercise. You might want to save money on gas and parking, or even just enjoy the scenery more than you can from a cramped rush hour bus. But there are a lot of challenges to overcome before you can say that cycling to work is a viable option for you.
If you decide cycling to work is right for you, there are a lot of advantages involved. One of the most important things to consider is your personal health. Apart from walking between bus and train stations most of your public transport will be stationary. This makes it very hard to fit cardio into your daily commute.
If you cycle to work, you’ll be able to take in the fresh air and exercise at the same time. So you’ll feel better and more energized throughout the day. It will also free up your time outside of work to focus on other things. Such as your own projects, or enjoy some quality time with friends and family. It will be good for your commute if you have a comfortable bike to ride. And finally, you will have a smaller carbon footprint on the planet if you cycle to work than if you drive.
This is a real concern for those who commute by bicycle. Many commuters want to cycle year round, but the weather outside isn’t always favourable. Although cycling to work can be beneficial to your health. Getting into an accident because you went out in dangerous conditions isn't. While cycling in bad weather is very challenging. You need to be prepared. Make sure you're wearing waterproof clothing. Make sure your clothing isn't too baggy, you don't want to catch anything in your bikes chain. Finally make sure you bike has adequate lighting, reflectors and pumped up tires before your journey.
You should avoid riding your bike on the roads or in any busy areas, as you could easily collide with a car or a car/motorcycle that’s speeding or coming to a sudden stop. You’ll also need to wear appropriate gear to ensure that you and others are protected. It probably goes without saying, you’ll need to have a reliable bike. It's best to keep your bike clean for the most part. This has its benefits as many bikes have reflective designs on the frame and rims. By keeping your bike mud free you're more likely to be seen by other road users. Additionally, mud and dirt can corrode your bikes frame and components. Giving your bike a wipe down after every use can help prolong it's lifespan.
Before you decide to cycle to work, you will want to make sure that your bike can carry you comfortably. A bike that is too heavy will make it difficult to get up hills. It should have comfortable seats and good support. As you are likely to be on the bike for a long while. Look for a bike that is designed to ride comfortably for longer distances. Rather than a high-end bike for short, fast rides. It is essential that you have the right clothing to ride to work if you are going to cycle regularly. It is normal to get stiff, sore and achy in the morning. This is a physical reaction to the exercise you have just completed. Choosing clothing that has padding in the right places can help to avoid unnecessary aches and pains.
We'd recommend checking our article Best Road Bikes if you're looking for a suitable commuting bike.
In many parts of the country, cycling to work in the evenings isn’t without its risks. It might be dark and you could be harder to see by other road users. It may also be quite cold. So the first thing to consider when cycling home in the evening is whether or not you'll need extra layers. Too many layers and you'll overheat and start to fatigue. Too few and you'll get too cold which can effect your muscles efficiency.
Secondly you need to consider how easy to spot you are. Whether you're riding on busy roads or empty nature trails. You need to be able to see what's in front of you. As well as be seen by other commuters. Reflective arm bands, flashing lights and powerful headlamps will all help to keep you visible. As well as keep the terrain and any possible obstacles visible to you in the process.
It is vital that you have a secure place to store your bike. There are a number of options available to you. The first is to have a secure locker at your workplace, where you can keep your bike and lock it away. Perhaps your office can invest in a bicycle rack or simply buy a lock that is designed to secure bikes. Most city office buildings will have policies in place for storing bikes. Follow your building’s security guidelines.
If you want to commute by bicycle, you will probably want to avoid heavy traffic. If there are a number of routes available to you. Try to choose the ones with less heavy traffic. If your commute is too far then consider a folding bike. That way you can jump on and off public transport with your bike folded down. Then unfold it and continue with your journey.
Some people just don't have the experience, strength, or skill to cycle to work safely. Cycling to work, up and down hills, stopping at traffic lights. All of these things take energy out of your legs. If you don't have the stamina then you'll arrive in work exhausted. Which isn't great if you've got a full day ahead of you. Be absolutely sure you're able to complete the journey before you attempt it for work. Perhaps take the journey at the weekend. When there is less traffic and you're not racing against the clock. Finding out that your commute takes 10 minutes longer than you anticipated is good information to have. That way you can plan ahead and avoid arriving late.
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