Words by Smiley Team
Many people took up cycling during the pandemic, when going on public transport was a no-no. Considering it’s among the lowest carbon-per-kilometre modes of transport (it's even better than walking!) the hope is many people will switch to this new way of commuting full-time.
If you’ve never cycled your commute before, it’s normal to feel nervous. So how can you build your confidence and start riding to work?
“First of all, don’t feel it’s ‘all or nothing’,” Rob Kingston, from Cycling UK, tells Smiley News. “Even doing it once or twice a week can have a big benefit to your health and to reducing congestion, so don’t be afraid to start small.
“And if the weather looks dreadful, don’t feel guilty about leaving the bike for another day – although you will probably be pleasantly surprised how rarely you get wet!”
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Secondly, says Rob, plan your route. If you currently drive to work, that route is unlikely to be the best, safest or quickest route by bike. Try the Cycling UK journey planner or visit CycleStreets to map a more cycle-friendly route.
It’s a good idea to test the route out ahead of time, so you can get an idea of how long it’ll take, advises Rob. “You don’t want to have to rush and arrive all sweaty!” Try it on a weekend, perhaps, so you can take your time and find a route that works best for you. There may be quieter journeys that take a little longer – or quicker journeys that are busier at rush hour.
You can boost confidence on the road by taking part in the Bikeability scheme – this is delivered across the UK to help develop the skills and awareness needed to ride on our roads, says Nik Hart, Cycling UK’s cycle commuting expert. The good news is that in many locations, the training is delivered free of charge. Find out more here. Alternatively, it’s worth checking out to see if your local council offers any adult cycling lessons, as many do to encourage more people on the road.
Before you set off on your cycle, make sure you have some basic tools under your belt, adds Rob. Learn how to fix a puncture and do basic safety checks on your bike. You can find guides on the Cycling UK website.
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Finding the ride too tough? Consider an E-bike. “They’re brilliant,” says Rob. “They take so much of the effort out of riding, especially on hills, but you still get the benefits of exercise and fresh air. They are more expensive but if you can take advantage of a Cycle to Work scheme then you can spread the cost as well as getting a hefty discount because you save the income tax on the amount you spend.”
You might want to try talking to colleagues who already cycle to work, to get tips or ride together if they live nearby. And don’t forget to take a change of clothes – “if you can store them at work then you don’t need to carry a heavy bag every day, you could for instance take them in one day a week by car/public transport,” says Rob.
For more information, visit Cycling UK's dedicated commuting hub.
Image credit: Martin Gstoehl / Shutterstock
