Commuting
In 2014 the horse I look after was moved to a different yard and the only way for me to get there was by bike, so I pinched a 20 year old bike from my Dad's shed and started cycling (on a car free path). I had absolutely no intention of cycling anywhere other than to and from the yard and actually hated the idea of cycling on the roads.
Clearly - because this blog exists - I changed my mind. No official decision was made, I just found I really liked travelling by bike and gradually my confidence grew. One day I decided to cycle all the way back from the stables by the canal and, guess what, it was fun. A few weeks later I cycled to work on the cycle path that runs almost from my front door to the studio I work in and before I knew it I was happily cycling on the road.
Lot’s of people are scared of cycling in the city, and I get it, but here’s why it’s great along with some tips to get you started:
Why it’s great
It’s cheap. I save £19.00 a week by cycling rather than getting the train. That’s nearly £80.00 a month!
It keeps me fit
It’s a great buffer. I wake up in the morning and don’t immediately start thinking about work but by the time I arrive at work I’m awake and I know what I need to do that day, it’s all slotted into place
It’s a stress reliever. If I’ve had a bad day by the time I get home it’s forgotten
It’s quicker than the train (for me anyway)
It’s a good warm up or warm down. I work out most days, cycling to the gym or a class is a great warm up and cycling home eases my muscles and winds me down
Tips to get started
Take your time
Only do what your comfortable with. If there’s a section of the road you don’t like the look of or a crossing your scared to make just get off and walk on the pavement or use a crossing.
Be considerate
I think the reason some cyclists get a bad name and hate pedestrians and cars is because we’re vulnerable on the bike, so emotions and reactions can be more extreme. Be considerate to your fellow road users, we all need to share the road.
Be aware
As I said you are a little vulnerable on a bike and sadly you can’t control other people. There will be pedestrians on their phones not looking where they’re going, there will be drivers that don’t see you. All you can do is control how you behave, so constantly asses your situation and be aware of what’s going on around you, this will help you anticipate danger.
Learn the Highway Code rules for cyclists
This is so important, here's two useful sources:
Be safe
Wear a helmet at all times
Make sure you’re as visible as possible, high vis and lights are a must
Never cycle with headphones in, I’m amazed that people do this. You need to know what’s going on around you
Plan your route
Know where you’re going so that you can position yourself correctly and give other road users warning of how you’re going to manoeuvre. You can also look for cycle paths to minimise time on the road.
