May 20, 2020
We’re here to guide you through the Coronavirus lockdown. Sign up to the Life newsletter for daily tips, advice, how-tos and escapism.
Cycling Your Commute. A Complete Beginner’s Guide
In a post-lockdown world, many people will look for new ways to commute to keep their distance from others. A popular solution? Cycling.
It’s already on people’s minds, as more than a third say they’ll rethink the way they travel after the pandemic, a survey by charity Cycling UK found. And it’s not surprising, given that the government has urged people to go back to work, but avoid public transport. 
Cycling to work seems like a no-brainer if you don’t have a lengthy commute – it’s faster than walking, you’re outdoors where the likelihood of coronavirus spreading is reduced, and it’s better for the planet.
Improved infrastructure is on its way, too. The Department for Transport announced a £2bn package to create a “new era for cycling and walking”. Pop-up bike lanes, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors have been promised in England, as part of the ambitious aim to double cycling and increase walking by 2025. 
So, you’re thinking of getting on the bicycle bandwagon. Now what? Use our six-point guide to get bike ready. Related... 'Cycling Has Saved My Life' How Riding On Two Wheels Helps Improve Mental Health 1. Find the best bike for youCycling doesn’t have to be expensive, so don’t fork out loads if you’re a newbie. If you live in a city, look up bike sharing schemes to begin with – such as Santander Bikes, Lime, Jump, Freebike, Beryl – to check cycling is for you. Just make sure you take anti-bacterial wipes to give the handlebars a clean.
If you’re committed to buying your own bike, start conversations with Friends who cycle, or look online to see what might suit you. Got three minutes to spare? Watch this YouTube video from the Cycling Experts on the different styles of bike for different purposes. 
Hybrid bikes – those with characteristics from road bikes, touring bikes and mountain bikes – are good all-around cycles for commuting, recommends Bike Radar. They’re not the lightest or most comfortable bikes for long distances, though. 
“Most modern hybrids are usually built around 700c wheels... the tyres are often wider than a road bike’s – but usually not as wide as a mountain bike – allowing you to traverse rough roads and gravel paths with ease,” they say. Related... I Was Terrified Of Getting A Road Bike, But I Haven’t Looked Back If you live in a particularly hilly area, an e-bike might be a good option, giving you a boost and ensuring you don’t arrive at work looking like a sweaty mess. Folding bikes could be a good choice for those who have to balance public transport with two-wheel travel. It’s worth steering clear of Dutch-style bikes, though. While aesthetically pleasing, they aren’t the best for a daily commute – they’re heavy so you’ll find it slow-going. 
If you can, head to your local bike shop to discuss your options. “The important thing is that you choose a bike that’s comfortable for you and fully roadworthy,” Dame Sarah Storey, Paralympic champion and British Cycling Policy Advocate, tells HuffPost UK.
“And don’t be put off by the saddle on the bike, as these are easily interchangeable and all good bike shops will be able to advise on an alternative.” 2. Get clued up on basic safetyStaying safe on the road is incredibly important. Before you start, make yourself aware of the Highway Code. Dame storey advises new cyclists to always look ahead, anticipate hazards and signal any movements clearly. 
Remind yourself of basic road positioning rules, too. Emily Brooke, CEO and founder of bike share scheme company Beryl, reminds new cyclists not to “cycle in the gutter”, as this can be dangerous. “The best position to take is riding one-third of the way into the lane as it discourages motorists from trying to pass you when there potentially isn’t a safe enough space,” she explains.
Turning in the road can be scary for beginners – especially when it involves moving in front of traffic. You can go about it in three stages, says Brooke: look, signal, manoeuvre. “Before you turn, slow down a little and look over your shoulder to get a clearer picture of what’s happening behind you,” she says.
“When you’ve assessed the situation and feel it’s safe to turn, signal with your arm showing which way you’re going to be going. It’s a good idea to wait a couple of seconds before manoeuvring and get eye contact with the motorist behind you, so they recognise you’re planning on turning.”Related... How I Completely Failed At Basic Safety As An Amateur Cyclist Don’t forget the safety of your actual bike – make sure it’s roadworthy and fitted with working lights when riding in low light. Your local bike store can help with this – they can give it a service if the bike is old or secondhand. 
And one last point on safety: cycling coach Robert Evans warns against using headphones. ”You should never wear headphones while riding even if you think you can hear what is happening around you,” he told Essential Living: 
“Cycling relies heavily on your sense of hearing to identify cars or other cyclists approaching. Headphones, even on a low volume, not only disrupt this sense, but if you were to get into a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian this could be used against you even if you are in the right.”3. Choose your route and practise itBefore you start back at work, plan the route you’d take and do a few test runs while it’s less busy. That way, you can see how long your cycle commute will be, so you know how long to leave yourself to get to work at a leisurely pace. You don’t want to rock up to the office dripping with sweat, after all. 
Brooke suggests looking into national cycle network routes, local cycle paths or quieter roads you can take. “This may mean your ride becomes slightly longer, but it will make the whole thing more enjoyable,” she says.4. Build up your fitness You may not be able to ride the full distance to work straight away if you’ve not cycled before, so don’t overstretch yourself. Instead, build up your distance gradually, suggests Craig Myers, British Cycling’s recreation manager.“If you’re completely new to cycling and feel a little nervy, stick to parks or traffic-free routes to begin with and progress from there,” he says. “There’s no need to put yourself under any pressure. Cycling is a really accessible activity – you don’t have to be Geraint Thomas to enjoy getting out for a ride.”5. Invest in basic bike accessoriesThere’s so much cycling gear out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Firstly, get some front and rear bike lights and reflective clothing so you’re visible in the dark. Brooke also recommends the Proviz REFLECT360 cycling backpack for commuters. 
Will you wear a helmet? It’s a hotly debated topic and a question of individual choice – but a safe option. “There’s no British law to compel cyclists, of any age, to wear helmets when cycling, though it’s particularly recommended for young children and those who aren’t confident in their riding ability,” says Brooke.
You’ll want to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, like punctures or your chain falling off. Myers suggests carrying a spare inner tyre tube, tyre levers, a multi-tool and pump. Pick these up at your local bike shop and make sure you’re familiar with how to use them, too.
It’s also useful to have your phone on hand for directions (hello Google maps). Alternatively, Brooke recommends the Beeline Velo, a minimalist bike computer that directs you to your desired destination safely.You’ll need a decent lock if you’ll be leaving your bike outside your work. The Kryptonite Keeper 12 Standard Lock comes highly recommended.
Brooke says it’s best to lock your bike in an extremely visible spot so frequent passers-by act as a theft deterrent. “Fill as much of the lock with as much of the bike as possible,” she says, “ensuring you include a wheel and part of the bike’s frame.”6. Dress the partYou don’t have to dress head-to-toe in lycra. “If you’re going to be riding at a leisurely pace, you can probably do it in your work clothes,” says Dame Storey. “However, it’s important to make sure you’re protected from the elements, so get yourself a good breathable waterproof.” And check the forecast before heading out, so you know whether you’ll need it or not. 
Trainers are a must and you might want to opt for cycle shorts or leggings if you don’t want your work trousers getting stuck in the chain or splashed with mud. If you’re finding you’re a bit saddle sore after a few journeys, invest in some padded shorts.
As part of its #ChooseCycling campaign, British Cycling has created a Commute Smart video series which aims to answer all of the questions beginners might have.Related... Are You Allowed To Go Back Home If You Temporarily Moved Before Lockdown? Do I Have To Go Back To Work? Here’s A Quick Guide To Your Rights This Is What The Future Of Dining Out Could Look Like
Related Stories
Latest News
Top news around the world
Academy Awards

‘Oppenheimer’ Reigns at Oscars With Seven Wins, Including Best Picture and Director

Get the latest news about the 2024 Oscars, including nominations, winners, predictions and red carpet fashion at 96th Academy Awards

Around the World

Celebrity News

> Latest News in Media

Watch It
Millie Bobby Brown & Jake Bongiovi Celebrate “Three Years of Bliss” Ahead of Wedding
March 24, 2024
C4Ehegcq1-A
Kate Middleton & Prince William "Enormously Touched" by Public Support
March 24, 2024
s8fig-RCjFc
Gisele Bündchen Denies Cheating on Ex-Husband Tom Brady
March 23, 2024
_SpRMagA8BM
Eminem, 50 Cent & Snoop Dogg Present Dr. Dre with a Star on the Walk of Fame
March 19, 2024
4bNLs1hxVp8
Opening Remarks for the Variety Summit October 20th, 2023 Jay Penske
March 18, 2024
c6Z707iLq8E
'Everybody Was S----ing Their Pants': Nick Thune Jokes About Being Born in the '70s and Fatherhood
March 16, 2024
mm7Baf6o2d8
Gunna Says Tour Will Up Creativity in Rap, Endorses Flo Milli | TMZ
March 22, 2024
QfMU24fw-Qo
Reporter Taylor Lorenz Says Palace Botched Kate Cancer News Rollout | TMZ Live
March 22, 2024
o43ZucdiyEo
Riley Strain's Body Found After Going Missing in Nashville 2 Weeks Ago | TMZ NOW
March 22, 2024
1m1zM-4_Cs8
Kyle Richards hasn’t spoken to co-star Dorit Kemsley, denies sending her a ‘manipulative’ text
March 24, 2024
LqLZzDP1hm4
Jordan Emanuel on her connection to 'RHOSLC' star Meredith Marks, advice from Amanda Batula
March 24, 2024
5NPAwlOov1Y
Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary apologizes after slamming ‘fickle’ Meghan Markle in scathing interview
March 24, 2024
JWG9kitALZk
TV Schedule
Late Night Show
Watch the latest shows of U.S. top comedians

Sports

Latest sport results, news, videos, interviews and comments
Latest Events
20
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
SK Brann W - Barcelona W
20
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
Hacken W - PSG W
19
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
SL Benfica W - Lyon W
19
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
Ajax W - Chelsea W
17
Mar
SPAIN: La Liga
Atletico Madrid - Barcelona
17
Mar
ENGLAND: FA Cup
Manchester United - Liverpool
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Inter Milan - Napoli
17
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Brighton - Manchester City
17
Mar
GERMANY: Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund - Eintracht Frankfurt
17
Mar
ENGLAND: FA Cup
Chelsea - Leicester City
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Roma - Sassuolo
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Verona - AC Milan
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Juventus - Genoa
16
Mar
GERMANY: Bundesliga
Darmstadt - Bayern Munich
16
Mar
ENGLAND: FA Cup
Manchester City - Newcastle United
16
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Fulham - Tottenham Hotspur
16
Mar
SPAIN: La Liga
Osasuna - Real Madrid
13
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1/8 Final
Atletico Madrid - Inter Milan
12
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1/8 Final
Barcelona - Napoli
12
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1/8 Final
Arsenal - Porto
11
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Chelsea - Newcastle United
10
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Liverpool - Manchester City
10
Mar
SPAIN: La Liga
Real Madrid - Celta Vigo
10
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Aston Villa - Tottenham Hotspur
10
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Juventus - Atalanta
10
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Fiorentina - Roma
10
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
AC Milan - Empoli
Find us on Instagram
at @feedimo to stay up to date with the latest.
Featured Video You Might Like
zWJ3MxW_HWA L1eLanNeZKg i1XRgbyUtOo -g9Qziqbif8 0vmRhiLHE2U JFCZUoa6MYE UfN5PCF5EUo 2PV55f3-UAg W3y9zuI_F64 -7qCxIccihU pQ9gcOoH9R8 g5MRDEXRk4k
Copyright © 2020 Feedimo. All Rights Reserved.