Cycling to work is one of the best ways to keep your general fitness up without having to spend too much of your spare time on exercise. It is also great for the environment, meaning that you not only improve yourself, but you’re also helping the planet in the process.
Of course, for new cyclists it can be a little daunting to ride to work, particularly if they don’t know the route too well. Here are a few tips for those who want to give it a try.
Don’t Do Too Much too Fast
If your commute into work is only a couple of miles, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to just hop on your bike and do both legs of the journey from day 1. However, if you think the journey may take you upwards of an hour, it may be worth catching a ride with a workmate to ensure you don’t end up late, and then cycling back home. You can always start cycling into work as well when you are more comfortable with the ride and the amount of time it will take.
If the ride is too far you can always drive part of the way and ride the remaining part to work.
Do A Test Ride
A test ride will allow you to better gauge the amount of time that it is going to take you to cycle to work, in addition to letting you know exactly where you stand in terms of the fitness levels required to do it. Try taking a little bit of time on a day off to do the ride, so that you are better informed when you start doing it more regularly.
Get The Right Bike
If you already have a bike, then don’t go rushing out to buy a new one until you absolutely know what you want. After all, the bike you have may be perfect for the commute anyway, so you may not need to spend any extra money. If you do decided you want another bike, take the route you ride into account when making your choice. A road bike is great for smooth surfaces, but a mountain bike may be more suitable if you have to go over some rough terrain.
Wear Safety Gear
Riding to work without wearing the right gear is a cardinal sin, as you are sharing the road with other riders and drivers who need to be able to see you at all times. As such, always make sure to wear a reflective vest or other bright clothing, particularly at night when the ride can get a little more hazardous. You should also never leave your house without your helmet. It may save your life one day.
Pay Attention to the Weather
Nobody is going to think any less of you if you decided not to ride into work for a day or two, especially when the weather is such that it could make the ride hazardous. Heavy rain or icy conditions can lead to you having accidents if you aren’t careful, so if you feel at all uncomfortable then use an alternative mode of transport until the weather improves.
Learn How To Deal With Punctures
One of the biggest issues you may end up facing is suffering a puncture on your way to work. As such, you should always keep a spare tire or a puncture repair kit handy so that you can fix it and be on your way. If this isn’t feasible for you, then at least make sure you’re carrying your cell phone so that you can give somebody a call to get help should you ever find yourself in a bit of a bind.