Cycling to work is an admirable thing to do. After all, you are not only helping yourself by improving your overall health, but you are also staying green by not hopping into the car at every available opportunity.
Of course, there are some common barriers that commuters face when they want to ride their bikes to work. Here we take a look at a few of the more common problems and what you can do about them.
Problem – Fitness
A lot of people will quit before they get started because their journey to work is too long and they don’t have the fitness to go the entire way.
Solution – Do What You Can
If you have an idea of how far you can cycle, then there is nothing wrong with taking the car out to a point from where you’re comfortable cycling to and from work, and then taking the bike the rest of the way.
Problem – Sweat
Any physical activity is going to lead to a little perspiration and people don’t want to turn up to work drenched in sweat, especially if they work in an office.
Solution – Take It Slow
If you’re not lucky enough to be able to shower at work, you don’t need to go as fast as you possibly can when you are cycling into work. Just go at a pace that feels comfortable and you will find that you don’t sweat that much. Grab a quick splash of water over your face from the faucet, a quick wipe down under the armpits and a spray of antiperspirant before your meeting and you will be fine.
Problem – Bike Thieves
That flashy new bike has cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it’s only natural that you want to ensure it doesn’t get stolen.
Solution – Deterrence
Bike thieves are always going to be an issue, so what you need to do is ensure your bike is as unattractive a prospect as possible. Thieves don’t want to spend ages fiddling with a lock, so make sure you buy a good one instead of going for the cheaper options. Be sure not to leave the bike in an isolated location and don’t commute with an expensive bike. After all, it’s just a commute, you don’t need to impress anybody.
Problem – Rain
Cycling to work is all well and good, but when you’re halfway between home and work and the rainclouds appear, the idea suddenly doesn’t hold the same appeal.
Solution – Be Prepared
Short of hiring Storm of the X-Men to control the clouds for you, there isn’t a whole lot you can do about the weather. Check the forecasts and make your decision based on them. If there isn’t any rain forecast, then pack a waterproof coat just in case. If it is definitely going to rain then there is nothing wrong with taking the bus every so often.
Problem – Safety
Your route to work may take you on all sorts of roads, so it is only natural to be worried about traffic and other issues, especially if you aren’t a confident cyclist.
Solution – Plan
If you don’t feel too confident in your cycling ability, yet still want to give it a whirl, try getting a few road biking lessons before you head out. You will feel more confident in addition to learning what you need to look out for when on the road. Furthermore, make sure you know your route before heading out, as you could put yourself in danger by cycling in places you aren’t familiar with. Oh, and always wear clothing that makes you visible to other road users.
Biking to work does not have to be an onerous or complicated thing. Millions of people bike to work on a daily basis, are you going to be one of them?