The benefits of cycling as a form of transport and exercise are numerous. To name only a few, it is easier on the joints than many other forms of fitness, it is environmentally friendly, and it’s affordable. More and more people are deciding to cycle to work wherever possible so as to avoid the frustration of motor traffic and to improve their health. If you are keen to start cycling on your commute but aren’t sure how to start, here are some pointers to help you feel comfortable cycling to work.
Cycle for Fun Before Cycling to Work
Before you dive straight in to cycling from home to work, get to know your bike better by cycling for enjoyment. This is especially helpful if you are new to cycling or have recently purchased a new bicycle. It can be daunting to try and cycle on busy roads without any practice in quieter locations, so give yourself time to get comfortable with the sensation of balancing and moving forward. Try out your route beforehand so you feel completely confident that you know where you’ll be going. Some cycle paths are different from roads and so even if you are used to driving to work, you may find that your cycle route is different.
Choose the Right Bike
Not all bikes are good for commuting. Some might be too heavy or too fragile. You want to find a bicycle that is easy to use and comfortable for daily rides. Places like steedbikes.com offer a variety of styles depending on what you are looking for. Make sure you feel able to address any issues you might have with your bike, such as a puncture. This will add to your confidence as a cyclist.
Make Sure There Are Facilities at Work
Some workplaces might be more suited to cyclists than others. Is there somewhere for you to store your bicycle while you’re at work? Are there showers where you can refresh and get changed before getting started on the job? Many workplaces and employers now want to encourage their employees to cycle to work and so offer incentives to increase these numbers. Talk to your manager about possible rewards or incentives there might be at your workplace for people who cycle each day. You may even find that they offer financial compensation towards purchasing your bicycle to make cycling to work even more appealing.
No matter how long or how short your commute will be, make sure to stay as safe as possible on the road. This means learning the rules and sticking to them as well as wearing appropriate safety gear like a helmet. Make sure that you are easily seen by other road users to prevent collisions.
Riding your bike to work can be a fantastic way to keep yourself active and reduce your impact on the environment. Hopefully the above tips have encouraged you that cycling to work is a great idea for you.
