So, you’re feeling the pinch at the bowser or, you want to make a healthy change in your lifestyle. You want to ride a bicycle to work. Good on you! Riding to work has been scientifically shown to be beneficial not only physically, but mentally too. It can also add a few years to your life! Check out this YouTube video by Berm Peak.
Well, how do you start? Good question. I’ll go through what you need to take into consideration and what you’ll need to have to get started. It’s a bit of a list but if you are properly prepared, the experience will be more enjoyable.
I’m going to assume you have a bicycle already. If you don’t, that’s going to take a whole different post. Your bike should be roadworthy. At the very least ensure that:
| – Tyres have plenty of tread and are free from cracks, bald patches and other damage – Brakes. Make sure they work. – Gears. Also good to have working. If you can’t use your gears in your daily commute, enjoyment will surely elude you. – By law in NSW, you’ll also need a front and rear reflector and also a bell. – Your helmet is Australian Standards approved. This too should be free from damage. If in doubt, buy a new one. So what if a new one costs you $60 or more? It’s your head and that’s cheap insurance. |
If you’re unsure about any of the above, see your local bike mechanic (LBM).
Great, your bike is sorted and you’re ready to go. Not so fast. How are you going to get there? Do you already have a route picked out? OK, here’s the basics you need to sort out first for your route.
| – Is the route safe? If not, jump on your favourite mapping program and work it out. – How far is it? Can you comfortably cycle there? You’ll be surprised how far you can cycle. – Is there somewhere to lock your bike at work? Ask you boss where you might be allowed to – Finally, ride the route and time it. Add around 10 minutes to make up for delays, then add some time to allow for having to clean up, change into your work clothes etc. |
OK, you’ve got your route sorted so now you need to work out what you’ll do when you get to work.
| – Does your workplace have shower facilities? If they do this is great news. On a day when you drive, take in a towel, toiletries and clean work clothes. That way all you won’t need to carry clean clothes with you each day. – If you don’t have access to shower facilities, don’t worry. You can still be clean before starting work. Consider taking a face washer, a travel towel and a zip-loc bag with you. After using the face washer to clean up, pop it in the zip-loc bag and take it home. Travel towels are synthetic so they dry quickly and don’t tend to smell as much as cotton towels. |
Other considerations.
| – Your saddle should be firm and comfortable. Avoid the gel covers that go over saddles. They move as you pedal and will lead to hip and back pain. – Lights. Not only do they help you to be seen during the day, but they are mandatory for night riding in NSW. – A day-glo vest or jacket with reflective stripes. Another aid to make you more visible. – Learn how to change a tube in your tyre. Remember you might have to do this going to or from work so learn how your wheels come off and go back on properly. – Join Bicycle New South Wales (BNSW). Members of BNSW get cycling insurance that covers you not only in Australia, but overseas as well – in all but two countries around the globe. – Finally, if you haven’t done so already, join Better By Bicycle – your local voice for all things related to human powered transport. |
To summarize, riding to work even one day a week is going to have a positive impact on your health and on our environment. Imagine not having to put up with Friday traffic, just cruising along on your bike. It may take a bit of planning, but chances are good that you’ll enjoy the experience and feel better for it. Your wallet will notice the difference too!
Remember, this is a guide to get started. You do you.