Cycling to work for two decades has revealed common blunders novice bikers often fall into, as detailed below:
In the spirit of our 'New to Riding' week, running from March 10 to March 17, we're sharing some practical advice from a seasoned cyclist who's been commuting by bicycle for over 20 years.
Starting Out
Our cyclist began his journey out of financial necessity, but soon upgraded to a better bicycle and a better bike lock to prevent theft. He later acquired a Brompton folding bicycle for commuting, a versatile choice for navigating city streets.
Bike Lights
A common mistake our cyclist made was buying a bright but inappropriate bicycle light. He advises against using head torches for commuting, as they only light up a narrow spot ahead. Instead, he recommends buying appropriate bike lights from a local bike shop, ensuring they have a good spread to illuminate more of the road.
Bike Maintenance
Regular bicycle maintenance is key to a smooth ride. The author emphasizes the importance of annual bike servicing at a local bike shop, keeping tyres at the right pressure, and lubing the chain regularly. He also suggests carrying tools necessary for bicycle maintenance when commuting.
Mudguards and Pannier Racks
Mudguards are not just for aesthetics; they keep the rider and the bicycle cleaner(er) and components last longer with less bike cleaning. The author recommends getting a quality pannier rack for the bicycle to carry heavy items.
Safety
The author advises taking a look at resources on cycling safely on the road, and looking up local training if needed. He encourages supporting local and national cycling organizations to contribute to better cycling infrastructure and advocacy.
Comfort
Carrying a laptop while commuting can lead to problems such as a sweaty back and a sore back. The author suggests using a tote bag with a multi-tool, pump, spare inner tube, and puncture repair kit to alleviate these issues.
Winter Commuting
In the winter months, a head torch is added to help with night-time bicycle repairs. The author recommends using mudguards for commuting five days a week throughout the year.
Cost-Effective Cycling
The author advises against spending unnecessary money on cycling-specific items. Non-specific alternatives can be sufficient, and he suggests using tools like Cycling UK's Journey Planner, Komoot, RidewithGPS, or Strava navigation to find the quietest and flattest routes for cycling.
Enjoy the Ride
It's okay not to commute by bicycle every day. The author emphasizes that commuting by bicycle should be enjoyable, not a chore. He encourages everyone to enjoy the fresh air and exercise while commuting, and to support the cycling community by advocating for better cycling conditions and infrastructure.
Supporting German Cycling Organizations
In Germany, major organizations advocating for better cycling conditions and infrastructure include the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V. (ADFC), the Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD), and the Deutscher Tourismusverband (DTV). The ADFC, with over 190,000 members, is the largest cyclists' interest group, active in traffic policy and infrastructure promotion nationwide. The VCD works broadly for sustainable and safe mobility, including cycling, with local branches throughout Germany. The DTV represents tourism organizations and supports cycling tourism initiatives.
Final Thoughts
As our cyclist has shown, commuting by bicycle can be a practical, enjoyable, and cost-effective way to get around. With the right equipment, maintenance, and safety measures in place, you too can join the growing ranks of cyclists making their daily commute a breeze.
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