|
Thought
about getting to work by bike? Maybe you've even tried it
and given up. This page isn't going to lecture you on the
virtues of cycling — you can read about them elsewhere.
Instead it gives you a few tips to make cycling easier.
|
|
|
|
Don't just cycle the same route you drive
Quite often there's a shorter route for cyclists — check
on an A-Z or, better still, phone 020 7928 7220 for a free
map of cycle routes in your area. This marks short cuts, off-road
tracks, and cycle shops. Consider checking out your route
on a Sunday when there are fewer cars on the road.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Build
up your confidence
Ealing Council offers free on-road cycle training for children,
adults and family groups — both for complete beginners
and cyclists who just lack the confidence to cycle in today's
traffic conditions. To find out more, call Ealing's Cycling
Officer on 020 8579 2424 x57056 or e-mail davisr@ealing.gov.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Keep
your bike as near to your front door as possible
Lock
it to an immovable object if entrances are shared, but don't
block access for others. Locked away in a back shed is the
worse place for a bike - by the time you get it out you could
be half-way to work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 On
the first day allow twice as long as you expect
Although
experienced cyclists in inner London average about 10 mph,
compared to 5 mph for buses and 7 mph for cars, don't expect
to do this on your first day. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for every
mile. This will give you time to take it easy, explore interesting
short cuts, and still get to work on time. By the end of the
first week, your journey time will be about half that of the
first day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Look
after your bike
Make
your life a lot easier with these simple measures:
• Pump up the tyres hard (this reduces road friction
and makes it easier to pedal)
• Keep the chain clean and oiled
• Keep your bike working smoothly, particularly the brakes.
If your bike makes persistent noises something needs adjusting.
If in doubt, ask your local bike shop.
•
Down load our handy maintenance overview here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Try
to avoid punctures
There are several tricks to reducing the number of punctures.
The first is not to cycle in the gutter. Most experienced cyclists
ride a little away from the kerb where there is less glass.
You can also buy puncture-resistant tyres. If you do cycle over
broken glass, it can be worth stopping and removing any stuck
to the tyres before cycling on. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Consider
other road users
Observe
the Highway Code. In particular watch out for pedestrians
— you can hurt them, and yourself, in a collision. Leave
plenty of space when passing parked cars to allow for people
unexpectedly opening doors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 What
to wear
If
you cycle at a moderate pace you can wear your everyday clothes
without fear of breaking out in a sweat. If you find yourself
warming up, undo zips or remove an outer layer of clothing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Be
visible at night
Don't get caught out in the autumn
when the days get shorter. Think about yoour return journey
before you set out, and if you're coming back in the dark, make
sure you take lights. It's illegal, and of course hazardous,
to cycle at night without them. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Park
your bike in a well-lit, busy spot
Always lock it to something immovable such as
a railing, a lamp-post or, better still, a bike rack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Get
insured
The London Cycling Campaign offers free third-party insurance
for members. For details call: 020 7928 7220 or visit the LCC
web site: www.lcc.org.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Don't
buy lots of gear until you know whether you like it
Having the right equipment makes cycling a lot easier, but one
of the great joys of using a bicycle is that it costs next to
nothing. For carrying stuff, panniers or a basket are less strain
on your back than a rucksack. Breathable waterproofs will keep
you dry — and mudguards will help as well. Ask at your
local bike shop if you think you need something. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stick
with it
Cycling
can be exhilarating, but if you're just starting or haven't
done it for years it can take a few days to get up to speed
and feel confident in the saddle. Stick with it for a week,
however, and you'll find that as you get fitter the pedalling
gets easier. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying the benefits
of a cheaper, faster form of transport that gives you the
freedom to go where you want to go, when you want to go, without
worrying about traffic jams, train and bus delays or searching
for a space to park the car.
|
 |
|
|
|
|