“I would cycle to work, but…” We want to get your buts out into the open. Your but is not as big as you think it is. It certainly needn't stop you cycling. Cycling City can help you.
Save time… Bikes are fast across town. You’ll have a predictable journey time. No parking hassles.
Save money… No bus or train fares. No petrol costs. No parking fees. ££££££
Save yourself… Your general health and fitness will improve. You’re likely to lose weight. You will significantly lower the risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease and other diseases. It promotes mental health A 75 year old Cyclist!
Go Greener! Reduce your carbon footprint. Cut pollution. Reduce noise. Reduce traffic congestion.
It’s fun! “Nothing can compare to the simple pleasure of a bike ride” JF Kennedy
Reasons for not cycling… Don’t own a bike Bike in bad condition Too many hills Too much to carry Too far to travel Childcare Weather I don’t want to arrive sweaty with helmet hair
Reasons for not cycling… Need to look smart at work Bike may get stolen Too much traffic Dangerous roads I just don’t want to look like “a cyclist” Inconsiderate drivers Other…?
I don’t own a bike… So buy one! Buy from a bike shop. …a few buying tips. Buy second-hand: Bike Back, eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree. Loan Bikes Your employer can help you (more later)
Bike in poor condition… Fix it! Cycling City can help with Doctor Bike surgeries and Bike Maintenance courses.
Hills… Modern bikes make hills easier. Change your route (Maps and Trip Planners). Lose weight (the bike/load/you). You’ll get fitter. Electric assist. Push (we all do it!)
Too much to carry… Why? Carry it on the bike, not on your back. Get proper cycle luggage
I live too far away to cycle… Is it really that far? Bike—bus/train—bike Folding bike and train or car
I don’t know the best route… Order free cycle maps Use a trip planner Use Google Earth to get route ideas. Test ride potential routes at quiet times.
Childcare commitments… Trailer. Child seat. Tag-a-long. Kids’ bikes (get them on a course) Childcare is temporary!
The weather… Not as bad as people believe It rains on average only 12 commuting days each year Modern fabrics keep you dry Change at work OK – take the bus/car on wet days!
I need to look smart at work… Change on arrival. Carry a change of clothing with you. Choose crease-resistant fabrics. You don’t have to cycle EVERY day!
My bike might get stolen… Buy a decent lock. Look for the Sold Secure mark. Lock to something solid, with a small gap, in view. Second (different) lock. Hack bike. Folding bike. Security tagging Insurance (cheaper on home)
Other reasons...?
Too much traffic… too dangerous… Change your route Travel at a different time Allow more time Ride differently You have a huge amount of control over the behaviour of other road users
Top Tips Don’t cycle too close to the curb Don’t cycle too close to parked cars Own the road! (Primary position) Watch out for lorry blind spots Just because it’s a cycling lane… Look, look, look! Anticipation: are you ready to stop? Jumping lights. Its just not worth the risk!
Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.
Example 2. Primary & secondary riding positions
Cycle training… Cycling City can offer One- to-one training delivered by Life Cycle. Tailored to your exact needs All abilities Discreet Just £5 if you live in Bristol! Money back if not delighted
Next steps. You… Talk to a Cycling City Cycle Advisor or your workplace Cycle Champion if you have one. Book a cycle training lesson. Get your bike sorted. Cycling City will help! Get some maps and plan your route to work. Think about clothing, luggage, locks, etc. Practise your commute. Then go for it! Do it for a month and we guarantee you’ll never go back to your old method of commuting!
Next steps. Your employer… Cycling City can help employers put a package together. Cycle Champion or identify a Cycle Champion if there isn’t one already. Provide decent bike parking. Implement CycleScheme. Half-price bikes! Book a Doctor Bike surgery. Cover the cost of cycle training for staff. Support Bike Week in June and other bike events throughout the year. Support a BUG.
Other Useful Contacts Cycling City Your workplace Cycle Champion Life Cycle UK facebook page nce /