Cycling to Work

If you are one of the 4 million people who commute less than 3 miles by car, cycling to work could save you money, get you fit and help you do your bit for the environment.

As an incentive, you may be able to get a one-year, interest-free loan to buy a tax-free bicycle through a government scheme called Cycle to Work. The scheme would need to be set up by the personnel department at your workplace, so ask them for more details.

Why cycle?

Bicycles can be cheap to buy, cost almost nothing to run and can be insured against theft from as little as 33 pence a day. Wherever you go by bike, you are unlikely to have difficulty finding a parking space – and you won’t be charged any money for the pleasure.

At a leisurely pace, a distance of 3 miles takes only twenty minutes. It’s an aerobic exercise that is kind to your joints – research has found that regular cyclists have a level of fitness equivalent to someone 10 years younger, and unlike a gym membership, if you don’t use your bicycle you will not be charged.

Cycling helps the environment because it is responsible for very little pollution, noise or danger. When you leave your car at home in favour of a bicycle you are helping to make your community

How can I learn to cycle?

Cycling is well-known as the skill that once learned, you never forget. Having said that, if it has been years since you last took to the roads it would be sensible to acclimatise yourself by starting on quieter roads. Take a ride accompanied by a cycling friend or work colleague or book a refresher lesson with a cycling instructor. If you are a complete novice, the instructor route is best – some local authorities offer this for free. Oh, and don’t be embarrassed if you have reached adulthood without turning a pedal – you are not alone.

Is cycling safe?

If you are not used to it, cycling on busy roads can feel like a risky affair, but in common with just about every other worthwhile activity it’s a skill you have to learn. Many people limit their cycling to leisurely jaunts in their local park, and there is nothing wrong with that, but the ability to ride on busier roads will allow you to use your bike for almost any type of journey you choose.

How much should I spend on a bicycle?

Brand new bicycles range in price from £80 to £5,000 and above. A bicycle costing £100 will work just fine if you intend to do little gentle cycling each weekend, but if you are commuting everyday or plan to increase your mileage it is advisable to spend £200-£300. Bikes over £300 are likely to be lighter and better equipped.

Some people criticise cyclists for choosing for mountain bike when there might be a more practical choice for their type of riding, but we say choose the bike you want. If it’s for no other reason that the way it looks, there’s nothing wrong with that. Just be stay open minded about what’s available.

Can my employer help with cycle commuting?

There are many reasons why you might want to talk to your employer about encouraging cycling to work. They will need to be involved if you want to buy a bicycle through the Cycle to Work Scheme. You may want to mention that in turn they will benefit from healthier work force. Cyclists at larger companies may want to set up a Bicycle User Group (BUG) within their workplace to make the case for improved facilities like secure cycle parking or showers.

No shower at work – how do cyclists manage?

The following tips are from cyclists who regualrly cycle to a workplace without shower facilities.

Baby wipes Many cyclists shower before they set off and when they arrive at work, wipe themselves down with disposable baby wipes.
Ride slower Cyclists in continental Europe tend to ride their bikes slower when they commute to work – it doesn’t add much to the journey time and you will sweat less.
Keep a supply of shirts at work This doesn’t solve the problem of getting clean, but bringing five clean and ironed shirts to work on a Monday avoids the crumpled look

Cycle insurance for commuters

There are a numnber of ways in which a cycle insurance policy can help make commuting bu bicycle a little easier. Some policies include a breakdown recovery service for any mechanical problem that affects a bicycle and a ‘get you home cover’ that entitles you to a taxi home should your bike be stolen or vanadalised.