Cycling - a more sensible way to get around...
The UK has the highest level of congestion in Europe, largely because cars are used for many short journeys that could be done on foot or by bicycle. Many of the UK’s transport problems could be solved if more people adopted a more ‘Continental’ approach to getting around and simply selected whatever mode of transport was the most appropriate for a given journey.
For some trips a car may well be the most practical choice. However, for many short journeys traffic jams and parking hassles often mean cycling is a far quicker and less stressful option.
Often the most difficult step is to recognise that a better way is possible. Cycling is far more practical then many people imagine. For example, it is possible to safely carry a surprising amount of shopping on a cycle and the risk of being killed or seriously injured when cycling is actually very low. Some might wonder why people still cycle even when the weather is bad. Simply answered the positive aspects of cycling to work are so great a little rain is not going to put them off!
There is no need to ‘become a cyclist’ in order to enjoy the benefits of cycling. In reality the often-made distinction between ‘cyclists’ and ‘motorists’ is an artificial one. Social surveys even show that ‘regular’ cyclists actually have higher levels of car ownership then the average! And after all, as the car advertisement says, ‘Aren’t we all just people trying to get somewhere?’.
Why cycle?
Firstly, cycling is simply the quickest and most practical way of getting around in town. Personal, door to door travel whenever you want it.
Utility cycling is also one of the best ways of creating a less stressed, healthier lifestyle. Regular cyclists suffer far less from obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer then those who live a sedentary car bound lifestyle. They even are less prone to psychological problems such as depression! The health benefits of cycling outweigh the risk from accidents by a factor of at least 20 to 1.
Cycling to work also means you start the day invigorated and refreshed with no need to have that 2 cups of coffee ‘jump start’ once you arrive.
Cycling is good for everyone else too. Cycling cuts pollution and helps create a more ‘human’ environment. It is even good for the economy! There are many costs to society associated with car use that are often overlooked. For example, the costs of road deaths and injuries, pollution and congestion A consideration of such factors reveals that it would make economic sense to pay people to cycle rather then use their car!
Even small changes in travel behaviour can make a big difference. If everyone were to cycle to work only twice a month, average traffic levels would drop by 10%.
Top cycle to work tips
1) Choose the right tool for the job. Any cycle can be used for cycling to work but a machine adapted or purposely designed for the job will make your cycling easier and more enjoyable, especially if you adjust it to fit you correctly. Your best bet is to buy from a specialised cycle dealer who stocks a wide range of machines and can give advice.
If anyone knows about utility cycling it is the Dutch with almost 70% of people there being regular cyclists and almost all of these chose a traditional ‘roadster’ style machine. Alternatively you might like to choose a compact folding cycle such as the Brompton so you can undertake part of your journey on a train or bus. A ‘touring’ cycle is ideal for longer journeys.
Here (right) is an example of an ideal city bike. Free-rolling puncture resistant tyres, reliable, maintenance free hub brakes, an easy to use maintenance free 7 speed hub gear, mudguards, a relaxed riding position, built in dynamo driven lighting, integral lock, rear carrier to take parcels or panniers, low maintenance chain case that will keep your clothes clean, non-rust stainless steel parts and a comfy seat! List price (August 2003 ) around £350 from Giant Cycles.
2) Plan you route. You might be able to avoid a busy section of road or junction or even include quiet traffic free path that will make you trip to work a pleasure. Remember, cycling is very often the quickest way to travel across our congested cities for journeys of up to 5 miles so even an ‘indirect’ route may well be quicker then travelling by your car.
Your local council may well produce a map of cycle routes in your area.
3) Develop some basic mechanical skills. A purpose designed, quality utility cycle requires minimal maintenance and is unlikely to let you down. However, a little forward planning such as carrying a spare inner tube, along with a little mechanical knowledge, can turn which might be a frustrating breakdown into a minor delay.
4) Ride both assertively and defensively. For example, claim your road space, ensure that you clearly indicate your intentions to other road users and avoid putting yourself into a position where a mistake by others might put you at risk. Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as vehicles. Always apply this principle and ride in a way that demands others give due recognition to your right to use the public road.
(To gain an in-depth knowledge of the principles of ‘vehicular cycling’ and defensive riding read the Official Cycling manual ‘Cyclecraft’ written by John Franklin and published by the Stationery Office. You may also like to take an adult cycling training course through an organisation such as the CTC or seek a ‘mentor’ who is already an experienced cyclist).
5) Buy a good lock! You may also like to add your cycle to your household insurance or take out a a dedicated cycle insurance policy such as that offered by the CTC.
6) Build up slowly. If you have a low level of fitness try a few weeks of leisure cycling before riding to work. Naturally, cycling to work will make you fitter to enjoy your leisure time and in turn your leisure cycling will make your journey to work easier and quicker. Sustrans and The National Byway are two bodies developing a network of cycle routes across the UK suitable for all users. These are geared towards recreational users but sections may well be useful for commuters as well.
Safety and protective equipment
The most effective way to maximise road safety is to prevent crashes from occurring. This demands good cycling and driving skills and a positive, responsible attitude towards other road users. The value of such an approach is evident in countries such as Holland and Denmark where very few cyclists bother with helmets or ‘high visibility’ clothing and yet are amongst the least likely to be injured in Europe.
Wear a cycle helmet if this makes you feel more confident, it may offer some protection to your head if you are involved in a fall. However, be aware that cycle helmets are only designed to absorb simple impacts at speed up to 12.5 MPH and cannot be expected to adequately protect a rider who is struck by a motor vehicle travelling at speed.
Clothing
For short journeys everyday clothing is fine and a modern breathable rain jacket will allow you to stay both dry and cool even in a downpour. You might like to ride to work in a spare pair of trousers to ensure you have a dry pair to change into if it rains. If you take a long ride to work you will find it more comfortable to ride in proper cycling clothing, keeping your smart clothes at work.
High visibility clothing makes sense in conditions of poor visibility, as does reflective clothing at night. However, dressing in fluorescent yellow is no guarantee that all drivers will treat you with courtesy so always apply the principles of defensive riding.
Naturally, you should always use lights on your cycle at night.
Where can I get more help?
Find out if there is a Bicycle User Group (BUG) at your workplace. This will take the form of an informal group dedicated to improving conditions for those cycling to work and on business and giving help to new cyclists.
Approach your employer to discover if they are willing to provide improved parking facilities if these are lacking.
CTC - The UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation. For the last 125 years the CTC have been the foremost organisation representing the interests of cyclists in the UK. We offer a wide range of membership benefits and information on all aspects of cycling.
See details of the CTC membership benefits. CTC membership department 0870 873 0061.
Other Useful website addresses
The National Cycling Strategy is a Government sponsored initiative designed to bring about an increase in cycling in the UK. The site contains a wealth of information on how this can be brought about.
Sustrans are the charity responsible for developing the national Cycle Network much of it on dedicated traffic free paths or quite lanes.
The National Byway is developing a network of cycle routes on quiet lanes linking together locations of interest in the countryside.
Transport 2000 are a major UK charity campaigning for a more sustainable transport future and a source of cycling related information.
Getcyclinginfo and Whycycle are both useful sources of cycling related information.
Read a lot more about "Cycling to Work" projects here
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2 Adult Cycle Training
'Cyclists fare best when they are recognised to be and act as the operators of vehicles' is a universal maxim, perhaps best expressed in the Stationary Office cycling manual 'Cyclecraft' written by John Franklin. Central to the 'vehicular cycling' approach are the principles of assertive and defensive cycling. These call for a very different set of skills to those traditionally taught to school children whose cycle training acknowledges the fact that they may lack the cognitive and perceptual skills needed to ride in heavy traffic safely.
There is now a growing recognition that there is a need to offer specialised adult cycle training courses that draw on the training offered for motor vehicles, in particular the 'defensive riding' skills taught to motorcyclists. The CTC: The UK's National Cyclist's Organisation has now developed a set of training guidelines agreed with The Department for Transport and will be offering courses to 'train the trainers'.
Information about CTC's involvement in Cycle Training on this website
