Bicycle Commuting: Get Fit, Save Money and Help the Environment

Spring is a great time to be thinking of commuting to work on a healthy, affordable and non-polluting form of travel. Matt and Julian Middleton, owners of online bike store, www.cyclexpress.co.uk, are keen advocates of commuting by bicycle and have provided a few hints to get you out on the road.

Commuting by bike has obvious benefits in areas where restricted parking zones and grid-locked traffic are part of daily life. Cycling is the least polluting way of travelling after walking and ten bikes can be parked in the space of one car. In terms of fitness, 20 minutes of gentle cycling burns up to 100 calories and makes you as fit as an average person ten years younger. So what do you need to get you started?

Commuting on two wheels now that the mornings and evenings are getting lighter and the weather is generally warmer, may require a smaller investment than you think. First of all, let’s consider the bike. If you’ve already got a bike, you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy a new one. Almost any bike can be adapted for city cycling quickly, easily and relatively cost effectively. Start by getting your bike serviced paying particular attention to tyres, brakes and gears. If you’ve got a mountain bike, fit road tyres; road tyres make cycling much easier than fat knobbly off-road tyres. Fit lights if you’re going to be out and about at night. However, using a flashing rear light even in daylight is a good idea. If you have stuff to carry, fitting a rear rack to carry panniers is a more comfortable option than wearing a rucksack. Mudguards are essential too in the wet weather to stop your back getting soaked.

If you haven’t got a bike, you don’t have to spend a fortune. For a budget of around £150 you can buy a good city ready bike. That’s probably not much more than what you’re paying already for a month’s petrol.

When it comes to security, a good lock (or two) is worth investing in. Ideally you need one to lock the frame and the other to secure the wheels. Look out for the ‘sold secure’ tested locks.

In terms of clothes, a helmet and bright waterproof jacket are essential items in any weather. Waterproof trousers and gloves, a pollution mask, reflective stickers (arm, let and helmet) will all provide extra comfort and safety.

There’s some great online resources out there for more info. If you don’t want to cycle alone, why not ‘buddy’ up with another cyclist on the commute. A great web site, www.bikebudi.com matches individuals cycling the same way so they can ride together. If you feel that your confidence needs a boost before you hit the road, look into cycle training opportunities in your area and your local council should provide maps of safe cycling routes.

Cyclexpress also have a traditional shop in Ormskirk Lancs. Their unique device, the body scanner, is a machine which uses laser technology to measure you up for the perfect fitting bike in minutes. Give them a call on 01695 577240 to find out more or pop into the shop.

* Stats courtesy of www.sustrans.org.uk