{"id":390,"date":"2019-03-19T14:15:55","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T14:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/ie\/?p=390"},"modified":"2019-03-19T14:15:55","modified_gmt":"2019-03-19T14:15:55","slug":"5-tips-for-first-time-bicycle-commuters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/ie\/2019\/03\/19\/5-tips-for-first-time-bicycle-commuters\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for First Time Bicycle Commuters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Deciding to cycle my 125 miles a week commute was daunting \u2013 not least because I was piling it on top of my weekend rides. Here\u2019s what I learned in 6 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1 – Plan your route – and then improve it<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The shortest option on a map isn\u2019t always the most suitable. A longer route with less traffic-lights, junctions, and train crossings may be more appealing. If you\u2019re cycling to get fit, consider a route with more hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Get to know your cycling nemeses<\/a>. Observe these other cyclists that you\u2019ll bump into several times a week. Why does that guy on the white MTB keep ducking off down that lane, only to be seen ahead in the distance at the end of your ride? Maybe it\u2019s a shortcut.<\/p>\n

2 – Choose the right kit<\/strong><\/h2>\n

How long is your commute? Do you have showers at your work place, or a neighbouring gym? Is your ride exposed? Crosswinds make a back pack a more sensible choice than paneers. All these questions could be articles in their own right. Think about what you should wear<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And what about which bike you\u2019re going to use<\/a>. A cheap whip because the roads will be salted, or a mountain bike because part of your commute is dirt track? Maybe a folding bike because part of your commute is public transport. My commute was on roads \u2013 so I used a road bike.<\/p>\n

3 – Service your body<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cycling will get you fit, but cross-training with yoga and pilates will make you a stronger cyclist. Even the slightest improvement in your core strength will improve your power output so do some floor work or hit the gym.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I averaged 160 miles a week for 5 years before I got a sports massage. The masseuse started at my feet and worked up. By the time she hit my thighs I was screaming in pain. Don\u2019t repeat my mistake \u2013 if you\u2019re cycling around this distance, a sports massage every couple of months won\u2019t be nearly as painful.<\/p>\n

4 – Take the lane, share the road<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Be assertive and ride in the middle of your lane.\u00a0 If you\u2019re riding near the gutter and you notice an obstacle the only option you have is to swerve out into traffic, making you unpredictable to motorists.<\/p>\n

Ride further into the lane so you can swerve away from traffic to avoid obstacles. Don\u2019t be apprehensive about sharing the road with cars and lorries – my experience is that they\u2019re far more cycle-friendly than social media would have you believe.<\/p>\n

5 – Obey the traffic laws<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I always stop at red lights for two reasons.\u00a0 First, my commute was my training, and every stop is followed by acceleration. Avoid the temptation to conserve your momentum \u2013 harden up! Secondly, traffic laws simplify your ride.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By day 5 of your weeks\u2019 commute you\u2019ll feel the fatigue. It\u2019s not wise to trust your tired brain with split-second decisions in traffic. I once forgot how roundabouts worked but the driver, who had right of way, was alert and hit the brakes. Accept that you may be tired and focus on your safety.<\/p>\n

What tips would you share with a first-time commuter?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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