Help needed regarding cycling in general please.
Discussion
This is going to be a fairly long post just to warn in advance. I just need a bit of reassurance and advice though please. This is regarding bike, clothing, safety and etiquette.
I'm thinking of joining the cycle to work scheme with the intention of cycling to work, funnily. I live in Bristol and my place of work is 3 miles away. Currently doing it via car takes me anywhere from 8 minutes (very rare) in the school holidays up-to 25 minutes (very common) on a bad day. (Rush hour woes and I drive past 3 schools on the way) I reckon I could do the journey in 20 minutes by bike.
Using google maps I have provisionally got a route, which isn't too different from my current car route. There is only one part where I have a question about which I will illustrate by pics;
I currently drive from Illminster Ave onto Salcombe road and then onto airport road, I can cut off that by using the path at the end of Illminster straight onto Airport road but there are railings and the end so I would need to go along the path a few meters and back onto the road at the traffic lights. Is this allowed?
Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
Storing the bike: my works car park is very secure and we have bike racks. At home I need security as it will be stored in the back garden. I was thinking of putting in a ground anchor and locking it to that. Any other suggestions?
Clothing: I wear trousers and a shirt at work, I don't want to cycle in them. We have showers at work so what is the recommended sort of clothing? I'm not wearing lycra, end of.
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
I'm thinking of joining the cycle to work scheme with the intention of cycling to work, funnily. I live in Bristol and my place of work is 3 miles away. Currently doing it via car takes me anywhere from 8 minutes (very rare) in the school holidays up-to 25 minutes (very common) on a bad day. (Rush hour woes and I drive past 3 schools on the way) I reckon I could do the journey in 20 minutes by bike.
Using google maps I have provisionally got a route, which isn't too different from my current car route. There is only one part where I have a question about which I will illustrate by pics;
I currently drive from Illminster Ave onto Salcombe road and then onto airport road, I can cut off that by using the path at the end of Illminster straight onto Airport road but there are railings and the end so I would need to go along the path a few meters and back onto the road at the traffic lights. Is this allowed?
Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
Storing the bike: my works car park is very secure and we have bike racks. At home I need security as it will be stored in the back garden. I was thinking of putting in a ground anchor and locking it to that. Any other suggestions?
Clothing: I wear trousers and a shirt at work, I don't want to cycle in them. We have showers at work so what is the recommended sort of clothing? I'm not wearing lycra, end of.
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
anarki said:
I currently drive from Illminster Ave onto Salcombe road and then onto airport road, I can cut off that by using the path at the end of Illminster straight onto Airport road but there are railings and the end so I would need to go along the path a few meters and back onto the road at the traffic lights. Is this allowed?
Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
Storing the bike: my works car park is very secure and we have bike racks. At home I need security as it will be stored in the back garden. I was thinking of putting in a ground anchor and locking it to that. Any other suggestions?
Clothing: I wear trousers and a shirt at work, I don't want to cycle in them. We have showers at work so what is the recommended sort of clothing? I'm not wearing lycra, end of.
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
Worst case, get off and push, but if you are not inconveniencing anybody else, then I would go for it.Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
Storing the bike: my works car park is very secure and we have bike racks. At home I need security as it will be stored in the back garden. I was thinking of putting in a ground anchor and locking it to that. Any other suggestions?
Clothing: I wear trousers and a shirt at work, I don't want to cycle in them. We have showers at work so what is the recommended sort of clothing? I'm not wearing lycra, end of.
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
Hybrids are the solution to a problem invented by a non cyclist, they combine the worst aspects of an MTB withe the limitations of a road bike. The correct middle ground is already occupied by cyclocross bikes.
There is a reason cyclists wear Lycra, and it's not because you think it would be embarrassing.
Undertaking on the left is fine.
anarki said:
I currently drive from Illminster Ave onto Salcombe road and then onto airport road, I can cut off that by using the path at the end of Illminster straight onto Airport road but there are railings and the end so I would need to go along the path a few meters and back onto the road at the traffic lights. Is this allowed?
Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
Storing the bike: my works car park is very secure and we have bike racks. At home I need security as it will be stored in the back garden. I was thinking of putting in a ground anchor and locking it to that. Any other suggestions?
Clothing: I wear trousers and a shirt at work, I don't want to cycle in them. We have showers at work so what is the recommended sort of clothing? I'm not wearing lycra, end of.
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
Not allowed on the path, but be sensible and go slowly past any pedestrians and I'd be surprised if anyone objected. Although it doesn't look too much further just sticking to the roads.Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
Storing the bike: my works car park is very secure and we have bike racks. At home I need security as it will be stored in the back garden. I was thinking of putting in a ground anchor and locking it to that. Any other suggestions?
Clothing: I wear trousers and a shirt at work, I don't want to cycle in them. We have showers at work so what is the recommended sort of clothing? I'm not wearing lycra, end of.
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
Clothing, anything comfortable. I prefer shorts as trouser legs get caught too easily. If you're pushing yourself you'll soon warm up so you won't need to dress as warm as you think in winter. Good gloves and waterproofs are recommended.
Most cyclists do pass on the left if there's room but be very careful past junctions for cars turning left, or right, across your path. Remember that cars turning right may not be able to see you coming (behind the other traffic) until it's too late. Pedestrians also have a habit of not looking past a stationary car when crossing.
Greg66 said:
OP: don't take this the wrong way, but you really are overthinking the riding part of this. Get out there - you'll work it out in no time. And you'll wonder why the hell you didn't try it sooner.
That's about the size of it. Have you got a bike already? If so just ride it and see how you get on. It's only 3 miles so is walkable if it all goes wrong. You'll be needing a loop to make it a decent distance within a couple of weeks.
Rocksteadyeddie said:
That's about the size of it.
Have you got a bike already? If so just ride it and see how you get on. It's only 3 miles so is walkable if it all goes wrong. You'll be needing a loop to make it a decent distance within a couple of weeks.
Agree with this! - no need to be spunking 800 quid on a bike to ride 6 miles a day! - if you have a bike already, give it a go before the weather turns to sHave you got a bike already? If so just ride it and see how you get on. It's only 3 miles so is walkable if it all goes wrong. You'll be needing a loop to make it a decent distance within a couple of weeks.
t..You'll enjoy it
Hello,
As others have alluded to, you'll not know the answers to your questions until you get out and try. But one thing's for sure, soon you'll be wishing you lived 12 miles from work
A few comments on your questions:
Three years ago, like you, I took the plunge and started cycling to work. From Surrey suburbs into central London. I was cr@pping myself, spent a lot of time worrying and planning the route, looking for quiet little short cuts etc. Now, I'm confident enough to ride on almost any road, I've no worries about loading up the bike and riding 25-30km to work and same back again.
Good luck and happy cycling. Oh, and once you are hooked, you need to check out Strava!
As others have alluded to, you'll not know the answers to your questions until you get out and try. But one thing's for sure, soon you'll be wishing you lived 12 miles from work
A few comments on your questions:
anarki said:
I would need to go along the path a few meters and back onto the road at the traffic lights. Is this allowed?
I'm not sure technically whether it's allowed, you'd have to refer to local by-laws. But in general, nobody is going to complain / dob you in to the rozzers, as long as you're courteous to any pedestrians on the path.anarki said:
Bike choice next: Hybrid or Road bike? My max budget is around £800. I want a Hybrid to be honest but am open to opinions.
For your commute, it won't make a massive difference. However, if you do get hooked on cycling (and you will!) the road bike will be much more useful. The main advantage on a long ride is the variety of hand & body positions you can adopt - this is much more important than you'd first think, especially if you are an old stiff fat bloke like me. You can get a really good road bike for £800, or even £600 + accessories (lock, SPD pedals/shoes, lights, bottle & cage). Most cycle shops will let you test ride, large ones like Evans have a huge range and will let you try out a few.anarki said:
Storing the bike:
Ground anchor, most expensive lock you can afford, and some form of cover or even one of those Yardmaster-type mini sheds.anarki said:
Clothing:
Understood, not everyone like the lycra. I would say you should get some padded cycle shorts and wear them under normal sports shorts or cargo shorts. Maybe a high-voz top/jacket/vest for when the light fades. Gloves are worthwhile, a little padding on the palms helps.anarki said:
I'm know to stay left on the road, signal when turning with hand gestures and no jumping red lights. What about traffic jams? Can I undertake on the left?
Flitering up the left is generally OK, but of course be sensible. You need to keep an eye out for folk turning left, also those pulling over to the left to let motorbikes pass on the right. Also try to be in a decent gap when the lights turn green and the cars start moving. You'll get used to it quite quickly.anarki said:
I'll leave it at that for now and thanks for taking the time to read through this.
Only other thing I would add, which others have, is that you should just get out and enjoy it. Your confidence will build really quickly and you'll soon get a real buzz from it. Won't b long before you are seeking new goals and taking the long way home.Three years ago, like you, I took the plunge and started cycling to work. From Surrey suburbs into central London. I was cr@pping myself, spent a lot of time worrying and planning the route, looking for quiet little short cuts etc. Now, I'm confident enough to ride on almost any road, I've no worries about loading up the bike and riding 25-30km to work and same back again.
Good luck and happy cycling. Oh, and once you are hooked, you need to check out Strava!
I generally filter down the centre of the road, there's more room and you can see when the traffic is about to start moving and slot safely back over to the left in good time. The main thing with filtering is to decide what feels safest at the time and do it, there's no hard and fast rules...
Oh, and bicycles live in the house, obviously
Oh, and bicycles live in the house, obviously
Clothing I'm not a fan of lycra either and find mountinbike shorts to be very good they have lycra shorts with padding for your bum then the mountainbike shorts with lots of pockets for your phone, wallet, keys etc... idea for this.
Hybrid pros and cons have been done already but what about a mountainbike with semi slick tyres instead? £800 will get your a decent mountainbike and the cycle to work scheme can normally be used to buy a new set of tyres.
Hybrid pros and cons have been done already but what about a mountainbike with semi slick tyres instead? £800 will get your a decent mountainbike and the cycle to work scheme can normally be used to buy a new set of tyres.
Electric folder should do nicely. Packs into a small space so storeable indoors both ends. http://www.wearea2b.com/uk/collection/kuo
Other folders available look up http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/ for info and advice.
Re the footpath bit,no problem walking this bit, I ride footpaths regularly on mine for safety, simple rule though,any peds about or in sight,walk it, otherwise just nip along. 10-12 mph will soon get you there. Oddly never an adverse comment on the folder,it generates interest rather than aggro. I think it's down to eye levels with walkers and less 'threat presence'. Never a problem so far,just use common sense & wear a yellow jacket. Do demo one.
Other folders available look up http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/ for info and advice.
Re the footpath bit,no problem walking this bit, I ride footpaths regularly on mine for safety, simple rule though,any peds about or in sight,walk it, otherwise just nip along. 10-12 mph will soon get you there. Oddly never an adverse comment on the folder,it generates interest rather than aggro. I think it's down to eye levels with walkers and less 'threat presence'. Never a problem so far,just use common sense & wear a yellow jacket. Do demo one.
Edited by duckwhistle on Wednesday 13th August 10:02
WinstonWolf said:
Oh, and bicycles live in the house, obviously
A house bicycle is to shins what an upturned three pin plug is to feet!Mine is in its own small shed. There is a ground anchor concreted into the patio under the shed with a motorbike style security chain and padlock going through it and coming up through holes in the floor of the shed.
otolith said:
WinstonWolf said:
Oh, and bicycles live in the house, obviously
A house bicycle is to shins what an upturned three pin plug is to feet!Mine is in its own small shed. There is a ground anchor concreted into the patio under the shed with a motorbike style security chain and padlock going through it and coming up through holes in the floor of the shed.
Oh I have shed bicycles and garage bicycles too, but the roadie has it's own spot in the office out of the way of everything otolith said:
3 miles in 20 mins is a pretty sedate pace even for a fat fortysomething like me.
Depends, that's what I managed for my last commute of about 3 miles. Through a fair few traffic lights, so it ended up not mattering how fast I went - much like driving, I simply ended up spending more time sat at lights (not that the interval training wasn't useful, mind ).My 2p:
over 3 miles you can avoid working up a sweat, so wear whatever you wish. And just about any bike will do, though a road bike may a)make it easier to go through certain junctions, since you can take a more assertive position without worrying about impeding traffic (which you shouldn't be worrying too much about anyway - see later), b)require a little more anticipation, since you're going faster and therefore actually have to think about stopping distances, c)pose a severe threat to your wallet...
The patronising bit:
Don't ride up the inside of lorries at junctions (or preferably at all)
Don't ride up the inside of lorries at junctions (or preferably at all)
Don't ride up the inside of... etc. Really that does supersede just about anything else.
And possibly read up a little on primary position ( link). Others could give better explanation than me, but roughly: if it's safe for someone to pass without crossing lanes, let them. If it isn't, don't. It may not feel it on internet forums (where naturally the only people worth talking about are the t
ts), but: most people are reasonably decent. It's just they can be a bit thick, and led into thinking it's maybe okay to try and squeeze past. Sod that, it's my life, I don't want maybes. Indeed a got a lesson on how not to do it earlier this week whilst driving: I was following a "motor" cyclist (the "motor" was purely there for show I think) through Bristol, pre-dawn, after the downpours. The "motor" cyclist was keeping very left, to let me past, being very courteous and all.
Until a giant puddle came up. I mean "up past the hubs at its deepest" giant (and of course, the deepest part is furthest left).
Then he wasn't. Then he was four feet to the right. What would have happened had I taken advantage of that courtesy, I leave to your imagination.
In short: being polite is nice, but there are some times when you need space. It's fine to put your safety first - everybody else does.
option click said:
No point in getting a folding bike either - OP has bike racks at work.
Only point in a folder is if you need to take it on the train IMO.
A proper bike will be much nicer to ride.
Ok leave it on the rack. Only point in a folder is if you need to take it on the train IMO.
A proper bike will be much nicer to ride.
Nicer to ride ? It depends on the folder, I have 6 bikes, the folders are the Kuo electric, and the Xootr Swift. Both ride really well particularly the Xootr due to the geometry being similar to a full size bike. I have cycled for 60 of my 70 years so not a noob. Currently building a 750 watt centre drive MTB to save the old legs a bit.
The op might take a look at the Xootr as the folding action lets it fit in a cupboard. Leaving a bike outside all winter is not good.
http://www.xootr.com/folding-bicycle.html
Great responses thanks.
The 20 minute travel time estimate is based on the fact I've only recently come out of hospital after having a hernia repair. So I would want to take it easy for the first few weeks without busting a bk (pun duly intended)
I also have plans to cycle to portishead and bath with a few friends in future hence why I'd rather spend a bit more on a half decent bike.
Also agree with the comments about me over thinking the cycling aspect - its been about 11 years since I last got on one, even then I only tended to mountain bike, did have a nasty off once and broke my wrist and also came close to puncturing my lung with the handle bar I landed on!
Heard good comments in the forum about Evans cycles so may pop down and try a couple out.
The 20 minute travel time estimate is based on the fact I've only recently come out of hospital after having a hernia repair. So I would want to take it easy for the first few weeks without busting a b
k (pun duly intended)I also have plans to cycle to portishead and bath with a few friends in future hence why I'd rather spend a bit more on a half decent bike.
Also agree with the comments about me over thinking the cycling aspect - its been about 11 years since I last got on one, even then I only tended to mountain bike, did have a nasty off once and broke my wrist and also came close to puncturing my lung with the handle bar I landed on!
Heard good comments in the forum about Evans cycles so may pop down and try a couple out.
For commuting 6 miles a day, you could just about get away with not buying any cycle-specific clothing at all.
I'm not a huge fan of tight fitting lycra, so I've always tended to buy MTB or Freeride clothing. Technical, sweat-wicking fabrics, in a much looser cut. It's designed to go over body armour - or fat blokes like me.
I do wear lycra shorts however, but wear baggy board shorts over the top. This gives me the padding I need for longer rides, yet doesn't leave everyone else feeling too queasy.
I've commuted in London for about 15 years now and I have to say that I'd go for a rigid MTB (style bike) over a road bike or hybrid every time. Shod in suitably narrow slick tyres, there aren't too many roadies that get past me. Plus the more upright position makes it easier to see further ahead. Also, having disc brakes is a lot better in the winter when there's tonnes of water on the road as there's nothing worse than the feeling of pulling the levers full-on and nothing happening. Most road bikes are not equipped this way, but CX bikes can be.
While I've started doing one journey a week on a road bike, the position of the levers leaves me a little concerned that I might not be able to reach them in time if I'm riding upright, or pull them hard enough if I'm riding with my hands on the hoods. The upside is that filtering through busy traffic is a lot easier on a bike with narrow bars.
The best thing you can do is try all different types of bikes and see which one you prefer.
I'm not a huge fan of tight fitting lycra, so I've always tended to buy MTB or Freeride clothing. Technical, sweat-wicking fabrics, in a much looser cut. It's designed to go over body armour - or fat blokes like me.
I do wear lycra shorts however, but wear baggy board shorts over the top. This gives me the padding I need for longer rides, yet doesn't leave everyone else feeling too queasy.
I've commuted in London for about 15 years now and I have to say that I'd go for a rigid MTB (style bike) over a road bike or hybrid every time. Shod in suitably narrow slick tyres, there aren't too many roadies that get past me. Plus the more upright position makes it easier to see further ahead. Also, having disc brakes is a lot better in the winter when there's tonnes of water on the road as there's nothing worse than the feeling of pulling the levers full-on and nothing happening. Most road bikes are not equipped this way, but CX bikes can be.
While I've started doing one journey a week on a road bike, the position of the levers leaves me a little concerned that I might not be able to reach them in time if I'm riding upright, or pull them hard enough if I'm riding with my hands on the hoods. The upside is that filtering through busy traffic is a lot easier on a bike with narrow bars.
The best thing you can do is try all different types of bikes and see which one you prefer.
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