Cycle commuters can be broken down into two distinct groups. Those that ride to work because their circumstances dictate they have to and those that choose to ride to work because of a love of not only the bike but also their fitness.
Non cycling commuters can also be broken down into two distinct groups. Firstly those that can’t because their circumstances don’t allow them to eg it’s 120km to work, or they’re on the road reps. Secondly those that don’t. One major reason is a fear of the road or a lack of faith in their ability to deal with road traffic.
If you fall into the latter categories and want to ride to and from work but haven’t done so yet or are simply wanting some tips on improving your commute the read on.
Think like a cyclist, not a driver – when picking a route
You will most likely be fully familiar with your drive to work and back and you will have based this route on any number of factors but predominantly based on the fastest route. After all, there are only a select few that revel sitting in their vehicle commuting. Aston Martin drivers spring to mind as one.
This route is not necessarily your best route for cycling. If you drive to work with aspirations of cycling but are put off by the swathes of traffic, don’t be. Your driving route will not necessarily be the same as your cycling route. There could be any number of possible alternatives to cycle that are quieter and carry far less risky than that trunk road with the tricky roundabout and the busy intersection.
Get some maps or have a browse through online maps and check out the other roads in the area. You may well be pleasantly surprised at what is available to ride on. Instead of a two lane arterial route you may find a tree-lined residential street with minimal traffic and no roulette-like intersections. The reason people don’t drive it is that it is far slower in a car, but on the bike this route could not only be safer and more pleasant, but quicker too.
Have your route? Now think like a motorist
Cyclists bear the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. This is not to be forgotten. Too often cyclists are in the press for all the wrong reasons, whether it’s jumping on and off kerbs or flashing through red lights. This aggravates motorists and breeds resentment towards cyclists. Apart from being bad PR for cyclists it can also manifest as anger in the motorists. And that anger is aimed at you. So follow the rules of the road and keep the respect of the motorists you’re sharing the road with.
The other reason to think like a motorist is to keep you even safer on the road. This is done by riding defensively and with anticipation. What we mean by this is that there are motorists on your roads that simply don’t comprehend how much room you require and how fast you may actually be travelling (after commuting consistently for a few weeks you’ll find you’re tearing along!).
As such motorists can make calls on the road that don’t take your situation into consideration. A classic example is a car overtaking you with the intention of taking the next left turn (across your path). The motorist has little understanding that you’re whipping along up the inside at twice the speed they thought you were and incidentally they turn left right in front of you.
There are many examples of this type of driving on the road but by thinking like a motorist and anticipating these moves you will foresee any scenario that may put you in danger and you will remain safe on the road.
Avoid the pavement – and the gutter
Those just starting out may believe that riding on the pavement is the safest option. This is not the case. There may be motorists on the road but they are at least all moving relatively consistently in the same direction and there a re traffic signals to adhere to.
On the pavement, however, there are runners, walker, dogs, garbage bins, parking meters, signposts, motorists backing out of houses and any other number of unpredictable obstacles. None of whom are expecting you to be there travelling at speed. Apart from that, you’re really not supposed to be doing it, anyway.
Now we have you back in the road, don’t ride in the gutter. It’s where all the detritus from the road inevitable ends up, it’s cambered and full of drainage grates. Cycle outside of this zone. Not only does it keep you out of the mess in the gutter but also gives you more road presence and room to manoeuvre should you require it.
Kit to use
Bike - Keep it maintained. The more you commute on it the more in-tune you will become with it and the safer you will make yourself on the roads. Give it the ABC: Air in the tyres, Brakes are functional and Quick Releases are tight (we understand this is technically ABQ but ABC is easier to remember).
Clothing – Brighten up a little. Cycling clothing can be a little drab, especially come the colder months. All that lycra comes in a predominance of black, so add some colour. Preferably in the form of something reflective.
Lights – get some for the darker days. There is a whole article on which lights to choose right here
Mudguards – if the roads are grimy where you are then add a pair of muddies. Not only will this make your commute far more pleasant but you will also spend less time concentrating on what is being flicked up into your face and more concentrating on your surroundings.
Ride with conviction
A motorist dilly-dallying on the road can struggle to make headway through the traffic. It is the same for cyclists. Hesitate and you could lose you place on the road. If you want a piece of road then claim it. Boldly and safely. This eliminates any doubt in the other road users’ minds about where you want to be, and they’ll leave that space for you.
Use your eyes – this is absolutely invaluable. When used in conjunction with assertiveness you will be able to claim your place in the road safely. Make eye contact with motorists. It gives you far more presence on the road. It acts as an acknowledgement of your existence ie the motorist will see you more.
In conclusion
Look out for car door openings. This is the No.1 most unpredictable element in cycle commuting. Collision with an opening car door can easily be avoided. Give yourself room on the road if there are parked cars on the side and casually keep an eye on them all as you come up to them. The angle you are riding at allows you to see if there is a driver in the car through the rear passenger window. If you see someone in the car then give that car a wider berth than normal. This is all about riding intuitively.
Knowing your place on the road and cycling in a space you have claimed will give you the cushion you require to safely strafe out the way, being aware of the traffic around you, of any potential car door opening
Commuting to work is fun, healthy and safe. Ride at a comfortable speed, take control of the road in a safe manner, obey the rules of the road and ride defensively and you will enjoy all the benefits without any of the risks.
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