With the rising care about the environment and our health, cycling to work has become more than just a trend. Companies and even entire countries support it. Did you know that there are countries that are currently paying people to cycle? Sounds great, doesn’t it?
So, if you are considering leaving your car at home and switching to bike commute, there are definitely some things you should take into account to ensure that you get to and from work safely and feeling great. That way, you will be both productive at work and feel great at home. Not to mention how happy your doctor will be.
Check your health status first
Depending on your previous regular activity level, a bike commute to work can be just light cardio or an exhausting experience. Even if the whole route to work is without hills, it is still a strain on your body, so you do want to make sure you can take this level of activity on a daily level.
A general checkup is a smart way to start. That way, you can make sure that you are in good health, your heart included. Next on the list are some test rides. Ride the approximate number of miles that you will have to take on daily in one direction. See how you feel afterward and if you will need to do some prep before committing to your daily bike commute.
There is no question that there are numerous benefits of getting on your bike and using it for your daily commute but it is essential that you consider your current limitations and work on improving your fitness level. It will definitely be worth the effort.
Make sure you get the right gear
Having just a decent pair of wheels is not enough for daily commutes. Using your two-wheeler daily differs from using it only on the weekends. That is why you need specific gear so that you are sure to get safely and on time to and from work.
Start with the right protective equipment. A helmet and reflective gear are a must. You can also wear a bright west for your daily rides. Of course, there is the issue of adequate clothing. It is far smarter to wear cycling clothing while commuting and to change into work clothes when you get to the office. Especially if the commute is a bit longer, that way, you can ride with ease and look great during office hours.
Finally, there are some gadgets you can’t do without. First and foremost, the front and backlight so that you are visible to the traffic when cycling home in the evenings. Next is a mini cycling toolkit, if there is a small issue on your way to work, it is best to have the tools to fix it so that you are not late.
Locate all possible routes
The fastest route to work might not be the safest. So, it would be prudent to check different options before deciding on the best one. You’ll want to avoid riding on the open road, without designated bicycle lanes. In addition, riding through an area that is high in traffic and pedestrian crossing can severely slow you down.
Try using Google Maps and set the destination while choosing the bike option. You might find some new routes you haven’t seen before. And luckily for you, Google offers the estimated duration of each route to help you decide which one you would like to take. Your pace might differ from their estimate so it might be a good idea to try out the routes and time them yourself.
Get to know the rules of engagement
Whether you drive a car, ride a bike, or are a pedestrian, it is essential that you stick to the clearly defined traffic laws. That is why once you start your bike commute, it is necessary to consider the space around you. Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, shoulder check before turning, and mind the turn signals of cars in front of you as you approach intersections.
You should also make sure to use alerts to warn people that you are coming. For example, make sure that you pass on the left, and use a bell to alert other cyclists and pedestrians that you are about to pass them. In case your bell isn’t enough, you can also say “passing on the left” so that you are certain they stay in their lane. Finally, bike in the direction of traffic and make sure to obey traffic lights.
You are now ready to start your first bike commute. Most of the things on the list will become second nature after a month or so. The benefits of using your bike to get to work are really multiple, but best of all is the feeling that not only are you doing something to improve your health, you are also having a positive impact on our planet. That alone is enough to get you to cycle to work every single day.
Latest Research Report on “Cycling Apparel Market” Added by Analytical Research Cognizance which covers Market Overview, Future Economic Impact, Competition by Manufacturers, Supply (Production), & Consumption Analysis
Manhattan, United states – November 14, 2018 —
Cycling Apparel Market Contain the Top Key manufacturers of Cycling Apparel are Adidas, Nike, Specialized Bicycle, MERIDA, TREK, Capo, Assos, Rapha, Marcello Bergamo, Castelli, Jaggad, Pearl Izumi, GIANT, CCN Sport, Mysenlan, etc.
This report studies the global market size of Cycling Apparel in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Cycling Apparel in these regions.
This report also studies the global market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels, distributors and Porter’s Five Forces Analysis.
Cycling wear includes cycling jerseys, cycling shorts, cycling jacket and cycling wind coats.
