Female Commuting

[ufkacbln]

I think most people have certain intuition

If you don't feel right about something, or situation, trust those feelings and don't use a particular path or find an alternative route

Otherwise simply know your area

 

[trio25]

As people said above it depends on the area, I live in a very rural location and ride off-road all the time at night. Previously I was Manchester based and there were some routes i'd do on a dark morning and not in the evening. Also people usually assume you are male unless you are on an obviously female bike!

 

[Heifer73]

Thank you all

The bridleway is between two nice areas, used by cyclist, runners and dog walkers.

I really enjoy cycling it; it’s more pleasant than the road. At the time of morning I am cycling I do not really see anyone expect wildlife.

My bike has lights but I need to learn about fixing punctures, a step to step guide would be useful.

 

[ufkacbln]

My bike has lights but I need to learn about fixing punctures, a step to step guide would be useful.

Keep an eye out locally, as some places do basic bike maintenace as an evening class... If they don't, suggest thatthey do!

 

[summerdays]

It's worth knowing how to fix a visit from the fairy (note I prefer doing it at home and at some point I will have to fix one on the side of the road), but mostly. I avoid them by keeping my tyres pumped up and running more resistant tyres. So I usually only get about one visit a year. As it normally takes about 45 mins (yes I know slow), it's worth me avoiding them if I can.

The other thing to avoid them is, every now and again, inspect the tyres looking for bits of glass and small stones embedded in the tyre.

 

[sheffgirl]

I cycle alone, most of my ride is on main roads but I do follow a bridle path through the woods, except in winter but this is only because it is not lit.
I've never been scared cycling, it has just never occurred to me. Like a lot of people have said, its not obvious that I'm female from far away, apart from the end of my blonde ponytail lol

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

You will be fine, I have seen women jogging down a B road in the middle of winter or walking early in the morning in the country side.

I'm a 6'2 ft black guy I get scared of my nagging wife.

I have had old white women stop me when cycling at full pelt to have random conversations.

I have a wife like that!
And how fast is your "full pelt" if little old ladies can stop you?
Or is it a case of the "oh young man" situation for you in your lycra?

 

[Soup890]

I have a wife like that!
And how fast is your "full pelt" if little old ladies can stop you?
Or is it a case of the "oh young man" situation for you in your lycra?

Fast enough to get home and slow enough for my wife to finish making my dinner.

 

[hennbell]

Fast enough to get home and slow enough for my wife to finish making my dinner.

You sir are a genius.
But I would make one change. Fast enough to enjoy the ride, long enough for my wife to finish making my dinner.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I cycle alone, most of my ride is on main roads but I do follow a bridle path through the woods, except in winter but this is only because it is not lit.
I've never been scared cycling, it has just never occurred to me. Like a lot of people have said, its not obvious that I'm female from far away, apart from the end of my blonde ponytail lol

Been mistook for female a couple of times with my ponytail. Guess they would get a shock.
The only trouble I get is kids (some in their 30's) with nothing better in their heads than to yell abusive comments, though some are not meant in a bad way I think, and I do ride around a few estates with unsavoury reputations.