New to the whole commuting cycling thing.

[Benl95]

Hey all, im new here on the forum, and to the whole using a bike to commute, i havent riden in years, and only have my mountain bike at the moment, But id like advice on getting started, i went out got some safety gear such as helmet and lights. Had my innertubes changed as they were going duff, new pedals, brake adjustments and all sorts. What do i need to know before i ride out to college for the first time.

 

[vickster]

Be careful, ride defensively, use lights, don't ride on the pavement, don't jump red lights

 

[Pat "5mph"]

What do i need to know before i ride out to college for the first time.

Hi and welcome!
For sure you need to know the rules of the road, so a read of the highway code is a must.
More info on how to ride your bike safely here.

 

[annedonnelly]

Practise your route on a day you're not in a rush to get there.
If a part of your route is scary/hilly there's no shame in getting off and walking for a while.
How are you going to keep your bike safe while at college? You'll need a decent lock.
Learn how to fix a puncture and practise in the warm & dry at home - it'll be cold & wet when it happens for real

Enjoy it!!

 

[welsh dragon]

Hi and welcome from powys

 

[LSAF2011]

Be careful, ride defensively, use lights, don't ride on the pavement, don't jump red lights

this^
Welcome, bright clothes and have eyes everywhere, lol

 

[fossyant]

Carry spare tubes, kit, pump and tyre levers. You don't want the walk of shame.

 

[Benl95]

Practise your route on a day you're not in a rush to get there.
If a part of your route is scary/hilly there's no shame in getting off and walking for a while.
How are you going to keep your bike safe while at college? You'll need a decent lock.
Learn how to fix a puncture and practise in the warm & dry at home - it'll be cold & wet when it happens for real

Enjoy it!!

Hey, sorry should have stated i did also pick up a bike lock, Where bikes get locked up in my college is litterely right outside my buildings window - 5 ft ish. So ill lock it up there. Its always in plain sight of my room, and my teachers room.
Also thank you all for the advice, and warm welcome. I will read up a little more on the highway code. A question that popped into my head, what do you mean by "ride defensivly"

 

[sreten]

Hi,

Riding defensively is simply not riding aggressively. Take lines car would take in moving
road position. to overtake parked cars rather than swinging out near the car. Signal your
intentions clearly. e.g. anyone who indicates right to overtake a parked car is clearly a
muppet,* you indicate right when you really need to go right and get to the road centre.

Good road tyres on a MTB will make a huge difference to the ease of a commute.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/michelin-wild-run-r-mtb-tyre/rp-prod48134
Chalk and cheese compared to typical MTB tyres. And FWIW on tarmac they
will have outstanding wet grip, bike tyres on roads simply don't need tread.

Also fit mudguards, carry a spare tube, and the bits to change a tube.

rgds, sreten.

* Drivers clearly don't expect you not to overtake parked cars and don't
appreciate much a a meaningless signal, a far better signal is your
moving road position, which should be slow and deliberate.

 

[biggs682]

and try to enjoy it as that will make it easier

 

[helston90]

Don't expect all other cyclists to wave cheerily and say hello- some will, some won't- but don't take it personally!

 

[HorTs]

Just to be a pain I'd say ride assertively not defensively.