Whats your one tip for commuting

[Markymark]

So, I've just started commuting to work by bike - first time on one for around 20 years!! I'm really enjoying the journey - its 20 miles round trip into central London. I've done it 6 or 7 times and am learning each time. As a driver of many years I think I have a perspective that many of the commuting cyclists don't have, but missing many that they do! For example, have now learnt NEVER to find myself on the inside of a large vehicle. Knocking off those 2 minutes from my jurney time is not as important as finding yourself in a safe position.

My question is, what is the ONE important tip you can give me.

 

[Bristol Dave]

Remain calm is my one tip. There is no point in getting angry or frustrated. Let things slide!

BD

 

[fossyant]

Ride like you are traffic. Be assertive and take primary where necessary (Also helps if you can maintain a good speed).

 

[wiggydiggy]

Take your time

I set off a little earlier so I can commute not race, saves arriving in a puddle of sweat and I'm in a good mood (on the way back you may have other ideas lol!)

 

[SquareDaff]

Always carry wet weather gear - there's nothing more miserable than cycling in wet clothing!

 

[Jezston]

Thing I found most useful is being comfortable looking all around, e.g. looking behind without wobbling. Once I'd mastered that I felt so much more aware, more comfortable in traffic - other vehicles no longer felt as threatening, and the effect of discouraging some drivers from making dangerous overtakes was surprising.

 

[Tommi]

Anticipate the road ahead of you.

Remain calm is my one tip. There is no point in getting angry or frustrated. Let things slide!

Grr, you stole my first tip.

 

[ianrauk]

Do not ride in the gutter.

As to wet weather clothing. You don't need it in the warmer months as you will only boil in the bag. Wear cycling specific gear and it dries very quickly anyway.

 

[BentMikey]

So, I've just started commuting to work by bike - first time on one for around 20 years!! I'm really enjoying the journey - its 20 miles round trip into central London. I've done it 6 or 7 times and am learning each time. As a driver of many years I think I have a perspective that many of the commuting cyclists don't have, but missing many that they do! For example, have now learnt NEVER to find myself on the inside of a large vehicle. Knocking off those 2 minutes from my jurney time is not as important as finding yourself in a safe position.

My question is, what is the ONE important tip you can give me.

I think most of us are drivers too. It always amazes me how so many non-cyclists and new cyclists assume cyclists are all too poor to own cars/are ecowarriors/don't know how to drive/don't want to drive.

 

[Moodyman]

Have good control of your bike before you hit the roads - be able to do shoulder checks, hand signals, reach drinks bottle and gulp water whilst still maintaining your balance and line. Be able to ride uphills without side-to-side swaying.

All of these things will make it easier for you.

And...ride far from the kerb - where left tyre of cars rolls.

 

[Markymark]

All good tips, thank you.

BentMikey - fair point.

 

[Bromptonaut]

What the others say:

Keep looking ahead. What's directly in front is important but so's what s happening 50-70 metres ahead.

And for a bonus use all your senses - don't impede your hearing with headphones

(ducks!)

 

[Beebo]

Don't feel pressured to do anything in traffic that you feel is unsafe. Just because a couple of Kamikasi cyclists have done it doesnt mean you have to follow.

 

[I like Skol]

Two tips for the price of one.....

ALWAYS have a spare tube and pump with you. A puncture can strike at any time (as it did to me on my way home on Mon morning after a 12hr night shift). Practice fixing a puncture at home then you know you have everything you need and can calmly do the same at the roadside in under 10 minutes without rushing then continue your journey.

Keep a spare set of clothes at work and this needs to include socks and undies. Nothing worse than getting caught in an unexpected summer shower that turns into a torrential downpour then having to wear wet underwear all day/night.

Ride confidently and assertively but as beebo says don't do anything unsafe. If the traffic isn't going your way at that tricky right turn then there is no shame in pulling into the left kerb and waiting for a suitable gap. As the saying goes, "there are old fools and brave fools but there are no old brave fools!"

...... three tips!!!

 

[BSRU]

Enjoy it, especially this time of year.