One of the big things we’ve missed over the last while is the ride to work. For those of us that have been working from home, it’s definitely the best way to start the day and unless you’ve been organised enough to ride a faux-commute then hopefully you’re looking forward to seeing bike racks back to being busy.
If you’re making the switch to commuting by bike – well done! You’re making a difference; to your physical and mental wellbeing, your local community, and the environment. It can feel a bit daunting to begin with, but even if we weren’t in the current situation, it’s 100% the way to go. You’ll arrive at work fresher, it’s cheaper (even allowing for a second breakfast), helps cut congestions and gets you fit for free.
We tapped up the Endura commute crew for some tips on making the switch – here’s what the team suggested.
1. Planning counts – if you have a busy road or nasty roundabout then it’s worth breaking out the map or using an online route planner to work out a way round it. Speak to the other cyclists at work to see what routes they recommend.
2. Try it out beforehand on a weekend when it’s a little less busy and you have a little more time to play with.
3. Invest in a little cycle specific kit. This isn’t the hard sell, but with a helmet, shorts, gloves and a lightweight jacket then that’s plenty to get you started. Do we know a great brand of cycling kit? Our wide range of riding kit benefits from years of making kit for commuters and years of commuting in it.
4. Have a think about where and how you lock your bike. We’re lucky with a bike rack in front of our reception area and a bike shelter tucked away elsewhere on = our HQ site. You might not be so lucky. Avoid places where thieves get a free run at your pride and joy. Invest in locks – find somewhere you can leave the lock in place overnight saves having to lug it around too.
5. Bike maintenance- have a practice at fixing punctures on your commuter bike before you have one on route – the chances of being stuck on the grass verge with bleeding thumbs from too tight tyres can be avoided with a quick test to make sure you know how to release the tyre properly. Give that old beater a clean from time to time too. A clean(ish) bike is a happy bike.
