Cycling to work... Your thoughts....

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Replies

  • Angel1066
    Angel1066 Posts: 816 Member
    Hi i have to get on the London Tube with the great unwashed, someone smelling of fresh sweat or wipes would make a welcome change. Happy cycling.
  • cparker10
    cparker10 Posts: 10
    Thank you kayemme - good advice.
  • jeneey
    jeneey Posts: 48
    Jay,

    I can definitely understand the concern. Having been rear-ened on a bicycle by a drunk driver, and numerous close calls. One technique I have learned, is not actually ride to the right side of the lane. Depeinding on the local laws, bicycles may be considered vehicles with all of the same requirements and allowances. On busy roads, I will actually ride in the middle of the lane. This forces drivers to use another lane or wait until the oncoming traffic is clear before passing, thus preventing the driver from executing a "get as close as I can to the biker" pass. It also helps with visibility, it is hard to ignore the guy in the bright yellow jacket, flourescent orange bike pants and tail lights when he is in the middle of the road.
    I would suggest getting acquainted with the local laws governing bike use and public roads, then try the middle of the lane method. I get a lot less horn blowing and close swipes that way.
    By the way, the 13 miles is not so bad, it takes me about 1 hour and 15 minutes on the commuter bike, and 45-50 on the road bike, so it is a good morning/afternoon workout for me. What was rough was this weekend when I did my first group ride with the local bike club...45 in 2.5 hours.....I slept the rest of the day :)

    Ean

    I bike up a busy road that is approximately 10 miles and uphill, visibility is limited. Would you suggest biking in the center? It's rather narrow and there are usuallly trucks hauling trailers on this road. I've had some close calls with people who will not give me any room, like they are trying to make a point for me to get off the road. I ride as close to the edge I can. Very frustrating! And where I live, bikes and cars are supposedly to abide by the same rules.
  • JayClitherow
    JayClitherow Posts: 16
    Wow, who'da thunked this topic would go so well, thanks for all you hints and tips, certainly food for thought :o)
  • leilaphoenix
    leilaphoenix Posts: 839 Member
    I cycle to work, only about 3 miles each way but I take it easy and find I'm not *too* sweaty when I get to work - a pat down, spray of something nice and a change of shirt sorts me out.
  • hjy319
    hjy319 Posts: 269 Member
    This is a great topic, i just got my bike back from the shop, all tuned up and am going to make a dry run to work on my off days to see how long it takes me and how sweaty I get. Lucky for me it is mostly down hill to work, and if need be I could shower, but would prefer to just change into work uniform and use some wipes if needed.
    I am looking forward to saving on the gas cost this summer!!

    Stay safe riding out there
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    I did a lovely 27 mile route this evening; burnt 1904 Calories...

    Two days ago I did a different route, 33 miles in total; burnt 2426 Calories...

    Hope it makes a difference when I jump on the scales :laugh:
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    Have a read of this:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/five-reasons-to-cycle-to-work-29878

    A really interesting article about cycling to work IMHO!
  • kayemme
    kayemme Posts: 1,782 Member
    Have a read of this:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/five-reasons-to-cycle-to-work-29878

    A really interesting article about cycling to work IMHO!

    fantastic! i love the statistic: cycling is 20x less dangerous than not cycling. such a great way to look at i t.

    today i bought a helmet. i've been making my commute with ipod for the last 2 years sans helmet because a) i hate helmets, b) i have this theory that people are actually more careful around bike riders without helmets and c) i was never really going that fast, so wearing a helmet was comparable to walking with a helmet on.

    but today i clocked my 7 mile commute in 28 minutes and that includes stopping at traffic lights. so, i thought, well, i'm going faster than ever, i guess i ought to buy one to at least wear at night.

    and i work with kids, so i want them to see me ride up with a helmet on, despite my personal feelings against them.

    plus i have to have one for the 70 mile joy ride we're taking in a few weeks. so it's all good.
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    i've been making my commute with ipod for the last 2 years

    Yikes! Commuting with your iPod on? I can't do it; I need to hear what's going on around me!

    Stay safe!
  • cloggsy71
    cloggsy71 Posts: 2,208 Member
    Wow, who'da thunked this topic would go so well, thanks for all you hints and tips, certainly food for thought :o)

    Well, are you 'on your bike' yet Jay?
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