Commuting by Bike - Safety First

Make sure you bike is fit for purpose – good tyres, brakes working and  handlebars pointing in the right direction. It may sound obvious, but if a bike is in a good state of repair, lubricated correctly, it will take less effort to propel it along the road.

Don’t get on your bike without a helmet. There are so many different – looking ones for sale now, there is no excuse for not finding one that suits you. They are all multi-adjustable and most bike shops will not let you leave the shop without making sure the helmet fits your head correctly – no matter what size or shape your head is.

Clothing

Don’t try and ride to work in your office clothing unless your journey is short – no more than a couple of non– strenuous miles. It’s far nicer to ride in comfortable clothes and change once you get to work.

Wet weather

Cycling in the rain need not be as bad as you think. Just remember it isn’t just the rain coming down that will soak you; it’s the rain coming up from the road as you cycle through and the water propelled towards you from cars and lorries that gets you the wettest. Over-trousers can be found for little expense and most of us own a waterproof coat. Take a change of footwear and a pair of socks and you are weatherproofed enough for most eventualities.

Facilities

Many businesses are now aware of the need to provide shower and changing facilities for their staff as part of a travel plan so you may already have lockers to store your clothes and keep everything you need safe and crease-free.  If you don’t, see if your employers is prepared to set aside areas for cycle storage and changing – you may find that others will join in too if there are facilities available.

Funds could be available through Torbay Council for green travel plans. For more information, click on the link to Travel plans where a grant application – “Keep Torbay Working” is available on line.

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