Ten top tips for cycling to work or school

Cycling can be a fantastic way to do your regular commute, whether it’s riding to your place of work or dropping the kids off at school. It gets you moving so is a more healthy and active alternative to driving, and you’ll arrive more alert and energised. Commuting by bike can also be a lot more fun than driving, and you’ll feel more connected with your local community and the world around you. If you’re considering swapping the car for a bike, here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Find an easy, quiet route

The shortest route isn’t always the best for cycling. Try finding a route that avoids the busiest main roads and sticks to residential back-roads where the speed limit may one slower. Also look for dedicated cycle routes and paths. Avoiding steep hills can make the whole experience more pleasant too! 

2. Practice your route at the weekend

Once you’ve chosen a route, try it out at the weekend. You won’t have the pressure of arriving at a certain time, and the traffic will most likely be quieter. Then, when it comes to your first commute, you’ll already be familiar with the route.

3. Be ready to go in the morning

Save time and stress in the mornings by making sure your bikes, helmets, bags, coats and anything else you need are easily accessible and preferably all in one dedicated place! Our bike sheds can be used to store all of your gear as well as your bikes so you’re ready to go as easily as possible.

4. Make safety a priority

Make sure you’re kitted out with a helmet, brightly coloured clothing (hi vis is even better), a bell and lights. You should also do a quick M check for safety each time you go for a ride. In darkness, a white front light and red rear light are compulsory, but it’s advisable to display lights all the time you’re cycling as it makes you more visible to other road users. If you’re cycling with children, position yourself behind them on the road so you can keep them in view.

5. Go easy on yourself

Try swapping the car for a bike just one day a week and build up from there. You don’t need to go all-or-nothing straight away. And you’re allowed to skip the bike commute in really bad weather! Do whatever you feel comfortable with and build it up as your confidence grows.

6. Consider some training

If your bike skills are a bit rusty, or you are introducing children to cycling on the road, a Bikeability  course (previously called cycling proficiency) is a great way to build competence and confidence. Courses usually take place in summer holidays and the website will help you find one near you. There are different courses depending on your skill level – they’re not just for complete beginners.

7. Use a suitable bike

For children, this mainly means making sure their bikes are the correct size. Don’t be tempted to get one bigger that they can grow into – a bike that’s too big will be harder to control and can put them off. Also make sure your bike is suitable for urban commuting – a carbon-framed road bike, whilst fast, is not going to be very comfortable or practical. The Cycle to Work scheme can help you save up to 42% on the cost of a new bike and any equipment you need to go with it. Just check with your employer whether they offer this scheme.

8. Is a cargo bike the answer?

If you’re taking younger children to school, a cargo bike could be a great solution. Some will allow you to carry up to 4 kids, as well as all their school bags and gear in a box at the front and can be a really fun way to travel. You also don’t need to worry about locking their bikes up at school when you get there. Did we mention we also make Cargo Bike Sheds?

9. Seek out a bike train

Bike trains are exactly what they sound like, usually a group of adults and/or children who cycle to school or university in a big group. It’s not only about safety in numbers, it’s also a great way to meet new people and make your commute more sociable and enjoyable.

10. Make it fun!

As well as being healthier and less polluting, cycling should be fun! Maybe start your kids off with short rides to the park before building up to the school run. And try pointing out things you see on your rides – this can make cycling enjoyable for all of you and help you connect to your local area.

With 66% of daily commutes, and 42% of primary school journeys, being by car there is lots of opportunity for more of these daily trips being done by bike. Hopefully these tips will encourage you to swap four wheels for two and enjoy all the health and wellbeing benefits that come with it.