Fitness
What nobody tells you when you start cycling to work
The spoken and unspoken etiquette of biking at rush hour, as revealed by seasoned commuters.
Cycling to work sounds like a great solution for your wallet, heart, and the planet. What’s not to love? Fresh air. The ability to beat queues of traffic. Taking shortcuts through lovely parks. Well, maybe.
We asked a few seasoned cycle commuters to impart their wisdom.
First up, Tom Bourlet, media manager and travel blogger over at Spaghettitraveller.com, shares his insights:
1. Don't be 'that' rider
Follow the rules and don't be 'that' rider
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"Follow the rules. Don’t go through red lights. We cyclists complain about not being treated properly on the road, but when cyclists ride straight through a red light or through a zebra crossing, I can’t help shout in anger. You can’t have the best of both worlds. You'll also paint a bad picture of cyclists who ride properly."
2. Never trust a van
"I mean absolutely no disrespect to van drivers, it’s simply that they can’t always see you and you definitely have to be wary when they are passing."
3. Forget about that Powerpoint presentation
"I was hit by a car while cycling about six years ago on a commute. It taught me one thing – don’t plan out my daily to-do list in my head while cycling. I certainly was to blame, but luckily, I’m OK now."
4. Take some time for yourself
"I was once late for work here in Brighton because I spotted some ducks (being from London originally, even a sheep in a field would make me stop and stare in amazement, therefore this was immense). I didn’t want them to get hit by a car, so I spent the next ten minutes escorting them across the road. I wasn't sure where they were heading, but I was a little bit late for work and don't regret it at all."
5. Beware of bike paths
Beware of bike paths
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"Truth be told, I feel safer cycling on the streets of London than the bike path. There doesn't seem to be any rules, such as stay to the left to help with traffic flow. It isn't just cyclists though, but runners and walkers who are unaware of their surroundings. It makes it very hard and awkward to pass people when there is the any order on the narrow pavement. My biggest fear is falling into the canal by collision with another cyclist, by slipping on the slick black bricks along the edge. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea?"
6. Use your belI
"I am a big fan of my bell. Maybe it is because I am American and loud but I like to let people (runners, cyclists, walkers) know I am coming up behind them. I hate when a bike whizzes passed me without any warning when I am cycling. No one should be in that much of a rush."
7. Respect the pace
"I am more than happy to sit back and let the aggressive cyclists pass me. I would also encourage others cyclists to be patient if someone is going slow. Making them go too far outside their comfort zone would probably end in disaster for them and possibly you."
8. You’re all in it together
"It is always nice when the cyclist in front of you lets you know when the road is clear by shouting 'clear' or if there is a pothole with 'hole'."
9. Let the little things go
"Don't get worked up by trivial infractions. I.e. if someone accidentally collides with you, don't be offended if they mistake you for a man as they shout an apology!"
Former Oxford student, now London-based strategy consultant, Akshay Dalal, has experience of cycling in two major cities:
10. There’s a natural order to cycling
What nobody tells you when you start cycling to work
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"There is an unsaid hierarchy of cyclists, just like the supercar hierarchy. Carbon bikes are the Ferraris of the bike world, their riders kitted out in all the gear are top of the food chain. Don’t try and compete. Normal bikes, such as a Raleigh, are the cycling middle-class. And then, well, then there are the Boris Bikes."
11. The bus lane isn't always the best
"Ahh – the bus lane, finally a lane for me. I’m the the boss, I’m the king of this lane! Buses are my best friend, black cabs the enemy! Oh wait, the bus lane just vanished out of nowhere, where did these other cars come from?!"
12. Strava is addictive
"Strava really is the new Facebook – 'How much time did you do it in?' 'How much kudos did you get?' You'll be asking yourself the same questions and more."
13. Nothing puts a downer on a cycle like the weather
"Me: 'What a beautiful day, I’m going to bike to the office'''. London rain gods: 'Here are some clouds and rain to make it more enjoyable'. Beware if you don’t have a waterproof bag, as it could be bye bye, laptop!"
14. Cycling is a community
"There is strength in numbers. Other cyclists are looking out for you – even if you do think they are there to race you."