Bicycle commuting: what you should know
Bicycle commuting: what you should know
Cycling is here, so embrace the future of pedal drive and check out our important tips to help anyone start cycling to get off work. As municipalities around the world realize the benefits of bicycle commuting, miles of motor vehicle lanes are being converted into bicycle lanes at an alarming rate. All of these new bicycle paths through towns have had a significant impact on the cycling community: attracting more people to join, and proving to the public that bicycles will continue to exist.
In the past 15 years, we have witnessed the transformation of cycling in North America from fringe activities undertaken by only a few rebels to an increasingly common mode of transportation, becoming more and more accepted by wider circles.
To help you embrace this pedal-powered future, we have compiled some important tips to help anyone start commuting by bicycle. let’s go!
Just started riding
A common excuse for many people not to ride a bicycle is that they do not have the right equipment or the initial investment is too high. If you haven’t ridden a bicycle for 20 years, you probably don’t have an adjusted commuter bicycle, a set of lights, and some suitcases that happen to be sitting in the office in the garage.
So start small. Borrow a bicycle from a friend and take it for a trial ride on weekends. If you live in a city with a public bicycle sharing system, get a membership and cycle to work once or twice a week.
Before you get on the saddle, you don’t need to spend more than $1,000 to buy a brand new bicycle and full kit, it’s important to just start riding. Go out and enjoy the oncoming wind and the freedom of the bicycle. Then once you are hooked, we can talk about equipment.
Plan your bicycle commuting route in advance
Cycling in the city—especially during rush hours—is usually faster than driving. The most important of their many benefits is that bicycles do not get stuck in traffic, so if you live in a crowded city, you can expect to save a few minutes of commuting time by switching to bicycles.
In other words, if you haven’t cycled to work before, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you get there on time. Check your local bicycle shop or promotion organization for a bicycle route map for your town, or in larger cities, Google Maps is getting better at picking the safest bicycle routes.
Plan your route and spend as much time as possible on protected bicycle lanes, street bicycle lanes, or small streets with stable traffic. We recommend that you test your route on a rest day to see how your speed and riding comfort compare to the time frame suggested by Google.
Predictable
Although motorists have a responsibility to keep an eye on pedestrians and cyclists, if you ride irregularly or unpredictably, it will make their job more difficult. To make their lives easier (and thereby make yourself safer), send clear signals about your actions and intentions to other road users.
Use hand gestures to indicate when to turn or stop, and make eye contact with the driver as much as possible.
Considerate
Just as you want motorists to pay attention to you, pedestrians want cyclists to pay attention to them. Our streets are based on the principle of vulnerable road users: anyone who drives a more dangerous vehicle has a responsibility to take care of people who are more vulnerable than them.
Too many times, you see cyclists running through red lights because there are no cars at intersections, and when they do, they cut off or almost hit pedestrians on the crosswalk. This is not only dangerous, but also goes against the goals of cycling by perpetuating the stereotype of cyclists being empowered or aggressive.
Visible
Once you have done a few day cycling around town and are ready to use cycling as part of your daily activities, it’s time to start thinking about gear. The first thing you want to invest in is a good set of lamps. If the driver can’t see you, they can’t take care of you. Although this is not a problem in the long summer, light is absolutely necessary for commuting by bicycle or commuting in dark and rainy climates in winter.
We recommend using a USB rechargeable lamp to reduce the use of disposable batteries and reduce the hassle of constant replacement.
Choose your bicycle style
Remember how exciting it was to own your first bicycle as a kid? We believe that getting the first new bicycle as an adult is even more exciting. It still provides the joy of a child and the freedom to ride a bicycle, but it also provides the many health and financial benefits that we adults (reluctantly) are forced to consider.
Choosing the right bicycle for you depends on many factors. Do you live in a hilly area? Then you will want something with gears. Don’t like to ride with a backpack? Then you need a front or rear frame to let your bicycle do the heavy lifting. Live in a completely flat area and don’t want to spend too much money? A single-speed cruiser is sufficient. Do you have to take your bicycle up a flight of stairs every night? You might want something lightweight.
Buying a new bicycle is a major decision, so there is no need to rush to buy it. Do your research, talk to friends, and pay attention to the riding of other people in your area. You can also rent bicycles from your local bicycle shop and discuss different bicycle styles with them to understand what kind of riding style you might be looking for. Once you are confident in what you want, it’s time to take a risk! If you want to know where to start, Shuangye offers a variety of bicycle options for all rider types.
Learn some basic bicycle mechanics
If you plan to make bicycle commuting a regular part of your life, it is important to understand some basic bicycle mechanics. We are not suggesting that you need to know how to disconnect the chain and repair the derailleur within two weeks after you start riding. To be honest, most recreational bicycle commuters will never know it deeply.
But in the long run, knowing how to pump up and change tires can save you a lot of money and trouble, and reduce the time you spend on the roadside calling to find a friend to pick you up with your bicycle.
If you are a more hands-on learner, then a bicycle cooperative is the best way to learn bicycle repair, as is building a good relationship with the people in your local bicycle shop. If you like to study in your free time, there is plenty of information on YouTube to show you everything you need to know.
Increase gears slowly
Just like buying a bicycle itself, you should not rush to buy a bunch of extra equipment just because it is available. Ride for a while to understand what you are missing and make your ride more comfortable, then shop accordingly.
At the very least, you need a good set of lights and a strong lock. You can buy essentials from Shuangye or any bicycle shop in your city. Depending on your riding style, street environment or local laws, you can also choose a helmet. Otherwise, everything depends on you.
If you find that you want to carry a considerable amount of cargo on your bicycle, please consider using a suitcase. Just want to throw your wallet somewhere and step on the pedal to leave? A front basket can solve the problem.
This is your bicycle commute, designed according to your needs.
Don’t worry about clothes
The sports fashion industry has finally caught up with the actual fashion industry. Breathable, moisture-wicking or waterproof clothing is integrated with ordinary streetwear, and there are more choices than ever before.
But even so, don’t worry about overhauling your closet with Merino wool and Gore-Tex fabrics so that you can commute to and from get off work within a two-mile drive. For the commute of many people—especially in cities—your daily clothes are sufficient to ride a bicycle.
have fun!
Cycling is healthy, economical, sustainable, and convenient, and the list goes on. But more importantly, it is fun.
Pick up the handlebar speakers and play your favorite music, or listen to the nearby scenery and sounds as you travel back and forth on the street. Cycling is about connecting yourself to the community and the environment, and turning commuting into one of the best times of the day.
So go out and enjoy, we guarantee you will never look back.
If you are interested in our electric bicycles or electric scooters, you can leave a message. If you have any query please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to your arrival.