Cycling To Work - Tips For Making Your Journey Safe, Enjoyable And Avoiding Getting Splattered - By: Anu Lappalainen

Any number of recently published studies will point out how few journeys in the UK are done by cycles.

They will describe the wonderful infrastructure in places like Denmark and the Netherlands and highlight the lack of such provisions in the UK with the added hazard of inconsiderate drivers. While this may all be true, it is by no means a reason to consider cycling as something for the under 12s or the slightly deranged.

The infrastructure could always be better but with a bit of advance planning and the right attitude it is perfectly possible to cycle anywhere in the local area. Many people who try to use cycling as a legitimate mean of transport are often put off by the intimidating car-orientated road layouts. While we wait (this could be a long wait) for improvements in infrastructure and a reformation of the cycling culture, here are my top tips for cycling to work, getting there in one piece and feeling virtuous for the rest of the day!

1. Always wear a helmet. Your head is rather more important than your hairdo.

2. Wear bright coloured, reflective clothing. Make it impossible for any driver not to see you. Visibility is the key to safe cycling on the roads, day or night and fluorescent yellow looks fabulous on you!

3. In addition to wearing bright colours, position yourself so as to maximise your chances of being seen by others. Go on, don't be shy!

4. Make sure you are always a car door's width away from parked vehicles; riding into carelessly flung open car door can cause serious injuries but it can be avoided.

5. Plan your route to follow quieter roads and cycle paths where possible. A little extra distance is well worth it if you get away from the worst of the traffic. And you can hear the birds.

6. Never wear headphones while cycling. You can't hear them, they can't hear you - not a good combination.

7. Make eye contact with drivers when you are making a turn or pulling into a junction. Bit of eyeballing confirms they have seen you.

8. Use hand signals to make your intentions clear to other road users when turning. Assume other road users not to pay any notice to your signals because so many of them don't.

9. Don't hug the kerb. Make drivers to overtake you properly otherwise they'll squeeze you into the ditch.

10. Ride like you mean it. Hesitation invites drivers to ignore you.

11. Anticipate! Expect everyone else to be a bit of an idiot and prepare yourself for the most unexpected move any second. You'll save yourself a lot of pain and trouble.

12. Don't jump red lights! You wouldn't do that in a car, you shouldn't do that on a bike.

Don't forget that practise makes perfect. The more you ride the more confident and comfortable you will get. If you are new to cycling and feel daunted by the idea of riding in the traffic, start on quiet roads and find yourself a more experienced riding buddy to help you build your skills and confidence.

The fabulous cycling infrastructure may one day arrive in the UK, but that doesn't mean you should wait until then to start saving on fuel, improving your health and fitness and enjoying the outdoors. Just get on your bike and ride.

About the Author

My name is Anu Lappalainen and I'm originally from Helsinki, Finland. I have lived in the South of England since 2002. My qualifications include: Personal Trainer Award, Pre- and Postnatal exercise prescription, Exercise Nutrition, Circuit Training and First Aid.

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