Commuting by bike is often wonderful. You're adding in physical exercise, improving your mental health and helping the planet in one swift action.
But as rational and logical as that may be, cycling on the UK's roads can still be anxiety provoking if you're not used to it. Here's how to overcome to fear of commuting by bike, and start riding to work.
1. Plan for the worst.
Now, this might sound like one of the silliest-reverse-positive-visualization practices imaginable, but planning for the worst can be helpful a way to start understanding your anxities. Make a list, and write down the worst things that could happen to you if you started commuting in by bike...
Here's a couple of pointers to get you started. How bad would your day be if?
- You get totally lost, end up at the wrong office, miss that important client meeting, and lose your job.
- You get wet and have to do a full work day in a soaked-to-the-skin-suit (imagine your shoes squelching - eurgh!).
- You get a flat tyre, and had to embarrassingly walk 5 miles to work holding your wounded bike on the hunt for the nearest bike shop.
- The worst happens - you get hit by a car.
- A pigeon discharges their breakfast onto you (that has actually happened to this humble cycle-commuter. I prayed for rain that day).
- You get so into cycling to work that you decided to pedal as fast as you can and turn up to that presentation covered in sweat...
Now, these can all be addressed in several ways (see some of the points in the rest of this article for starters). But most importantly, now you know the underlying causes of at least some of your anxieties and can start to address these.
2. Plan the route
You really don't need your phone on your handlebars all the time. But we really recommend that you ride the route at least once!
And by plan, we really don't mean just tap the route into Google maps and follow it along.
There's a handy setting in Google Maps that lets you add cycle in lanes in, which is a helpful indicator of which routes might work initially. To turn it on, simply type in the destination in Google Maps, and then click on an icon just under the top right. It'll bring up a box with "Map Type" and "Map Details". Under "Map Details", head to "Bicycling" and now bicycle lanes will appear on your Maps.
But it's also worth looking more closely, because sadly, not all bike lanes are created equal. Are there any less busy back streets away from main roads? These might be slower but you'll enjoy riding on them more.
If you want to be really precise, you can even use Google Street View to see the route in detail (we've been known to "ride" routes beforehand using this technique!).
3. Practice the route
You could bring a pal to help you too.
100% the best way to conquer any trip related anxiety, is to actually do the trip. But that doesn't mean your first time has to be at 8am during rush hour. No, we recommend going for a gentle ride on a Sunday morning, or any other quieter time. Not only will there be less traffic, but you can take it slow and work out the best way to navigate as you go.
On this practice ride, take note of any junctions which you are unsure of - you can tackle them again on a second practice ride should it be necessary, or even find an alternative route. You may also be (un)pleasantly shocked at which parts of your journey to work are actually uphill, downhill, or are also frankly quite nice to cycle on.
And when you've returned, take a note of how long it took you to complete. Were there any sections that felt stressful, or you weren't sure about? If you have a cycling-proficient pal, see if they will accompany you on another practice ride and show you the ropes.
Alternatively, cycling training agencies can provide you with assistance here. Our partners at bikehappy will even meet you at your house and cycle in with you and then accompany you home, all while sharing vital need-to-know info to help you enjoy your ride.
4. Find a bike shop ahead of time
Heaven is a place on earth. Your local bike shop will save you from a hellish commute one day.
This is one practical tip that will really help. Worried about what will happen if you bike lets you down on the way to work? Two things will help ease this anxiety:
1) Learning some basic bike mechanics. Most things that go wrong with a bike are surprisingly easily prevented with regular basic TLCs (see checking your bike's ABC's), and can be fixed on the go with a few tools.
2) And if you can't fix something yourself? Knowing your where your local bike shops are. There might be a few en route, and it's useful to know their location (and have a vague idea of opening hours) ahead of time. Most bike shops deal with fairly standard repairs on a very regular basis, and however basic your request is, they will likely be happy to help.
Having an eye on where the nearest bike shops are during your commute is super handy, and you certainly won't regret it!
5. Grab the gear
Now you know which route you are taking, it's time to face some of the other anxieties. Many people never commute to work because of fears around the number (and expense) of items you might need, or fears around weather.
While we can firmly debunk the myth that if you commute everyday by bicycle in London you'll only get wet 14 times a year (it's slightly more, though still less than you might think), we do recommend bringing layers. A couple of spare clothes in a locker at work is a huge help, as of course is leaving some toiletries in a desk drawer if you can.
There's lots of debate about what the right equipment to have is, and we recommend splitting this into either equipment for your bike, and equipment for yourself. Is there a right answer? Not really - what one person will need for their commute is different to someone else, and is often based on length, personal temperature ("do you run hot?") and desired cycling pace.
Return to your list of anxieties. If one of them really is a fear of getting soaked, then it may be worth investing in a solid waterproof coat. Likewise, if you worried about turning all sweaty, investing in some light breathable clothing will help overcome this.
Plus, once you've purchased some brand new bits and bobs, you might be more excited to try them out on the road!
You may still turn up soaked or sweaty on the odd occasion - but believe me when I say it really isn't that bad. Talking of which..
6. Take the pressure off
Nobody looks forward to the Central Line, but you can still use it whenever you like.
Signing up to commute by bike to your workplace is well, not signing up to anything. You don't have to give up your old life completely. You can still hop on the train, bus or take the car when the right occasion calls for it. Nobody will judge for saving your legs when it's hammering it down with rain in January.
By making this choice you are not taking on a big commitment. Instead you are actually empowering yourself with greater freedom of choice. If the weather looks nice, well, you'll be able to enjoy it on your bike. And if the weather looks pants, well, you can join everyone else on that cosy train.
An active commute is not a pressurized one, and it's important to remember that.
7. Baby Steps
While you might be as excited after your first commute as this cheeky chappy, take it slow!
Similar to step the previous step, we recommend adopting this new habit in baby steps. Can you commute in by bike just one day a week? It might not sound like a lot, but that's two more rides than you would have got anyway, and you'll have done yourself a lot of good both physically and mentally.
The beauty of starting this way is that you'll also start to look forward to your rides; and on your "off" days, you can research new routes, find new equipment and keep your bike maintained.
It's also much more forgiving on your body - which will get tired, even if your pedaling slowly - and will help to prevent injury.
You can then gradually add more days on the bike, and find out how this new habit best fits with your routine.
So, there you have it - this is how to overcome your fear of commuting by bike.
Have we missed anything? Got a funny story of commuting in to share? Or other anxieties which could be explained? Let us know in the comments.