commute-tips

[I wanted to schedule this for posting on Thursday, but I've enjoyed writing it so much I want to post it sooner.  I hope you've enjoyed the series (I FINISHED A SERIES!!!) and if you're new to the blog after Karl linked from his far-superior corner of the cycling 'net well, I'm flattered that you're still reading...thanks! Bother...now I need to find more interesting things to say!]

I’ve said a lot over the last week-and-a-bit about the nitty-gritty of getting around this town of mine on two wheels, how I deal with it, and what I’ve learned that might be useful to others.

But here’s the biggest and best tip of all.  Despite all that I’ve said, despite the rain and wind and bad driving and darkness and sweat and punctures and buying expensive bikes and gear and potholes and messing up the routine to find you arrive at work with two shirts but no underwear…despite all that…

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As Tony Blair (remember him?) announced his three priorites for his government were “Education, Education, Education”, so I offer this as an important policy for cyclists too.

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[If you haven't already, and are wondering why my cycle commuting tips might be controversial, please read the introduction!]

This is a tip about cycling character. And while I would never advocate any form of road-rage, any inciting of road-rage or anything along those lines, I think it’s important to be confident on the road as a cyclist and to stand your ground a bit.

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[If you haven't already, and are wondering why my cycle commuting tips might be controversial, please read the introduction!]

So, there ARE ways to carry a load on a bike. It’s an area of constant innovation. Rucksacks, messenger bags, paniers, baskets, even trailers exist.

But I think the key to an easier commute is to reduce the amount that you have to carry.

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[If you haven't already, and are wondering why my cycle commuting tips might be controversial, please read the introduction!]

First, an non-controversial cycle commute tip. Just do it! Find a bike, leave the car at home, and ride to work.

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Despite being a highly non-confrontational, easy-going kind of chap, who takes the middle ground with cycling, I find myself frequently at odds with lots of other cycling folks.

I mean, I’m not a mountain biker, I’m not a long-distance tourer, I’m not a suit-wearing commuter, I’m not a triathlete. If anything I’m closest to being a roadie, yet I don’t race and I’m not in a club – heck I’ve even got a bike that’s mostly made of metal, rather than carbon fibre.

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