If you live reasonably close to your workplace, riding a bike to work is a great way to get fit while also reducing your impact on the environment. It can even save you money.

Since I’ve started riding to work, I’ve collected a few tips that you may find useful to get started.

When I first spoke to some colleagues at my work about riding, I definitely had my doubts about whether it was for me or not. I saw the benefits for my health and I liked the idea because of the reduction in emissions. Avoiding peak-hour buses was also attractive.

But I had lots of questions: Won’t I get all hot and sweaty? What about the dangers of riding in the traffic? What route should I choose? What about in the rain?

I recently changed jobs and getting to work by public transport was now almost double the time it would take me by riding - so I recently made the leap and started cycling to work. Here are a few tips I’ve learnt so far:

Cycle-shop staff are your friends

The staff at most cycle shops are bike riders themselves and are usually happy to help get you started. They can give you tips about riding in your local area, local cycling associations, and also help get you set-up with the various bits of safety and travel equipment that you might need.

So don’t be afraid to ask - they’re there to help!

Local cycling route maps

As I mentioned recently on the Future blog, I picked up a copy of Bike-it Sydney which is a collection of maps of well-known cycle routes around Sydney.

I’ve used this little book to find my way around to a number of places in the city. One thing I’ve found is that the maps don’t show every street name, so it’s worth picking up a little pocket street directory at your local newsagent or petrol station to fill in the gaps (I got the UBD Sydney Compact directory).

Ask your local bike shop staff if there are similar maps available for your area.

Local cycling groups

I’ve heard of a few cycling groups in my local area - also known as “BUGs” (short for Bicycle User Groups”). Joining a group might be a great way to meet other cyclists in your area to learn from them about routes, places to avoid, and other good tips and tricks for riding safely.

If you live in NSW (like I do) the Bicycle NSW is another good organisation to help you get started. Membership with them also has some added perks - such as Public Liability and Personal Accident insurance. Their website also lists riding events.

Queensland Transport also has some good tips - including a pointer to Bicycle QLD which seems quite similar to Bicycle NSW but for cyclists in Queensland. (Please leave a comment if you know of any other state groups.)

Useful accessories

Lights front and back are pretty much essential if you’re likely to be riding in the evenings or early morning. These cost me about $50 all up - but can vary in cost depending on the quality and intensity of the lights. A vest with reflective material is also a good idea - or a cold/wet-weather jacket with reflective strips.

If you plan to carry stuff to work with you, I’d thoroughly recommend getting a rack and pannier bag or similar rather than using a back-pack. It’s much more comfortable to not have that extra weight and heat - although these items can get a bit expensive.

If you plan on wearing long pants when you ride (e.g. wearing jeans to work), getting a leg band is also handy.

A lock is also essential. I got a Kryptonite U-lock bike lock that’s served me quite well - it clips to my bike frame and is quite strong. I’ll also be grabbing a companion cable for those times where I can’t fit the U-lock around a pole (e.g. locking the bike to a tree).

You need to allow at least AUD$200 for the extra bits and pieces you need over and above the cost of your bike. So if you’re on a budget, make sure you take that into consideration.

You can ride when it’s wet

I’ve ridden to and from work a couple of times when it’s been raining and not had any issues. Mud-guards are a good idea, as is a bit of wet-weather gear (like a water-proof breathable jacket - you can usually pick up such jackets at bike, ski or camping stores). But if you’re traveling to an from work and you have showers at either end, it’s not that bad - just take a change of clothes in your pannier.

One thing to be aware of is that road grates and sometimes the lines on the road can get slippery in the wet - so be extra careful when turning. Also remember that visibility in the wet is much worse than in fine weather, so take extra precautions when in traffic - car drivers may have a hard time spotting you - even with your light and reflective gear on.

Showers at work are handy, but not essential

My workplace has showers that I tend to use when I ride to work. I’ve found that riding straight from home (without having my morning shower) and showering at work has benefits - I feel fresher and more alert when I start work, but I also use less water as I tend to have shorter showers.

But a number of people I know ride to work and don’t need to shower because they only travel short distances. On occasions I’ve ridden somewhere (including work) after having a shower at home and been fine - not too sweaty and fine for the rest of the day.

I’ve also ridden from work to another appointment a short distance away and that’s been fine too - as well as cheaper and quicker than catching a cab.

It depends, of course, on the distance you’re traveling and your body type. But it’s not necessarily a requirement.

You can save money and time

I live close to my work and used to catch public transport to work, so I’m saving around $15 per week by riding to work. At that rate it will take quite a while to actually save money on cost of my bike (which is probably a bit more expensive than I needed).

But if you drive to work, or travel further distances, the savings can add up a lot more quickly. The biggest saving for me has been time - I save between 15 minutes and half an hour each trip by avoiding peak hour city traffic. But depending on how close you live to work, that might not be the case.

Riding with others is more fun (and safer)

I ride on a common bike route through the back of Newtown and Redfern, and it’s nice to be at intersections with 4 or 5 other riders around you. Your visibility is increased and it feels safer. But it’s also nice to be part of the cycling community too.

I rode with a friend Damian down to La Perouse and it was loads of fun. And as Damian is also a more experienced rider I picked up lots of tips and learnt a new route to boot. (This is where local groups can be a real bonus too.)