How to Have Fun Cycle Commuting for Beginners

Congratulations!

If you’ve made it here, you’re probably already at least halfway towards becoming a cycle commuter, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. In this short article I’ll give you a few tips on cycle commuting for beginners.

One of the biggest misconceptions about commuting by bike is that you need to be in shape or some kind of amateur athlete. But your here because you’re a beginner cycle commuter, not a Tour De France rider. This is one of the main things that puts people off before they even start. The reality is that cycling is one of the lowest impact forms of exercise there is, and it’s a great place to start any fitness journey. Even if that isn’t the main goal.

You don’t really need statistics to justify it, but regular cycling has been linked to big health benefits too. It’s linked with a reduction in cancer and heart conditions, just in case you needed even more convincing.

You’ll Probably Never Feel Fully Ready

Most people want to wait until they feel completely ready before they start cycle commuting to work. That moment rarely comes.

You probably won’t ever feel 100% prepared, and that’s fine. There are a few small things you can do to make those early rides feel less intimidating. Choosing a route with familiar roads or paths, especially quieter ones, can really help.

The aim is simply to get to work. It doesn’t have to be the quickest or most direct route. Early on, familiarity matters much more than speed.

Wearing Normal Clothes Is Fine

You don’t need special clothing to start cycle commuting. Wearing normal clothes is absolutely fine if that’s what makes you feel most comfortable.

If you don’t have changing facilities at work and you’re happy taking it steady, riding in your work clothes can work perfectly well. If, like me, you tend to get sweaty even at slower speeds, then bringing something to change into might be the better option.

A good way to work this out is to try the ride, or something close to it, on a weekend. When you finish, see how you feel. Would you be happy arriving at work like that? A bit of trial and error early on makes things much easier later.

You Don’t Have to Do the Whole Commute Straight Away

If the idea of doing your entire commute by bike feels like too much, you don’t have to commit to it all at once.

Using public transport for part of the journey and cycling the rest can be a really good way to ease yourself in. Getting off a stop or two early still gives you time on the bike, while helping you build confidence and get used to the route.

Removing pressure early on makes it much more likely that you’ll keep going. CyclingUk has a great route planner you can use to find an ideal route local to you for your cycle commute. Just follow this link to access.

Any Bike Is Fine to Start With

The bike you start with doesn’t need to be anything special. Cycle hire schemes are a good way to try cycle commuting without buying one straight away, and they let you work out whether it actually suits you. Most major cities have some kind of scheme, often with an e-bike option, which can be a great entry point.

If you already have a bike at home, or can borrow one from a friend or family member, start there. Comfort matters far more than speed. A bike that feels steady and upright will help you feel more confident on the road and reduce the chances of finishing the day feeling sore.

What You Actually Need on Day One

For your first day, you really don’t need much.

A bike you trust to get you there, a set of lights, and a bike lock, so it’s still there when you finish work.

That’s it.

It will probably feel a bit strange at first, maybe even awkward. That’s normal. If you enjoy it, give it a few days before deciding what, if anything, you want to change. You need to give cycle commuting a chance before deciding it’s not for you. Once you get into a good routine, it will become much easier to stick with it.

Make Mornings Easier for Yourself

One simple thing that makes a big difference when cycle commuting is getting things ready the night before.

That might mean packing a change of clothes, checking the bike over, or making sure your lights are charged. Small bits of preparation take the stress out of the morning and make the ride feel much more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it to the end of this article, I’d encourage two things.

First, pick one day in the near future and give cycling to work a try. Starting really is the hardest part.

Second, if you do get out on the bike, remember to enjoy it. You might find that the commute becomes one of the best parts of your day.

If this article was helpful, I’ve made an E-Book to help you in your first few weeks of cycle commuting. Just click the link below.

Any questions, get in touch using the contact page.

– Dan