With offices and shops reopening across the country, and roads noticeably busier, the difficulties of commuting are back on the agenda.

Trains and buses are edging back to normal service but are still facing the enormous problem of maintaining social distance - as a result, many people have decided to cycle instead.

Despite fears that the spike of cycling interest over lockdown would start to drop off as the country goes back to work, cycling numbers remain high. As discussed in ARCC Bike’s post about cycling infrastructure, city councils across the nation are investing in temporary and permanent measures to encourage this trend. But even with these new measures in place, there are important things to keep in mind if you are thinking of getting on your bike. Here are a few of them.

Know your rights

As per the Highway Code, a cyclist has the same right to use the road as any other vehicle, whether that be a lorry, bus or a taxi. This means that, if you are cycling and there are much bigger vehicles around, you do not need to give way to them all the time. It may seem as if you are being extra cautious if you do, but you are actually increasing your danger. Deferring to other road users by hugging the gutter or riding close to parked cars is where all the dirt, glass and grit of the road accumulates, and there is the added threat of car doors suddenly swinging open in your path.

Instead, you should keep your distance from the shoulder of the road, practicing assertive cycling near the middle of the lane, and moving with the flow of traffic. This importantly lets road users know you are there and also makes them less likely to attempt to overtake you.

Visibility

Making it easier for road users to see you will naturally make them more conscious to avoid you. It is therefore recommended that you wear high-visibility clothing whenever you get on your bike. High-vis jackets are very good for this, but light-coloured clothing will work too. Likewise, LED lights should always be on your bike, but are essential at night. The best ones to use are the lights that do not dazzle, but flash or produce a constant dipped beam.

While not always deferring to them, avoid large vehicles wherever possible, especially lorries. Large vehicles have lots of blind spots, particularly on the kerbside angle. Never ride in this space - turning angles on such vehicles are difficult to predict and so this is an extremely dangerous area for cyclists. Instead, pass on the right, and only if it is safe to do so, or better yet, wait behind.

Vigilance

Being aware of other road users and your environment is essential as a cyclist. Do not impair your ability to recognise this by listening to music or podcasts or by cycling whilst intoxicated. Look behind you regularly and get into the habit of making eye contact before you indicate your movements, i.e. do not assume that a hand gesture is enough for cars to know you are about to turn and give way, confirm this by at least turning to look, as this alone gives notice you are about to do something.

Be mindful of corners and pre-empt potential hazards, such as being aware of pedestrians suddenly walking out. Additionally, if you live in the countryside, your commute must be especially vigilant - with large agricultural vehicles and a faster, on average, traffic flow, dangerous overtakes are more frequent.

Alongside this, there are obvious measures to take for protecting yourself on your commute, including wearing a helmet and ensuring your tyres are inflated.

Planning

Deciding to take your bike to work is not one a choice that can be taken lightly. While you can quickly get used to the route and experience of cycling every day, the initial few days of it will require some getting used to. To make this an easier transition, it is best to know where you are going and what route you will take.

It is a good idea to cycle your way to the workplace on a day you are not going to work, at a quieter time, to ensure you do not get lost. Once you are on your commute, other road users, including cyclists, will assume you are used to the pace and nuances of the route. Getting this experience in will give you a better chance of not encountering any nasty surprises. You can also download street density services like Strava Heatmaps for an idea of how busy the roads are and plan your best route.

Additionally, if you are starting your commute with a new eBike, familiarise yourself with the manual - riding an eBike is just like riding a normal bike, but you might be surprised at the power behind its assistance levels.

Behaviour

As a cyclist you have as much right to use the road as any other vehicle, but this means you must respect the laws like everybody else. Breaking these laws by cycling badly carries penalties, of varying degrees of severity. Careless cycling and dangerous cycling can incur penalties of £1,000 and £2,500, respectively. While jumping a red light has the relatively low on the spot fine of £50; it also gives cyclists a bad name amongst drivers and, more importantly, can be a life-threatening action.

Whilst cycling, do not tailgate the car in front. Automobiles in slow traffic will have a shorter stopping distance than most bikes, meaning a collision with the vehicle in front is likely. Also do not allow yourself to be boxed in by cars or be restricted from your exits but look to always maintain a window out from the traffic.

If you are unsure of the rules of the road and of good cycling etiquette, consider taking lessons. They are offered by many local city councils, which are currently making them more easily available in a bid to promote biking.

Clothing

Clothing is a very important choice for your commute by bike. While this will vary from person to person, and also whether you are using an eBike, your commute has the chance of being a sweaty ride.

Some office goers choose to don full cycling gear and keep their work attire at a dry cleaner’s nearby, taking a shower at the workplace if they have the facilities. Alternatively, if the commute is not too far or strenuous, some cycling commuters may not need to shower and can just go in your work clothes. However, you may want to invest in cycling gear anyway to prevent associated discomforts of the activity like chafe.

Cycling gear will also help you when cycling in the rain. Indeed, a significant stumbling block for Britons regularly commuting to work by bike is wet weather; commit to your new morning routine with waterproof cycling attire.

Cycling to work is easy if you remember these important measures. It can also be made easier with the assistance of an eBike. Experience this for yourself by booking a test ride or seeing ARCC Bikes’ range of superior electric bikes.

Commuting by Bike: Things to Know