Please give me your best cycling to work tips.

[Deliciousandnutrious]

I am planning to make my first trip in tomorrow. Things I have done.
checked my bike is ok by going round the block today.
Found my helmet and lock.
Put my laptop in my cycling rucksack.
Anything else?

Have you got something hi vis to wear? Watch out for drivers who aren't paying attention. Too many are only looking for cars. (I say this has someone who occasionally cycles into work and has had a couple of near misses.)

Definitely recommend sticking to cycle paths (if you have them) and looking out for people coming out of their drives.

How far is your trip? Do you know where you're going to 'park up'? Have you got a change of clothes sorted.

Good luck!

Check the weather forecast, give yourself an extra 5 minutes so you don't have to rush. And enjoy!

I have cycled to work for well over a decade now (through all weathers ! ) and I love it.

Change of clothes? Do you have somewhere to shower at work? I cycle in and do it in workout clothes with smart clothes and my makeup bag packed in my commuter backpack. I am fortunate enough to have a permanent locker at work where I have a towel and toiletries and I can shower and change there. A good commuter backpack is definitely important as well.

I love cycling to work.

Thanks for the encouragement and hints. The cycle should take 25 minutes. We moved office at the start of the year in theory but didn’t really move in until Easter. The move makes cycling a possibility.
I have a route planned that is some road and some cycle path. I can lock up in the underground car park.
Not sure about clothing yet. I will cycle in my work clothes tomorrow and see how it goes.

I would recommend a change of clothes tbh. It's hard not to get sweaty, unless it's a very flat cycle or you have an ebike. I do also like to sometimes wear work clothes you can't really cycle in, like nice wideleg trousers, but whatever works for you is what matters.

Probably a bit late for tomorrow but I always used to use self sealing inner tubes when I was commuting. The last thing you want is to have to waste time changing a tube if you're cutting it fine for work.I always carry CO2 cannisters rather than a pump too as both more space efficient and quicker. On the same topic, put some disposable gloves in with your tools then if you do have a mechanical you at least don't get filthy hands and have to spend ages scrubbing them when you arrive at work.

Even if you are dressed head-to-toe in hi viz, always keep in mind that you are invisible to anyone in a vehicle.

So many times I've had 'oops, sorry, I didn't see' you and I wonder how anyone could fail to miss a great blob of hi viz just a few feet in front of/beside them. But of course they have to be looking in your direction and paying attention.

I put the fact that I'm still alive down to my always assuming that I haven't been seen, even if it seems impossible that I haven't and even if it looks as if the driver has seen me and is reacting appropriately. So often this isn't actually the case and I need to be ready to take avoiding action.

I don't shower at work but I do take a little deodorant. I cycle quite leisurely though, it's not that much quicker than walking (on cycle paths, I'm not dawdling on the road!)

Sunglasses are useful - I find my eyes can get sore without them (eye drops help).
Waterproofs - the weather sometimes changes v quickly.
I agree with getting changed - but if cycling in smarter clothes I find cotton is better.
I really don’t like cycling in rucksacks so tend to use a pannier but having a way to carry extra stuff is good if you want to stop at a shop on the way home.
Take water & be prepared to be hungrier than usual while you get used to the journey.
Cycle clips / snap bands are useful if you are wearing trousers.
Enjoy - it is such a great way to start the day.

Hey @Deliciousandnutrious how did it go?

Thanks for all your tips and encouragement. It was mixed to be honest.
I loved flying along in the sun. It is a green way to travel. I got some exercise and generally loved it.
I used a racing bike with a small hard saddle and was sore by the time a rode home! I miss judged a bit of the journey where the cycle path crosses the tram way and road. I was so busy concentrating on the tram I got beeped at by a car.
The cycle store was hilarious. Very heavy door it took 2 hands to open and my body weight and closed as I went through both inward and outward trapping me and the bike!
I will definitely do it again.

Pleased it went ok.
It sounds like you need to pack underwear and wear padded pants though. Keep it up, reflect back on the journey and think how you could do things differently next time.

Being visible on a bike isn’t just about clothing and lights, it’s mostly about how you ride tbh.

Glad it went well!

Definitely don't cycle in your work clothes if you can help it. Not only do you risk getting them dirty or sweaty, but the friction of the saddle will eventually wear away the fabric at the crouch of the trousers. I've ruined some nice clothes that way.

Change of clothes ( just in case!). Wet wipes / flannel in a plastic bag. Deodorant . Good luck, used to enjoy my cycling to work .

Do you have a good pump and spare inner tube/tyre levers? Can you change the tube. If required. Pannier or backpack? Pannier is better as the bike takes the weight. At traffic lights use the ASL but don't put yourself down the side of a vehicle. Let them go first so you aren't trapped.

Take deodorant and dry shampoo - will make you look and smell fresh as a daisy!