I want to to start cycling to work

[grabaspoon]

I am about to start a new job with 1 early start each week. I would like to cycle to work cutting my commute of 30 minute walk to a 15 minute cycle (no hills) but haven't considered things such as storing bike at work, sweatiness, what to wear etc. How to carry stuff needed for work, bad weather.

Can anyone talk me through their cycle commute

Watching with interest...

I have a 15 minute cycle, and am very lucky as work has cycle storage, and showers. I don't need a shower after a 15 minute cycle on the flat, but I prefer to take my stuff and shower there.

I have a rucksack and plan everything the night before, so it's packed and ready to go - it makes it much harder to change my mind and chicken out, especially if it's raining! I have space for clothes, shower stuff/make up, and a packed lunch, but it does mean rationalising everything and only taking the things I really need.

I have thick tights & thermal top from Decathlon, both cheap but warm - got my helmet, locks, lights etc there. Oh, and gloves, or my hands freeze . It's lovely now that mornings and evenings are light - much more enjoyable than cycling in the dark.

Thanks I'm a nanny so can keep lunch etc at work so will think about a small bag for keys/purse/phone.

So I've just looked at the route I'd cycle - the shorter way includes me carrying my bike over a railway bridge or there is a slightly longer route about 12 minutes in total - may have to test it out

I cycle to work a couple of days a week. It's 7 miles each way , mainly flat ride. I have panniers and change when I get to work. Definitely worth it for fitness and saving money.

Have a few trial rides to see how it goes. :)

7 miles! - mine is 1.2 miles

It all adds up. Never thought I could do my cycle but it just gets easier as you have a go.also I don't do every day just 2-3 days a week.

I've saved money on petrol and lost half a stone. Really enjoy being out in the open too.

You'll be fine, just give it a go.

My husband cycles 12 miles to work and back every day and has found panniers MUCH better than a rucksack, your back doesn't get all sweaty! He doesn't have the opportunity to shower at work but is a hygience freak so takes a pack of wet wipes and just has a quick go over with those when he changes into his work clothes.
It's not so bad now that morning and evenings are lighter but once it starts getting dark again in autumn lights, front and back, and a full high vis jacket are an absolute MUST!
His cycling means we've been able to go down to being a one car household saving us around £1500 a year in the costs of running the extra car!

Agree on the paniers, rucksacks are v. sweaty. And, if you cycle at a moderate pace rather than flat out you'll probably find you don't need a shower. Just don't put too many layers on. If you go out from work at lunchtime when it's cold you may need to leave a jumper or jacket there.

When it's really bad weather (gales/ice/torrential rain) just walk instead. Otherwise, stick on the waterproofs and off you go.

I cycle every day and love it. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer. I use a pannier, change out of sweaty clothing when I arrive (or if I am wearing a skirt) and make sure I have breakfast before I leave. Get a good lock then just chain it to a lamppost!

I ride 12 miles per trip to work - it will v soon become easy for you after a few times. I carry a rucksack as I ride in busy traffic and so filter a lot so don't like the idea of panniers sticking out.
Try to think of it as a gentle ride, just at an odd time!
The benefits of riding are massive. Do it!

I sometimes cycle to work - 8 miles along canal and then busy roads. there are no shower facilities in work but I find that I don't get sweaty enough for one. I take everything in a pannier. I have a few jersey dresses that don't crease which can be rolled up with leggings and ballet flats to change into at work. I leave a cardi at work that seems to go with everything and just bring that home now and then.
I bought a cycle jacket and waterproof trousers but only wear these when it's really raining as they do make you sweat. generally to cycle in I wear running tights, top & trainers.

The best tip I can give though is to do with hair. I really suffered with helmet hair until I had a keratin treatment (not for this reason). Now I arrive with lovely hair - just needs a quick brush.

I used to carry in a weeks worth of clothes in 1 day and keep that in a locker at work, then carry back last weeks that evening. This meant only using a rucksack once a week. On the other days I just put everything in jersey pockets.

Get good lights. Even for summer they are good for getting drivers to see you.

Also consider cycle specific clothing - you can get jackets/jerseys which are wind proof but won't make you hot, as you can wear a single layer. These will have a load of big pockets so you won't need a bag. They come up in aldi/lidl or TK maxx so you don't need to spend loads.

Ride the route at different times beforehand so you get comfortable with it. There will be some "interesting" bits like junctions, lights etc where you want to think about your position on the road in heavy traffic.

Have fun! Even in poor weather it's miles better than driving or walking ;)