“I would cycle to work, but… ”

“I would cycle to work, but…” • We want to get your buts out into the open. • Your but is not as big as you think it is. • It certainly needn't stop you cycling. • Cycling City can help you.

Save time… • Bikes are fast across town. • You’ll have a predictable journey time. • No parking hassles.

Save money… £££ • No bus or train fares. • No petrol costs. • No parking fees.

Save yourself… • Your general health and fitness will improve. • You’re likely to lose weight. • You will significantly lower the risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease and other diseases. • It promotes mental health A 75 year old Cyclist!

Go Greener! • Reduce your carbon footprint. • Cut pollution. • Reduce noise. • Reduce traffic congestion.

It’s fun! “Nothing can compare to the simple pleasure of a bike ride” JF Kennedy

Don’t own a bike Bike in bad condition Too many hills Too much to carry Too far to travel Childcare Weather I don’t want to arrive sweaty with helmet hair Reasons for not cycling…

Need to look smart at work Bike may get stolen Too much traffic Dangerous roads I just don’t want to look like “a cyclist” Inconsiderate drivers Other…? Reasons for not cycling…

I don’t own a bike… • So buy one! • Buy from a bike shop. • …a few buying tips. • Buy second-hand: Bike Back, eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree. • Loan Bikes • Your employer can help you (more later)‏

Bike in poor condition… • Fix it! • Cycling City can help with Doctor Bike surgeries and Bike Maintenance courses.

Hills… • Modern bikes make hills easier. • Change your route (Maps and Trip Planners). • Lose weight (the bike/load/you). • You’ll get fitter. • Electric assist. • Push (we all do it!)‏

Too much to carry… • Why? • Carry it on the bike, not on your back. • Get proper cycle luggage

I live too far away to cycle… • Is it really that far? • Bike—bus/train—bike • Folding bike and train or car

I don’t know the best route… • Order free cycle maps www.betterbybike.info • Use a trip planner www.transportdirect.info • Use Google Earth to get route ideas. • Test ride potential routes at quiet times.

Childcare commitments… • Trailer. • Child seat. • Tag-a-long. • Kids’ bikes (get them on a course)‏ • Childcare is temporary!

The weather… • Not as bad as people believe • It rains on average only 12 commuting days each year • Modern fabrics keep you dry • Change at work • OK – take the bus/car on wet days!

I need to look smart at work… • Change on arrival. • Carry a change of clothing with you. • Choose crease-resistant fabrics. • You don’t have to cycle EVERY day!

My bike might get stolen… • Buy a decent lock. • Look for the Sold Secure mark. • Lock to something solid, with a small gap, in view. • Second (different) lock. • Hack bike. • Folding bike. • Security tagging • Insurance (cheaper on home)‏

Other reasons...?

Too much traffic… too dangerous… • Change your route • Travel at a different time • Allow more time • Ride differently • You have a huge amount of control over the behaviour of other road users

Top Tips • Don’t cycle too close to the curb • Don’t cycle too close to parked cars • Own the road! (Primary position) • Watch out for lorry blind spots • Just because it’s a cycling lane… • Look, look, look! • Anticipation: are you ready to stop? • Jumping lights. Its just not worth the risk!

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 2. Primary & secondary riding positions

Cycle training… • Cycling City can offer One-to-one training delivered by Life Cycle. • Tailored to your exact needs • All abilities • Discreet • Just £5 if you live in Bristol! • Money back if not delighted

Next steps. You… • Talk to a Cycling City Cycle Advisor or your workplace Cycle Champion if you have one. • Book a cycle training lesson. • Get your bike sorted. Cycling City will help! • Get some maps and plan your route to work. • Think about clothing, luggage, locks, etc. • Practise your commute. • Then go for it! • Do it for a month and we guarantee you’ll never go back to your old method of commuting!

Next steps. Your employer… • Cycling City can help employers put a package together. • Cycle Champion or identify a Cycle Champion if there isn’t one already. • Provide decent bike parking. • Implement CycleScheme. Half-price bikes! • Book a Doctor Bike surgery. • Cover the cost of cycle training for staff. • Support Bike Week in June and other bike events throughout the year. • Support a BUG.

Other Useful Contacts • Cycling City • Your workplace Cycle Champion • www.betterbybike.info • Life Cycle UK facebook page • www.ctc.org.uk • www.bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk • www.sustrans.org.uk • www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/cycling/cycletoworkguidance/

“I would cycle to work, but… ”