OK I put my hands up, I drive a car as well as ride a bike
I ride a bicycle for several reasons.
Obviously there's the environmental reasons, I don't like gyms, I enjoy getting the exercise by doing something and it is essentially free transport (apart from the cost of the bike etc)
Many people think cycling is dangerous - well it can be if you make it so, below is some advice to cyclist and vehicle drivers:-
-Don't assume that any driver has seen you - eye contact is probably the most important thing.
-Overtaking on the inside is dangerous (and illegal) - if you must do it, give allowance that the driver probably has not seen you.
-Lights - use them at night, it is not fair on other road users if they hit you because they could not see you (apart from the legal stuff).
-Shouting at motorists for absolutely every error they make is not going to endear you to them (when was the last time that someone got angry and shouted at you and you immediately thought - you know...he/she is right - I really like that person now)
-Cycling on pavements may be illegal, but there are many places where it is safer, but pedestrians must have right of way.
-Please don't drive parallel to a cyclist, either overtake or stay behind.
-Please beware when we are cycling down narrow streets with parked cars - sometimes we have to move out a bit to avoid carelessly opened doors.
-One bad cyclist is not representive of all cyclists.
-Sometimes when turning left, we cannot signal because we are using both hands to brake.
Anyway enough of that let's have some nice stuff.
I own two bikes, a GT Zasker which is an aluminium mountain bike frame kitted out with road gears and tyres and a Giant mountain bike with full suspension. I generally use the Giant off road and the GT as an everyday commuting bike. My journey to work is 5-6 miles depending on the route I take, and I'm lucky my workplace has showers and fairly secure on-site cycle sheds.
I think commuting by cycle is an excellent way to:-
- Keep fit (well fitter)
- Save money on petrol/public transport fares
- Calm down after a tiring day
- Reduce pollution and number of cars on the road
It is also an almost silent form of transport if you have oiled you chain and set you brakes properly.
Some friends and I do occasional cycle trips, usually following planned routes by Sustrans and the national cycle network. These have included Inverness to Glasgow, Gloucester to Newbury, Newcastle to Whitehaven and the West coast Route.
See the photos for cycling pictures