Cycle commuting tips

For most of us a 60km commute is a little too long, specially if you’re experiencing a northern hemisphere winter right now.

John Stevenson has posted a good set of tips on BikeRadar.com that are worth reading regardless of how long your daily slog to the salt mine is.

• Choose your route carefully. Back streets are usually quiet but slow while main roads are fast but busy.
• Get organised with clothes. Take in a load of clothes once a week via public transport or use a local laundry.
• Fast is safe. Stay in the traffic stream and move with it.
• Trust nobody, but be trustworthy. Behave like traffic while watching for others’ mistakes.
• Avoid the door zone. Swerving can be fatal.
• Relax and enjoy. Don’t get wound up by the ignorant white van drivers and you’ll have a much more enjoyable ride.
• Try not to be too smug. You’re getting fitter, losing weight and saving money – don’t turn into a self righteous git.