Make sure you check your bike before beginning your commute. Are the tyres pumped to the correct pressure? Does the bell ring? And is the seat in a comfortable position?

It’s important to check your bike over and to carry out a basic safety bicycle M-Check. This check will highlight any areas that need to be taken care of for it to be safe. As we like to say here at TWC: ‘Take care of your bike, and your bike will take care of you‘

Get into gear

Not all women can get away with an outfit like this on a bike, props to her!

However, this woman is not wearing what we or any cyclist would deem to be practical for a cycling commute, trust us when we say we’ve seen people actually pedal around like this!

Many associate cycling to Lycra and high-vis which is just not to everyone’s taste. Fortunately for the fashion and style conscious people out there, there’s a number of great cycling specific, and totally trendy, pieces out there to keep you safe, cool and looking fine.

Keep eye contact

Look directly at drivers, particularly at junctions and side roads, so that they are aware of and acknowledge you. 

Check out the New EU Law Means Mandatory Safety Features on New Lorries for a bit more of an insight on what’s being done to improve safety for cyclists.

Be careful when turning

Don’t cycle next to the inside of large vehicles. They won’t be able to see you. If you must move past them, overtake them on the outside.

Use lights and reflectors

Summer may be on the horizon but misty mornings and riding at dusk can still very be dangerous. Visibility on the road is key to any cyclist so grab yourself a good commuter light for your journey.

7 Most common bike light mistakes to avoid

Even parked cars can be dangerous

Don’t ride near the ‘door zone’ otherwise, things could suddenly get a bit too close for comfort. Where possible, leave a door’s width between you and any parked cars. This can also go for pedestrians stepping out into the road from in between cars.

Cycling around town to the shops and to work can be fun and freeing, not to mention great for saving the pennies.

If you’re still keen on hopping on the saddle, we have further information and an in-depth beginners guide that will see you off to a flying start.

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