I would keep sets of clothing a pump and a basic tools at work just incase I needed it to get home. Finding a good spot to have your communing clothing dry inoffensively is a must.
The distance has to be right. Once I lived only about 10 blocks from work. This was too close to make it worthwhile. Then I lived 20 miles away and this was great but that meant every day I rode I got 40 miles and a load of fatigue that hung over into other days. So this had to be managed. Then I lived six miles from work and this was perfect. You need to have a way to deal with personal hygiene. I had showers available where I worked on most occasions so that was a non-issue. Getting sweaty happened even on those short six mile trips so I had to shower before work. How to transport your daytime clothing is another issue. I have used both panniers and an over the shoulder bag or pack. I liked the panniers better and had a bike I dedicated for commuting on those six mile trips. At the end of the day I could extend that six miles to as many as I wanted by taking alternate routes to add miles. I was a happy boy. Safety, being away from auto traffic was also a factor. The 20 mile route was on two lane roads with few bike lanes so there was always some tension. The six mile route was in bike lanes, a trail or two lane roads with only one spot that was exposed to tension causing traffic for only a couple of hundred yards. Having a secure place for your bike is important too. I didn't have this issue as I would drag my bike into the office (in one place) and had a guarded area in another place where I could leave my bike and even my helmet out and nobody would bother it.
Move to Belgium, I cycle to work already in a semi rural area in England, (even been hit cycling to work) but I've just been to Belgium and Brussel and well everyone rides a bike basically no matter the weather
While I don't have to do that, the one thing I've read is that if you shower before cycling, your sweat won't be stinky, and can just wipe yourself down with a damp cloth if need be. Take a change of undergarments, but your regular clothing should be fine. Or, some people go so far as to leave sets of their professional clothing at work over the weekend, and just cycle home in each set at the end of the day, without care of getting them sweaty.
Try negotiate working slightly off-peak hours. In early and home early. Get the brightest lights and clothing possible and assume drivers don't see you even when they appear to.
When the shower at work became unuseable there was a reluctance to spend the money to get it fixed. A friend and I came up with a solution to get the funding to get it fixed. We told boss that if it wasn't fixed we'd just have to stay in our lycra. It got fixed on health and safety grounds. My legs were deemed to be a saftey hazzard!
I have a 16 mile commute each way in Buffalo NY. I can’t ride in rain or snow as infrastructure is designed so that I am in the middle of a busy lane of a major arterial route. My ride are from a low of. 25F to a high of around. 95F. Ride time including stops for traffic lights is between 60 to 80 minutes. No shower needed. Best trick is to wear dedicated cycling clothing (proper cycling shorts are essential to prevent chafing. In summer it just bike shorts, jersey and water bottle with water on temps below 80F and energy drink on the hot days. Even in winter I’ll show up to work sweaty and hot. I shower at home before I depart. Trick is to get out do the cycling gear, wipe down with a small towel and put on all fresh clothes z (underwear and socks included). You will not smell. In summer the clothes dry fast. In winter there are more layers I hang them on 3M command hooks on the back of my door and have a fan blow on them for a while. That ensures dry cloths for the ride home. On the hottest days I’ll take a mild temp shower when I get home to clean up and cool down. On regular days. Just a wipe with a wash cloth and clean set of clothes is all that is needed. I commute up to twice a week by bike, remote work one day, and drive the other days, though I try not to make it so I can work just. 4 days. There for at best I drive just once a week. That day I bring in fresh clothes to the five and bring home the used laundry. If we ever get snowed in, I’ll be the only one with multiple sets of clean clothes to change into.
If I couldn't take a shower at work I would stop cycling to work. Yes, I could kind of get through the day without, but I'd feel icky. Also, I want to enjoy the ride. That includes wearing comfy cottons and riding as fast as I feel like. My job isn't very physical, I enjoy breaking a good sweat at least once per day.
Regarding fitness, when I started I had to stop twice each way. A few minutes off the bike drinking some water and I was ready to go. After 2 weeks I didn't need to stop anymore.
It's honestly what got me through COVID. Luckily had a 30 minute route mostly off road, and slowly built up adding road segments onto it. So worth it, not just physically but mentally. Anyone and everyone can do it!
I started cycling to work at age 52 the 1st couple of weeks were hard I sounded more like a steam train when i got to my destination. Its only 4.5 miles but now 18 months or so later I can do over 40 miles. I used Strava that I found good for motivation, mentally I split my commute into stages and congratulated myself on reaching the end of that section. Another thing i did to avoid heavy traffic 1st thing was to set off really early when the roads are empty to gain confidence, if you have to turn into heavy traffic its ok to get off and push your bike over a pedestrian crossing. Once you get into it it is a brilliant start and finish to a day at work
Splitting it into sections is a real cool idea, this can be a great way to breakdown longer rides 🙌Sounds like you've nailed cycling to work - What's the one tip you would offer others and new cyclists? 🚴
@@chrism5433 I most certainly did. Got myself a Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5. Got it on the cycle to work scheme plus with the fuel saving it's paid for itself. I ummed and arred about going electric but decided my legs have still got a few more years in them and ebikes will only improve in efficiency and price over that time. At worst, apart from having to push it home in snow on Thursday, it takes 3 minutes longer to cycle home and about 5-10 mins longer to get to work. I started cycling because I needed a cataract op so couldn't drive anymore but it's one of the best things that's happened to me. I'm hooked now lol
Find couple of ordinary people who are sure they can't cycle to work and help them overcome the fear/obstacles - would be an interesting experience and I'm sure will make a great video. Thanks for the videos , GCN! You're awesome!
I used to have a a long bike commute - 13 Miles (20 K). I was fortunate. I had someplace to shower and change. You might want to explore gyms near your place of work. It worked for me for over 20 years. Biking put me in an obnoxiously good mood, both at work and at home.
I have a 6 mile (10km) ride to work every day. I’m on month nine of cycle commuting. For super snowy days I have studded tires, and so far I haven’t missed a day. Videos like this gave me the confidence to try and now I never want to go back to driving
A tip for all. Stick front and rear lights on for your commute. Really helps! Been riding through the city -Belfast- for over 25 years. Despite drivers reading the paper, eating bowls of cereal, using phones and smoking grass, I've only been knocked down once lol. It's honestly still fantastic! Hectic, mental day? ...after a ride home it'll be nowhere near as bad! Get out and enjoy!
Totally agree on the mental separation - whatever has happened at work I feel so much better after the ride home! It's good thinking time too, I often have ideas or solve issues while riding to/from work.
Yes! Honking great HID arc lights or new high power LEDs that make it look like a motorbike is approaching. Riding in dark or gloom is dangerous without mega lighting.
ALL OF THE LIGHTS! I ride like a tiny rave and am probably more visible at night than in the day due to contrast. My Lumos helmet is also amazing - I got brake lights and turn signals in that sucker. My side view mirror is also wonderful. I didn't need it in a city with better infrastructure, but it is amazing where I am now. I'll take the added air resistance for the ability to merge across lanes better.
I’ve been cycling for 30+ years but never found cycling to work an appealing or feasible option. However, about 5 months ago I started cycling to a new evening job and absolutely love it! Dedicated cycle track on the way there and road on the way back. Modern lights and reflective clothing make a massive difference to safety and I find that traffic gives me more space at night. I’ve even encountered drivers staying behind when they could overtake just to give me some protection, which is greatly appreciated. It helps that I have shower facilities and somewhere indoors to leave my bike when I get to work. I sometimes choose to cycle in the rain because it is so much more enjoyable than driving!
I live in a region that is not cycling friendly. I have had coworkers that were hit by cars and killed. Others that were hit and badly injured but survived. Our roads have almost zero cycling lanes and when you do find cycling lanes, they only stretch on about a mile or so, then you are back to no lanes. We have people cursing at us for slowing them down because of cycling on a narrow road. We have people throwing things at us and threatening us. We have hyper distracted drivers, looking at cell phones, smoking, drinking coffee, etc. It's not about being scared to ride, it is a genuine risk every time you ride on the open roads with car drivers.
Thank you for saying this. I can and often do cycle to work (20 miles) but I would NEVER want my sister or her family to do that from her neighborhood. Zero bike lanes and angry commuters in cars. Really not safe.
And even if you could take away the risk there are still other personal sensitivities. The time, the clothes, showering and whatnot. I love my morning rides to work, but then I love cycling in general. The attitude that people could do it if only they wanted to isn't helpful. Those that want to will find a way. But there are people who, with all things considered, put bike-commuting into the "I can't" category, and I respect that.
Yeah certain areas are just big ol' NOPES. I chose my apartment based on what would be an acceptable ride to work, and some apartments just simply had routes I was unwilling to do. The stretches of road were too horrible. I'd have been squashed within a month. Where I am now is not amazing but it is manageable. In the "it is scary but do-able" sorts of areas, I wish more folks would brave it. Would help with local culture to expect us, and give cities more incentive to make it better. A lot of these have weird catch-22s of "there aren't enough bicycles, we don't need to give them better lanes" plus folks saying "we'd take a bicycle, but we don't have the infrastructure"..... so few improvements are made. A lot of my coworkers are in the category of "we'd go by bike but the roads are scary" and that's pretty sad. The desire is there but not the infrastructure, and until we get more stubborn brats on two wheels, it won't improve for the potential riders :(
Si, I just love your commuting support. Today was Bike to Work today here in Denver, Colorado. I helped coordinate a meet up with two other collogues. It brightened all of our days and brought us together. I used some of your earlier videos to encourage my two friends to commute. You guys are enabling more and more access to bicycle. Keep up the good work Si!
I live 37 kms far from Bordeaux. A normal day, i put my bike on train and i just have 7kms from train station to my work. But sometimes i ride the full distance after work or before work during hot summer weather. It's an excellent good way to stay in good shape (I'm 41 and i working in naval building) The main problem is to wear the good bike clothes (rainy, windy, cold, etc) and the good backpack (not too big:/not too small) Long life GCN. Hello from a french guy
Great topic GCN! I loved getting to work on my bicycle. Fantastic 33 km's from the outskirts of Toronto to downtown. I was quicker than the train or the car. If the distance seems daunting and you are able..... ride in, train home. The next morning train in and ride home. One note of caution, watch for drivers exiting their vehicles. They are sometimes oblivious to your presence and they get mad if you rip their car door off the hinges when you hit it.
i started cycling to work to get fit. I never knew how much it would improve my mental health. I feel so much better emotionally. That was a big surprise 🚲
Great tips! For added confidence, I always recommend folks to practice their commute on a weekend, like a Sunday morning. Traffic is usually non-existent, and it's a great way to get comfortable with the route, road condition etc, without the stress of cars.
Old mountain bike/ hybrid, fenders,lights,good lock,flat pedals, back rack, milk crate zip tied to the rack. Done! Works for commute,exercise and shopping. Some cloth shopping bags with handles that can be tied to the outside 3 sides of the milk crate and you wouldn't believe how much you can carry!!! Or how wide comfy slick tires you can put on. Great mythbusting video Si! Super appreciate this content and approach. Also, many stores/workplaces will let you bring the bike inside. Just ask them where their bike secure parking is. (They won't have it)then start rolling the bike in. If they object ask them to give you $2000 deposit on your bike. Shuts them up.
Being a year-round commuter for 16 years now, riding 27 km twice a day, I would subscribe to all aspects Si mentionned. From my experience, finding the best streets, bikepaths and gravel roads is a never ending task. But you´ll find alternative routes if you look for them. Of course, having an employer who provides safe storage for your bike and accomodations to shower and change clothes clearly helps alot. But if you really want it, you´ll find your ways to start commuting by bike and stick to it. Once you come over the point of asking yourself every morning if you should get on your bike and instead just get on it, you´ve made it! Thanks GCN for videos like this one encouraging us all!
It helps if you have some cycling commuter buddies to ride with or share the safest/nicest routes. Also i think giving it a try during half term when there will inevitably be less traffic is a good idea too. It also really helps if you have a supportive employer and managers, to ensure you have somewhere safe to store your bike at work, a locker and ideally showers and somewhere to dry off any wet kit. Even when the weather is not so nice, I would always rather be on my bike.
Best part about cycling is that you can go solo and not be dependent on another person. I bike commute to work daily solo and my employer allow me to store my bike in the coat room away from the elements and thieves. Don't have a locker or shower though but I suppose they're used to my b.o. lol.
In copenhagen, the suburban trains have significant sections reserved for bikes. It is so practical, because in longer commutes you can just bike to the station, hop on the train with the bike, arrive to the closest station and then just bike to your destination. For me, it was a game changer, as it makes it very cheap to move around.
Wonderful video! Another option is to get a folding bike so that you can store it in your trunk(boot) and even take it inside the office with you like a piece of luggage.
My cycling jersey has a picture of a car on the back and it reads this one runs on money and makes you fat. The front has a bike on it and reads this one runs on fat and saves you money.
Showers and changing facilities at your work place are also hugely important - it's the reason why I cycle to one of the offices I work from but not the other.
And that is why so many workplaces in Denmark have shower facilities. There is a whole culture of cycling and the infrastructure to go with it. That being said, most people in Copenhagen cycle in their normal clothes and fairly leisurely pace so that they don't arrive sweaty. It's a form of transportation, not a workout.
☝️ a million times this. I’ve tired endless work arounds to get around the fact my employer doesn’t offer facilities but they all introduce so many additional hurdles to get over it makes it almost impossible 🙁
You're cycling too hard. I used to ride 22 miles in jeans and a shirt, took an hour and 15 and didn't even break into a sweat. Use your gears, keep your effort low.
Im always amazed seeing people cycle-commuting is that many layers. When i do im sweaty in no time, regardless of weather! Im always landing in hot and then layering up as i cool down in work
Love the encouragement! I started road riding last year and got up to my first 100km! But have been off the bike last couple months for a number of reasons (snow/work)and now find myself second guessing my sanity for riding those roads. This is what I needed to get back out there!
I got a full-size folding bike to ride to work and fold-up in my tiny office, and it has also fit in my car trunk for days I wanted to drive the first part. It also fits on a train for rainy days when I wanted to use it only on the way in or out. My round-trip distance is about 25+ miles, including very narrow urban streets, river trails, and very urban heavily trafficked streets. I'd say the biggest game changer for safety during bike commuting in a very hectic city full of mostly terrible drivers (Philadelphia, PA) is using rear-view mirrors -- made riding in heavy traffic many times safer.
Si makes some of the best videos for the practicality of cycling. I'd love to see him do more on cargo bikes, maybe of the top 5-10 brands? I know that might be different for the UK versus the US, but some brands do overlap. Also, I love where y'all shot the scenes. So much great "missing middle" architecture to admire 🙂
For splitting the commute, there is also the option to combine bike with trains. I used to carry my bike on the train to the 40 km train ride to the city, and then used my bike to get around in the city to work, visit friends and family, get to shops etc. The combined monthly pass for the bike and myself costed like a weeks worth of gas money.
My ebike was $2500. I have done 2100 miles and it needed a grand total of $5.40 in electricity during that time. So the price of the ebike I definitely paid off. All I use it for is running errands around town. Since belt drive and internal gear hub, zero maintenance so far. Even using original tires and brake pads. For bigger hauls and moving the kids around we use a cargo bike. Life is way better on a cargo bike with the kids.
I've cycled to work on and off over 41 years working. Generally when cycling / train and cycling to work I've been in better mental and general health and have been more alert at work. Have been knocked off 2 or 3 times, only once ending in A&E (with minor injuries). Main issues have been wife worrying I was safe on a commute involving unlit roads, storing the bike in a cramped bedsit, and remembering to do maintenance before something broke / fell off / or a tyre wore out completely. 2 years ago after my MOT (i.e. 60yr NHS check) I was informed I had the blood results of a 40 year old... 🙂
I have a vision impairment and can't drive so I ride to work. I am a music teacher in Melbourne and work at 3 schools. I carry a flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone and laptop in panniers to school most days, and commute about 170km per week. It is a long way and initially it was hard work but I got fit pretty quickly. I'm lucky enough, however, to have bike tracks that traverse wetlands, forests and foothills to all of my worksites often seeing kangaroos along the way. I love riding at dawn in the winter seeing the sun rise over the wetlands, feeling it warm my soul. I love riding with a mate 2 days a week and the solitude on the other days. I often pinch myself and think "how good is this". If I could see perfectly I might have missed out on this.
Before covid sent us home to work for 3.5 years, I rode almost everyday year round and when needed mixed in cycling and the train since its a long commute and with a kid time is a factor (22 miles each way from my home). When they called us back downtown two days a week, I am actually excited to go back in because I get my rides back and in less than a year and extension to the bike path system will be done that goes all the way to the neighborhood I live in. I keep a pair of shoes, a hygiene kit, and some basics in my desk and a formal suit for I need it on the back of my office door. I take a change of everyday work clothes, my laptop, and lunch in my backpack. Its the best part of my day, and feels like I am somehow cheating the universe when I am riding along a bike path and actually leaving cars behind who are stuck in traffic while I ride in protected lanes through downtown and along a forested river bike path that serves as one of the main bike commuting arteries that connect the suburbs of Denver to the central and downtown area. Bike commuting for the win 🎉
This year marks my 30th (yes three decades!) of bike commuting in and around New York City. I have said for a long time that riding to work is what helps keeps me sane here, and apparently more and more people here are discovering my secret. It's awesome!
Hell yeah! Fantastic video 😍 To feel confident on the bicycle for me is all about YOU controlling the bicycle, and not the other way around. By practicing to get out of the saddle and trying to let the bicycle move independently of your body, leaning left, right, just makes you realise how much freedom of movement you have compared to feeling glued and frankly trapped on your saddle.
Love this video, Si. I'm retired now but I did commute by bike during the summer months here in Michigan, and really enjoyed it. It's great that GCN is actively encouraging people to incorporate bikes into their everyday activities, like commuting to work. Here's one thing I couldn't help but notice during this vid. If you add a mirror to your helmet, handlebars or on your glasses, you'll have a good sense of what's behind you. Having that knowledge always made me feel a lot safer.
A sub section of "splitting the commute" especially useful to those longer commutes between two cities is a folding bike you can take on the train. My Brompton along with a train served me well transporting two kids to school and creche* and then commuting to work when they were young (they're both at Uni now so I haven't has to worry about the school run for a while). I"ve also done the school run on the Brompton in Brussels and then ridden to gare du midi to catch the Eurostar and ride from St Pancreas to a meeting in London... * 2 kids in a bike buggy towed by a Brompton to school, kid one and trolley left at school, kid 2 strapped in a papoose rucksack, onto the Brompton to ride to the station and then get the train, off the train to bike to creche and leave kid two and the rucksack to commute to work. End of the day rinse and repeat in reverse....
@@stevek8829 true, a crap one that would be much slower than the bike and train in Brussels traffic. But yes, I could have sat on my ass and polluted instead.
You could leave a real havy lock at the places you go, so at least you don't have to carry it every time. Still they could steal or sabotage everything and you're left with a frame and a wheel 😢
I’m moving to Chicago soon and I want to pick up cycling in the city but as a nervous Nelly, I can’t get over the fear of getting clobbered by a car. Any advice?
@@gekquad116 There's some great cycling here, as long as you don't want any hills whatsoever. Street riding is a little bit sketch, but there's some decent quiet side streets that help alleviate that quite a bit. Google "Mellow Chicago Bike Map" for a starting point. But the North Branch Trail and the Lakefront Path are fantastic riding in their own rights, and (generally) car free!
@@gekquad116 I know I replied to this earlier, but it seems to have vanished. There's plenty of solid paved paths like North Branch Trail and the Lakefront Path that are car-free (most of the time, anyway). Also, look up Chicago Mellow Bike Map and you'll see there's some decent parallel streets to the major ones for a more relaxed ride. And sorry if you get this message twice.
I think this excellent video missed one of the main reasons not to cycle that are often mentioned - the weather. Even as a regular leisure cyclist I thought bad weather would be horrible, but with the right clothing most of it really isn't, in the UK anyway.
I’d really like to see you do a video about using Velomobiles for commuting, and not a drycycle, but an actual fast human powered velomobile. Takes care of any excuses for not cycling because of bad weather, good visibility and crash protection, as fast or faster than an e-bike (unless you’re commute is entirely uphill), and it provides quite good cargo capacity with zero aerodynamic penalty. I’ve been commuting by velomobile for over a year now and have zero regrets. It’s been great for my fitness and mental health and it’s an absolute blast.
@@cebruthius I have had good luck so far with a very strong lock and a motorcycle tarp to place over the bike. Usually people are not interested in a large black object. Of course, cars sometimes get stolen too, so it is possible, but it would be hard for a thief to resell a velomobile. There are not very many of them yet. It would be nice to see quality velomobile parking though.
I *love* the videos you do on bike commuting; everything you talk about hits the nail on the head. At the same time, even when a crash doesn't happen, close passes are scary. I find that the more it looks like you are riding a bike out of necessity rather than for fun, the nicer the drivers behave. I currently wear loose clothing with long sleeves, full-length trousers. Hi-viz vests like those used by construction crews work like a charm for those angry dudes driving gender-affirming black pickup trucks, too.
I make a point of wearing normal clothes (cargo shorts and collared shirt) when I am just going out around my suburb, even if I would be more comfortable wearing cycling shorts and t-shirt, just so that I look like a normal person on a bike. If I'm gooing beyond the end of my street, I always wear a helmet...
I'm stationed overseas and I don't have a car. So, I commute by bike. I bought a Trek Domane AL4 at the local bike shop, swapped a few bits so it fit me better, and put on some proper fenders. Commute is about 8km each way so it's only about 25 minutes door to door. Even if I had a car, I think commuting by bike would still be the fastest and most convenient option as the bike is almost traffic proof and I don't have to worry about parking.
I started cycling for commute only last year until it was so fun and I already got 3.8 watts kg FTP within a year. So glad with my decision on buying a bicycle. My life changes a lot!!
Great advice, but in terms of splitting the commute, there's another way too - bike/train. And of course a folding bike could make that easier, and also potentially solve the 'nowhere to put it' problem - you could put it under your desk! Or in a small corner somewhere. Anyway, I've been cycling to work for years (although less recently now I work mainly from home), I always use panniers because I can't bear to carry a rucksack, I just feel like I'm about to topple over at any moment! Also the facilities where I work are excellent, which really helps. I know, I'm so lucky!
I value this information and the way it is presented. When I started biking to work, my first ride followed the same route I took in my car. It worked out okay, but it wasn't much fun. I now ride a bit further, but in doing so, I avoid many traffic signals and enjoy less busy roads. I can make it door to door in about the same time now, even with a less direct route, as I don't have to worry about parking. The mud guards I added to my cheap, steel-frame, mega-store bike have been the best money spent on a bike, other than tires for my fun bike.
This is giving me flashbacks. I lived in Bristol in the late 1970s and cycled to work. My route from Clifton to the city center took me down Park Street 2:48 and on a rainy day the old Weinmann center pull brakes, pressed as hard as I could against the nice shiny chrome-plated rims, couldn't slow the bike down!
The best security solution for ebikes that can carry luggage is a motorcycle chain, ideally with an integrated lock. Abus makes a great one and the Kryptonite New York chain and lock is superb.
having moved out of london a number of years ago i was missing the cycle commute. i bought a Brompton on the cycle scheme .... drive to out of town at the home end for free parking. cycle to the station - saves £8/day. Once in london Brompton is perfect for around town - saves £6/day on tube and the best bit - guaranteed seat. as it folds up small if sits under my desk in the office so reduces the security risk. as i cycle alot the fitness gains are small except for sprint starts a lights ... i will NOT be beaton by an e-bike across a set of lights (well at least these whom stop at the red light)
I'm lucky enough to have a rural commute along quiet country lanes. Early mornings are a joy, just me, the countryside and birdsong. As I always say "there's no better way to start the day"
This was great Si, I hope it inspires some new cycle commuters! I live in Cambridge where cycling to work is very much the norm (although cycling infrastructure is not as good as you might think). Many of my colleagues who live outside the city use the Park & Ride sites where parking is free, and then cycle the last bit of their journey either on a folding bike or a low-value bike they can leave at the P&R - this could be an option in lots of other cities. It's harder for those with young children who need drop-offs, but lots of people who live in the city use trailers or cargo bikes. From memory I think you do/have done too - maybe a topic for another video if you haven't done it already?
This is by far one of the best CGN videos, thank you for such vedio. I wish you have added Brompoton as I rode 3 bikes in my life mountain, road, and Brompton bike and all sold and now I have Brompoton for me and my family only. You can combine folding in jumping in the bus, folding it in the office and keeping it beside you for safety. I wish I had the same weather as you do, here in Dubai it’s too hot to ride and I work in UAE and Saudi and I fold and fly but I can’t ride in the heart with a 55 degree to 58 under the sun, but in the summer I work in Ruland Oakham and all my commuting is on my brompton, and if I am in London or Austria or any other country that is cool enough I don’t recall paying for Taxi.
When I worked in Birmingham and lived about 15 miles away, I used to cycle on the canal towpaths, with a little main road sections at each end. I was never as fit as then. Now, I work about 20 metres from home, so I'd struggle to commute to work. Though in the summer, I do a loop before work and a loop after. Motivation is weak in the winter, as the mornings are so dark. If you can, though, commute by bike, you'll become really fit without even trying.
Totally agree with everything you said. Oh, not quite - I think backpacks really suck. You end up with a horribly sweaty back. Get panniers; they hold more and make the commute more pleasant.
Really appreciate these types of videos aimed at shifting the paradigm for people who might not necessarily be interested in cycling as a recreational activity or sport, but that might want to consider picking it up as an alternative mode of transport, leading to a better living environment for all of us. I personally don't mind cycling but it's not one of my interests either; yet as someone who has never wanted a car and for some time now has been interested in more people-friendly urbanism, cycling is a great choice for longer distances - though I admit that in my heavily car-centric city sometimes I end up leaving the bike at home because I don't feel confident enough to venture out on roads I'm not familiar with. But for that same reason I feel a lot of joy whenever I see someone else commuting by bike, as the more we are the safer we are and the sooner we might see changes aimed at improving our experience.
I cycled to work for 3 years and loved it now I have moved there is no safe route or direct cycle path. I feel real fear on the roads and have had so many near misses that I dread setting off but enjoy the ride.
Thank you, GCN! Despite you are in overseas (for me), it is extremely important and relevant that you carry on with this education and desmystification job!! Here in Brazil cyclists-tubers are only fond of amateur racing, for them commuting is still seen like something boring and useless.
Great vid, and suggestions. I hope more folks consider cycling. Here in So Calif., still needing more appreciation for SHARING THE ROAD. Thanks, for your sharing your experience and helpful ideas....🍀 🌟
I've been cycling to work since December 2022 and will continue to do so. The traffic in my part of the world (Manila) has gotten worse and I would arrive nearly the same time if I drove a car. It saves up on fuel and I burn calories, plus it's a good way to blow off some steam after work. I know that traffic in the UK is bad and crime is also worsening, but consider your options and give it a try.
Great video, some great tips Sci. I started out commuting on an old steel frame road bike with friction shifters, the 25km commute seemed too much with a 15-20% climb in the middle. In the beginning I could only make it once a week. Determined I splashed out on an Ebike, but after a few years of riding I didn't need it anymore. Now I'm on a newer road bike (still 20+ years old) with a sora group set and starting group rides, having great fun keeping up with the flash bikes. I'm looking to upgrade again but I still love the old bikes and I'm commuting most days 25km each way getting fitter and faster.
did cycle commuting for 7 years then spent 10 driving now I'm back closer to home and have been cycle commuting for the past year. Love every minute of it.
I've been commuting 30 km to the city for a year, and here are my extra tips to start: First, participate in a couple of on road cycling events to become more comfortable riding on the road rather than just on shared paths. Secondly, explore a few trails during low-traffic times, such as weekends or early mornings, to become familiar with the route to work.
Thanks for encouraging people to ride bikes to their work! I think this change is essential for improving overall life quality in urban areas. Where I live it is really unpopular to commute by bike and drivers as well as authorities really hate cyclists, but I still think it is worth it over sitting for hours in traffic. My coworkers look at me as if I am crazy when I say that I cycle 36km every day.
I feel like your last two videos were made for me personally. I hurt my back a few days ago. I have also been trying to convince people by example the riding to work is a good idea. I ride my bike to work most days, except for the last few. My back has been very sore. Great Job Si!
Before I baught my first car I rode my bicycle everywhere. Life was good and dandy. Thene I baught a car and had to work more hours and got out of shape. Jump forward to today and I ride my bicycle more and have a good work and life balance. To keep a bicycle moving requirs balance.
One thing I did when I first started was driving to work in the morning and bring my bike in the car. I would leave my car at work, then ride back home. Then I would ride to work the next day, then drive my car back. It was a good way to ease myself into bike commuting. A very good option if your employer allows you to park overnight at the office. Solves some worries about bike storage (leave the bike in the car) and distance (it gets cut in half).
I did this for about 8 years in the 1980's & 90's before changing jobs and working from home. My commute was 29 miles each way along the A38 between Bristol and Gloucester. It could be scary at times, cold, dark and wet in winter but I enjoyed every ride 😁
Drive Monday and take change of clothes for the week. Cycle TUESDAY, Wednesday, Thursday. Drive Friday and bring home used clothing. And gives you rest days before and after your weekend rides. PERFECT!!!
I started commuting to work 3 weeks ago. Its only 3km one way but i love it ! I bought used cheap decathlon singlespeed on steelframe and i have so much fun riding it and occasionally bulding my strenghth ;)
It really makes me happy to see GCN showing people that a bike is more than a sports instrument or a toy: it's actually also a transportation mode! I think you might have missed an important tip for those who have a too long commute to be done solely by bike. Combining it with public transit might be their solution. I live 20kms from Lisbon’s city centre and although it's actually a nice ride along the sea and the river, it takes about 20mns longer than if I ride to the train station, get on the train with the bike, and then ride to my final destination. And if you can't take your bike on the train, you might be able to have one waiting for you at the train station.
I used to cycle to work. It was half a mile there and half a mile back. But I also used a post bike at work. Now I cycle at least 10 miles every week. I am nearly 75.
I do find mixing a physical job and commuting by bicycle is hard. Sometimes I have to take a day off cycling because it can become too exhausting. Edited to add that there is an e-bike in my future.
I do cycle to work. 1. Physicla Health benefits. 2. Time management. 3. Mental pressure release.... Yes it was a bit scary when I started first...but that time took help from colleagues who are expert..
It’s a nice idea and many people would love to do it. Even just watching the video you can see a lot of hazards. You’re harder to see, not just for cars, but also pedestrians. That could be a nasty collision.
I'm here in Saudi Arabia working for the past 18 years. I ride a reliable Trek FX3 hybrid bike on a 10 km daily commute to and from work for almost three years now. Just fortunate that I can safely park my bike inside our office. Indeed, cycling to work is worth doing!
I cant cycle to work now .... in London. as when i DID, it only last 4-5 Months then a gang riled me up and took it in broad daylight . No one helped. 😮💨
Hi from Beaverton, Oregon, USA. Even though I do not live in the UK (hope to visit one day), I enjoy watching your videos. I live about 1.5km from work and I ride my electric scooter. I also live about 20.5km from a program I attend and will occasionally ride my electric bicycle. The trip to work takes about 10 minutes and the trip to the program I attend takes about 1 hour. I have never owned a car nor have I ever owned a driver's license. If the weather is is not great for riding my electric scooter or my electric bicycle or I do not feel like riding my electric scooter or electric bicycle, I can ride public transportation basically for free. About a month ago, while riding my electric scooter in the bicycle lane on a road with hardly any traffic on my way to work, I got hit by a car. I scraped my right arm up and cracked my helmet. I did not need to go to the hospital and now feel a lot better than I did then. I still ride my electric scooter to work despite being hit by a car; I am more cautious now. I hate it when most people who want to go from point A to point B automatically get in their car and drive. Consider riding a bicycle, scooter, electric bicycle, or electric scooter and you will thank yourself later for the exercise.
Great video, hope it inspires. I think another reason is, thinking it takes too long. But your health is really worth that extra time and also you maybe surprised on the time difference once you take into account congestion and parking. This is what I found, I only need to get up 10mins earlier for my 10km ride to the station
I started cycling to work 3 months ago and really started to enjoy it. Its 11km and takes me about 35 minutes. Problem is last week i fell off and broke my elbow. Major surgery and 6 weeks minimum off work. Not ideal
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
Have you got any tips for cycling to work? 🚲
I would keep sets of clothing a pump and a basic tools at work just incase I needed it to get home. Finding a good spot to have your communing clothing dry inoffensively is a must.
The distance has to be right. Once I lived only about 10 blocks from work. This was too close to make it worthwhile. Then I lived 20 miles away and this was great but that meant every day I rode I got 40 miles and a load of fatigue that hung over into other days. So this had to be managed. Then I lived six miles from work and this was perfect. You need to have a way to deal with personal hygiene. I had showers available where I worked on most occasions so that was a non-issue. Getting sweaty happened even on those short six mile trips so I had to shower before work. How to transport your daytime clothing is another issue. I have used both panniers and an over the shoulder bag or pack. I liked the panniers better and had a bike I dedicated for commuting on those six mile trips. At the end of the day I could extend that six miles to as many as I wanted by taking alternate routes to add miles. I was a happy boy. Safety, being away from auto traffic was also a factor. The 20 mile route was on two lane roads with few bike lanes so there was always some tension. The six mile route was in bike lanes, a trail or two lane roads with only one spot that was exposed to tension causing traffic for only a couple of hundred yards. Having a secure place for your bike is important too. I didn't have this issue as I would drag my bike into the office (in one place) and had a guarded area in another place where I could leave my bike and even my helmet out and nobody would bother it.
Move to Belgium, I cycle to work already in a semi rural area in England, (even been hit cycling to work) but I've just been to Belgium and Brussel and well everyone rides a bike basically no matter the weather
While I don't have to do that, the one thing I've read is that if you shower before cycling, your sweat won't be stinky, and can just wipe yourself down with a damp cloth if need be. Take a change of undergarments, but your regular clothing should be fine. Or, some people go so far as to leave sets of their professional clothing at work over the weekend, and just cycle home in each set at the end of the day, without care of getting them sweaty.
Try negotiate working slightly off-peak hours. In early and home early. Get the brightest lights and clothing possible and assume drivers don't see you even when they appear to.
Love the timing of 'cyvle lanes are crap' line promptly followed by a van being parked in the cycle lane!
I bike-commute 40km in the morning and then use a bike-train combination to get home at night. It's very good!
I'm driver...cycle two days to work,over 14miles each way nearly 30miles plus in cycling club. Which I enjoyen so much.
Respect
When the shower at work became unuseable there was a reluctance to spend the money to get it fixed. A friend and I came up with a solution to get the funding to get it fixed. We told boss that if it wasn't fixed we'd just have to stay in our lycra. It got fixed on health and safety grounds. My legs were deemed to be a saftey hazzard!
"Ny legs were deemed a savety hazzard" wow that i call a flex🤣
I have a 16 mile commute each way in Buffalo NY. I can’t ride in rain or snow as infrastructure is designed so that I am in the middle of a busy lane of a major arterial route. My ride are from a low of. 25F to a high of around. 95F. Ride time including stops for traffic lights is between 60 to 80 minutes. No shower needed. Best trick is to wear dedicated cycling clothing (proper cycling shorts are essential to prevent chafing. In summer it just bike shorts, jersey and water bottle with water on temps below 80F and energy drink on the hot days. Even in winter I’ll show up to work sweaty and hot. I shower at home before I depart. Trick is to get out do the cycling gear, wipe down with a small towel and put on all fresh clothes z (underwear and socks included). You will not smell. In summer the clothes dry fast. In winter there are more layers I hang them on 3M command hooks on the back of my door and have a fan blow on them for a while. That ensures dry cloths for the ride home. On the hottest days I’ll take a mild temp shower when I get home to clean up and cool down. On regular days. Just a wipe with a wash cloth and clean set of clothes is all that is needed. I commute up to twice a week by bike, remote work one day, and drive the other days, though I try not to make it so I can work just. 4 days. There for at best I drive just once a week. That day I bring in fresh clothes to the five and bring home the used laundry. If we ever get snowed in, I’ll be the only one with multiple sets of clean clothes to change into.
If I couldn't take a shower at work I would stop cycling to work. Yes, I could kind of get through the day without, but I'd feel icky. Also, I want to enjoy the ride. That includes wearing comfy cottons and riding as fast as I feel like. My job isn't very physical, I enjoy breaking a good sweat at least once per day.
Regarding fitness, when I started I had to stop twice each way. A few minutes off the bike drinking some water and I was ready to go. After 2 weeks I didn't need to stop anymore.
Nothing wrong with stoping, we could all benefit from a reminder to slow down and take it all in 🙌
When I first started commuting by bike I had to do the same. Halfway I took a small break, ate a snack and continued on my way.
Work your way slowly and your body will adjust in due time. Lots of hydration.
It's honestly what got me through COVID. Luckily had a 30 minute route mostly off road, and slowly built up adding road segments onto it. So worth it, not just physically but mentally. Anyone and everyone can do it!
I do that on Zwift because of I were riding on the road, I’d stop here and there. So if I need to stop, I do
I started cycling to work at age 52 the 1st couple of weeks were hard I sounded more like a steam train when i got to my destination. Its only 4.5 miles but now 18 months or so later I can do over 40 miles. I used Strava that I found good for motivation, mentally I split my commute into stages and congratulated myself on reaching the end of that section. Another thing i did to avoid heavy traffic 1st thing was to set off really early when the roads are empty to gain confidence, if you have to turn into heavy traffic its ok to get off and push your bike over a pedestrian crossing. Once you get into it it is a brilliant start and finish to a day at work
Splitting it into sections is a real cool idea, this can be a great way to breakdown longer rides 🙌Sounds like you've nailed cycling to work - What's the one tip you would offer others and new cyclists? 🚴
Have bought a better bike since . ? Some do after riding so much they want something really nice lol
@@chrism5433 I most certainly did. Got myself a Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5. Got it on the cycle to work scheme plus with the fuel saving it's paid for itself. I ummed and arred about going electric but decided my legs have still got a few more years in them and ebikes will only improve in efficiency and price over that time. At worst, apart from having to push it home in snow on Thursday, it takes 3 minutes longer to cycle home and about 5-10 mins longer to get to work. I started cycling because I needed a cataract op so couldn't drive anymore but it's one of the best things that's happened to me. I'm hooked now lol
Fantastic! Glad to hear it. I was also surprised how quickly my fitness improved.
Find couple of ordinary people who are sure they can't cycle to work and help them overcome the fear/obstacles - would be an interesting experience and I'm sure will make a great video.
Thanks for the videos , GCN! You're awesome!
Your wish is our command 👉ruclips.net/video/B4Xuxt5P1Ak/видео.html - Enjoy!
I can't cycle to work - I work from home and my wife won't let me ride my bike in the house!
Turbo trainer? 🥵
@jamesengledow, hop on your bike and take a morning loop ride, as if you’re cycling to work!
Keep a mini velo in the bedroom and ride to your office.
You can't cycle to work, you can cycle while working!
than ride the wife :D
I used to have a a long bike commute - 13 Miles (20 K). I was fortunate. I had someplace to shower and change. You might want to explore gyms near your place of work. It worked for me for over 20 years. Biking put me in an obnoxiously good mood, both at work and at home.
I have a 6 mile (10km) ride to work every day. I’m on month nine of cycle commuting. For super snowy days I have studded tires, and so far I haven’t missed a day. Videos like this gave me the confidence to try and now I never want to go back to driving
A tip for all. Stick front and rear lights on for your commute. Really helps!
Been riding through the city -Belfast- for over 25 years.
Despite drivers reading the paper, eating bowls of cereal, using phones and smoking grass, I've only been knocked down once lol.
It's honestly still fantastic! Hectic, mental day? ...after a ride home it'll be nowhere near as bad!
Get out and enjoy!
Totally agree. To which I'll add a mirror. Now I can see who is coming up behind me. Wouldn't leave home without it.
Totally agree on the mental separation - whatever has happened at work I feel so much better after the ride home! It's good thinking time too, I often have ideas or solve issues while riding to/from work.
Yes!
Honking great HID arc lights or new high power LEDs that make it look like a motorbike is approaching.
Riding in dark or gloom is dangerous without mega lighting.
Northern Ireland has zero cycle infrastructure
ALL OF THE LIGHTS! I ride like a tiny rave and am probably more visible at night than in the day due to contrast.
My Lumos helmet is also amazing - I got brake lights and turn signals in that sucker. My side view mirror is also wonderful. I didn't need it in a city with better infrastructure, but it is amazing where I am now. I'll take the added air resistance for the ability to merge across lanes better.
I’ve been cycling for 30+ years but never found cycling to work an appealing or feasible option. However, about 5 months ago I started cycling to a new evening job and absolutely love it! Dedicated cycle track on the way there and road on the way back. Modern lights and reflective clothing make a massive difference to safety and I find that traffic gives me more space at night. I’ve even encountered drivers staying behind when they could overtake just to give me some protection, which is greatly appreciated. It helps that I have shower facilities and somewhere indoors to leave my bike when I get to work. I sometimes choose to cycle in the rain because it is so much more enjoyable than driving!
Started two years ago thought I was going to die but now I've lost weight got another lovely racer and head out on my days off love it
I do a 25km commute through the crazy streets of Los Angeles & love it! I find myself happier throughout the day when I ride vs driving!
I live in a region that is not cycling friendly. I have had coworkers that were hit by cars and killed. Others that were hit and badly injured but survived. Our roads have almost zero cycling lanes and when you do find cycling lanes, they only stretch on about a mile or so, then you are back to no lanes. We have people cursing at us for slowing them down because of cycling on a narrow road. We have people throwing things at us and threatening us. We have hyper distracted drivers, looking at cell phones, smoking, drinking coffee, etc. It's not about being scared to ride, it is a genuine risk every time you ride on the open roads with car drivers.
That sounds like a disgusting country.
Thank you for saying this. I can and often do cycle to work (20 miles) but I would NEVER want my sister or her family to do that from her neighborhood. Zero bike lanes and angry commuters in cars. Really not safe.
And even if you could take away the risk there are still other personal sensitivities. The time, the clothes, showering and whatnot. I love my morning rides to work, but then I love cycling in general. The attitude that people could do it if only they wanted to isn't helpful. Those that want to will find a way. But there are people who, with all things considered, put bike-commuting into the "I can't" category, and I respect that.
Yeah certain areas are just big ol' NOPES. I chose my apartment based on what would be an acceptable ride to work, and some apartments just simply had routes I was unwilling to do. The stretches of road were too horrible. I'd have been squashed within a month. Where I am now is not amazing but it is manageable.
In the "it is scary but do-able" sorts of areas, I wish more folks would brave it. Would help with local culture to expect us, and give cities more incentive to make it better. A lot of these have weird catch-22s of "there aren't enough bicycles, we don't need to give them better lanes" plus folks saying "we'd take a bicycle, but we don't have the infrastructure"..... so few improvements are made. A lot of my coworkers are in the category of "we'd go by bike but the roads are scary" and that's pretty sad. The desire is there but not the infrastructure, and until we get more stubborn brats on two wheels, it won't improve for the potential riders :(
Can a car go without a road. How can autorotries expect us to have a bike commute without a proper bike road grid. Hipocrites.
Si, I just love your commuting support. Today was Bike to Work today here in Denver, Colorado. I helped coordinate a meet up with two other collogues. It brightened all of our days and brought us together. I used some of your earlier videos to encourage my two friends to commute. You guys are enabling more and more access to bicycle. Keep up the good work Si!
Bike to Work day sounds like an awesome thing, it would certainly be less intimidating if there were other bikers out on the roads that day.
It was only when I started cycling to work I discovered all the little short cuts, making the commute safer and more fun ;)
I live 37 kms far from Bordeaux. A normal day, i put my bike on train and i just have 7kms from train station to my work. But sometimes i ride the full distance after work or before work during hot summer weather. It's an excellent good way to stay in good shape (I'm 41 and i working in naval building) The main problem is to wear the good bike clothes (rainy, windy, cold, etc) and the good backpack (not too big:/not too small)
Long life GCN. Hello from a french guy
Supposedly they have a French Language Channel…
Great topic GCN! I loved getting to work on my bicycle. Fantastic 33 km's from the outskirts of Toronto to downtown. I was quicker than the train or the car. If the distance seems daunting and you are able..... ride in, train home. The next morning train in and ride home. One note of caution, watch for drivers exiting their vehicles. They are sometimes oblivious to your presence and they get mad if you rip their car door off the hinges when you hit it.
i started cycling to work to get fit. I never knew how much it would improve my mental health. I feel so much better emotionally. That was a big surprise 🚲
Great tips! For added confidence, I always recommend folks to practice their commute on a weekend, like a Sunday morning. Traffic is usually non-existent, and it's a great way to get comfortable with the route, road condition etc, without the stress of cars.
Old mountain bike/ hybrid, fenders,lights,good lock,flat pedals, back rack, milk crate zip tied to the rack. Done! Works for commute,exercise and shopping. Some cloth shopping bags with handles that can be tied to the outside 3 sides of the milk crate and you wouldn't believe how much you can carry!!! Or how wide comfy slick tires you can put on. Great mythbusting video Si! Super appreciate this content and approach. Also, many stores/workplaces will let you bring the bike inside. Just ask them where their bike secure parking is. (They won't have it)then start rolling the bike in. If they object ask them to give you $2000 deposit on your bike. Shuts them up.
Being a year-round commuter for 16 years now, riding 27 km twice a day, I would subscribe to all aspects Si mentionned. From my experience, finding the best streets, bikepaths and gravel roads is a never ending task. But you´ll find alternative routes if you look for them. Of course, having an employer who provides safe storage for your bike and accomodations to shower and change clothes clearly helps alot. But if you really want it, you´ll find your ways to start commuting by bike and stick to it. Once you come over the point of asking yourself every morning if you should get on your bike and instead just get on it, you´ve made it! Thanks GCN for videos like this one encouraging us all!
It helps if you have some cycling commuter buddies to ride with or share the safest/nicest routes. Also i think giving it a try during half term when there will inevitably be less traffic is a good idea too. It also really helps if you have a supportive employer and managers, to ensure you have somewhere safe to store your bike at work, a locker and ideally showers and somewhere to dry off any wet kit. Even when the weather is not so nice, I would always rather be on my bike.
Having ride buddies is great! 🙌 You have accountability too, you can't disappoint your ride buddies!
Check out your local bike club for buddies, routes, and other commuting resources. I also spot good side routes on other people's Strava posts.
Best part about cycling is that you can go solo and not be dependent on another person. I bike commute to work daily solo and my employer allow me to store my bike in the coat room away from the elements and thieves. Don't have a locker or shower though but I suppose they're used to my b.o. lol.
In copenhagen, the suburban trains have significant sections reserved for bikes. It is so practical, because in longer commutes you can just bike to the station, hop on the train with the bike, arrive to the closest station and then just bike to your destination. For me, it was a game changer, as it makes it very cheap to move around.
Nice "Dirty Car Art" @ 7:10
Sure beats "wash me".
Wonderful video! Another option is to get a folding bike so that you can store it in your trunk(boot) and even take it inside the office with you like a piece of luggage.
My cycling jersey has a picture of a car on the back and it reads this one runs on money and makes you fat. The front has a bike on it and reads this one runs on fat and saves you money.
😂😂😂 ha ha.....love it !!! But one day I'll run out of fat ( at least until Christmas comes around again!)
Very good
I measure my fuel consumption in burritos. I think I'm about 40km/burrito, instead of 25miles/gallon.
60 kg down and still no low fuel light.
Showers and changing facilities at your work place are also hugely important - it's the reason why I cycle to one of the offices I work from but not the other.
Big issue. Can’t start the day with stink and helmet head.
That’s why I don’t do it too. It’s unfortunate but not much could be done about it 😢
And that is why so many workplaces in Denmark have shower facilities. There is a whole culture of cycling and the infrastructure to go with it. That being said, most people in Copenhagen cycle in their normal clothes and fairly leisurely pace so that they don't arrive sweaty. It's a form of transportation, not a workout.
☝️ a million times this. I’ve tired endless work arounds to get around the fact my employer doesn’t offer facilities but they all introduce so many additional hurdles to get over it makes it almost impossible 🙁
You're cycling too hard. I used to ride 22 miles in jeans and a shirt, took an hour and 15 and didn't even break into a sweat. Use your gears, keep your effort low.
Im always amazed seeing people cycle-commuting is that many layers. When i do im sweaty in no time, regardless of weather! Im always landing in hot and then layering up as i cool down in work
It can be cold and damp here in the uk ☔ - For a long commute we'll get the lycra out 🙌
@@gcn I'm in Ireland! I think I just run hot when exercising. I blame it on freezing rugby training when I was younger
Love the encouragement!
I started road riding last year and got up to my first 100km! But have been off the bike last couple months for a number of reasons (snow/work)and now find myself second guessing my sanity for riding those roads. This is what I needed to get back out there!
I got a full-size folding bike to ride to work and fold-up in my tiny office, and it has also fit in my car trunk for days I wanted to drive the first part. It also fits on a train for rainy days when I wanted to use it only on the way in or out. My round-trip distance is about 25+ miles, including very narrow urban streets, river trails, and very urban heavily trafficked streets. I'd say the biggest game changer for safety during bike commuting in a very hectic city full of mostly terrible drivers (Philadelphia, PA) is using rear-view mirrors -- made riding in heavy traffic many times safer.
Si makes some of the best videos for the practicality of cycling. I'd love to see him do more on cargo bikes, maybe of the top 5-10 brands? I know that might be different for the UK versus the US, but some brands do overlap.
Also, I love where y'all shot the scenes. So much great "missing middle" architecture to admire 🙂
For splitting the commute, there is also the option to combine bike with trains. I used to carry my bike on the train to the 40 km train ride to the city, and then used my bike to get around in the city to work, visit friends and family, get to shops etc. The combined monthly pass for the bike and myself costed like a weeks worth of gas money.
My ebike was $2500. I have done 2100 miles and it needed a grand total of $5.40 in electricity during that time. So the price of the ebike I definitely paid off. All I use it for is running errands around town. Since belt drive and internal gear hub, zero maintenance so far. Even using original tires and brake pads.
For bigger hauls and moving the kids around we use a cargo bike. Life is way better on a cargo bike with the kids.
I've cycled to work on and off over 41 years working. Generally when cycling / train and cycling to work I've been in better mental and general health and have been more alert at work. Have been knocked off 2 or 3 times, only once ending in A&E (with minor injuries). Main issues have been wife worrying I was safe on a commute involving unlit roads, storing the bike in a cramped bedsit, and remembering to do maintenance before something broke / fell off / or a tyre wore out completely. 2 years ago after my MOT (i.e. 60yr NHS check) I was informed I had the blood results of a 40 year old... 🙂
I have a vision impairment and can't drive so I ride to work. I am a music teacher in Melbourne and work at 3 schools. I carry a flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone and laptop in panniers to school most days, and commute about 170km per week. It is a long way and initially it was hard work but I got fit pretty quickly. I'm lucky enough, however, to have bike tracks that traverse wetlands, forests and foothills to all of my worksites often seeing kangaroos along the way. I love riding at dawn in the winter seeing the sun rise over the wetlands, feeling it warm my soul. I love riding with a mate 2 days a week and the solitude on the other days. I often pinch myself and think "how good is this". If I could see perfectly I might have missed out on this.
Before covid sent us home to work for 3.5 years, I rode almost everyday year round and when needed mixed in cycling and the train since its a long commute and with a kid time is a factor (22 miles each way from my home). When they called us back downtown two days a week, I am actually excited to go back in because I get my rides back and in less than a year and extension to the bike path system will be done that goes all the way to the neighborhood I live in. I keep a pair of shoes, a hygiene kit, and some basics in my desk and a formal suit for I need it on the back of my office door. I take a change of everyday work clothes, my laptop, and lunch in my backpack. Its the best part of my day, and feels like I am somehow cheating the universe when I am riding along a bike path and actually leaving cars behind who are stuck in traffic while I ride in protected lanes through downtown and along a forested river bike path that serves as one of the main bike commuting arteries that connect the suburbs of Denver to the central and downtown area. Bike commuting for the win 🎉
This year marks my 30th (yes three decades!) of bike commuting in and around New York City. I have said for a long time that riding to work is what helps keeps me sane here, and apparently more and more people here are discovering my secret. It's awesome!
Hell yeah! Fantastic video 😍 To feel confident on the bicycle for me is all about YOU controlling the bicycle, and not the other way around. By practicing to get out of the saddle and trying to let the bicycle move independently of your body, leaning left, right, just makes you realise how much freedom of movement you have compared to feeling glued and frankly trapped on your saddle.
Love this video, Si. I'm retired now but I did commute by bike during the summer months here in Michigan, and really enjoyed it. It's great that GCN is actively encouraging people to incorporate bikes into their everyday activities, like commuting to work. Here's one thing I couldn't help but notice during this vid. If you add a mirror to your helmet, handlebars or on your glasses, you'll have a good sense of what's behind you. Having that knowledge always made me feel a lot safer.
A sub section of "splitting the commute" especially useful to those longer commutes between two cities is a folding bike you can take on the train. My Brompton along with a train served me well transporting two kids to school and creche* and then commuting to work when they were young (they're both at Uni now so I haven't has to worry about the school run for a while).
I"ve also done the school run on the Brompton in Brussels and then ridden to gare du midi to catch the Eurostar and ride from St Pancreas to a meeting in London...
* 2 kids in a bike buggy towed by a Brompton to school, kid one and trolley left at school, kid 2 strapped in a papoose rucksack, onto the Brompton to ride to the station and then get the train, off the train to bike to creche and leave kid two and the rucksack to commute to work. End of the day rinse and repeat in reverse....
That's impressive! 🙌
Yeah given their coverage of Bromptons in the past I was waiting for the Brompton train combo.
Bromton costs like a used car.
@@stevek8829 true, a crap one that would be much slower than the bike and train in Brussels traffic. But yes, I could have sat on my ass and polluted instead.
I chuckled when Si was talking about bike lanes and right then a van was parked in the one he was trying to ride in.
The scariest thing about cycling to work for me is having to park and lock any bike of mine on the street in Chicago.
You could leave a real havy lock at the places you go, so at least you don't have to carry it every time. Still they could steal or sabotage everything and you're left with a frame and a wheel 😢
I’m moving to Chicago soon and I want to pick up cycling in the city but as a nervous Nelly, I can’t get over the fear of getting clobbered by a car. Any advice?
@@gekquad116 There's some great cycling here, as long as you don't want any hills whatsoever. Street riding is a little bit sketch, but there's some decent quiet side streets that help alleviate that quite a bit. Google "Mellow Chicago Bike Map" for a starting point. But the North Branch Trail and the Lakefront Path are fantastic riding in their own rights, and (generally) car free!
@@gekquad116 I know I replied to this earlier, but it seems to have vanished.
There's plenty of solid paved paths like North Branch Trail and the Lakefront Path that are car-free (most of the time, anyway). Also, look up Chicago Mellow Bike Map and you'll see there's some decent parallel streets to the major ones for a more relaxed ride.
And sorry if you get this message twice.
I think this excellent video missed one of the main reasons not to cycle that are often mentioned - the weather. Even as a regular leisure cyclist I thought bad weather would be horrible, but with the right clothing most of it really isn't, in the UK anyway.
Rain pants, jacket, and gators go a long way. Plus waterproof paniers for all the treasure I drop if I get hit.
@@questgivercyradis8462I'd rather not have a gator around my neck 😆
I’d really like to see you do a video about using Velomobiles for commuting, and not a drycycle, but an actual fast human powered velomobile. Takes care of any excuses for not cycling because of bad weather, good visibility and crash protection, as fast or faster than an e-bike (unless you’re commute is entirely uphill), and it provides quite good cargo capacity with zero aerodynamic penalty. I’ve been commuting by velomobile for over a year now and have zero regrets. It’s been great for my fitness and mental health and it’s an absolute blast.
This. Dedicated parking is an issue though.
@@cebruthius I have had good luck so far with a very strong lock and a motorcycle tarp to place over the bike. Usually people are not interested in a large black object. Of course, cars sometimes get stolen too, so it is possible, but it would be hard for a thief to resell a velomobile. There are not very many of them yet. It would be nice to see quality velomobile parking though.
My old commute was quite easy and security was the major issue in my case so I went with the brompton and absolutely love it.
Great to see Si riding through Bristol. I cycle commuted for the best part of 40 years, now retired i actually miss it-even November!
Saving this video to show all my friends.
This is what we love to see 🙌
I *love* the videos you do on bike commuting; everything you talk about hits the nail on the head. At the same time, even when a crash doesn't happen, close passes are scary. I find that the more it looks like you are riding a bike out of necessity rather than for fun, the nicer the drivers behave. I currently wear loose clothing with long sleeves, full-length trousers. Hi-viz vests like those used by construction crews work like a charm for those angry dudes driving gender-affirming black pickup trucks, too.
I make a point of wearing normal clothes (cargo shorts and collared shirt) when I am just going out around my suburb, even if I would be more comfortable wearing cycling shorts and t-shirt, just so that I look like a normal person on a bike. If I'm gooing beyond the end of my street, I always wear a helmet...
I'm stationed overseas and I don't have a car. So, I commute by bike. I bought a Trek Domane AL4 at the local bike shop, swapped a few bits so it fit me better, and put on some proper fenders. Commute is about 8km each way so it's only about 25 minutes door to door. Even if I had a car, I think commuting by bike would still be the fastest and most convenient option as the bike is almost traffic proof and I don't have to worry about parking.
I started cycling for commute only last year until it was so fun and I already got 3.8 watts kg FTP within a year. So glad with my decision on buying a bicycle. My life changes a lot!!
The true enjoyment of biking to work lies in the return journey, where you can pedal hard and not worry about breaking a sweat!
Most offices have a gym in the vicinity to take a warm quick shower 🚿 before starting the day 😊. So you can also hit the throttle in the morning too
Great video Si, very well put ...need to call you out on your weak right turn hand signals though ...need to make them more horizontal
Great advice, but in terms of splitting the commute, there's another way too - bike/train. And of course a folding bike could make that easier, and also potentially solve the 'nowhere to put it' problem - you could put it under your desk! Or in a small corner somewhere.
Anyway, I've been cycling to work for years (although less recently now I work mainly from home), I always use panniers because I can't bear to carry a rucksack, I just feel like I'm about to topple over at any moment! Also the facilities where I work are excellent, which really helps. I know, I'm so lucky!
I value this information and the way it is presented. When I started biking to work, my first ride followed the same route I took in my car. It worked out okay, but it wasn't much fun. I now ride a bit further, but in doing so, I avoid many traffic signals and enjoy less busy roads. I can make it door to door in about the same time now, even with a less direct route, as I don't have to worry about parking. The mud guards I added to my cheap, steel-frame, mega-store bike have been the best money spent on a bike, other than tires for my fun bike.
This is giving me flashbacks. I lived in Bristol in the late 1970s and cycled to work. My route from Clifton to the city center took me down Park Street 2:48 and on a rainy day the old Weinmann center pull brakes, pressed as hard as I could against the nice shiny chrome-plated rims, couldn't slow the bike down!
Folding bike is an option for me. Use train for long commute, fold it and use taxi when it is raining hard or simply if I'm already tired.
I have a 5 mile commute each way. I bought a folding ebike in the summer, its transformed my commute, i love it.
Excellent video GCN!
Im 46 and never had a drivers license. How much money have I saved the last 3 decades being a bike commuter?
The best security solution for ebikes that can carry luggage is a motorcycle chain, ideally with an integrated lock. Abus makes a great one and the Kryptonite New York chain and lock is superb.
having moved out of london a number of years ago i was missing the cycle commute.
i bought a Brompton on the cycle scheme .... drive to out of town at the home end for free parking.
cycle to the station - saves £8/day.
Once in london Brompton is perfect for around town - saves £6/day on tube and the best bit - guaranteed seat.
as it folds up small if sits under my desk in the office so reduces the security risk.
as i cycle alot the fitness gains are small except for sprint starts a lights ... i will NOT be beaton by an e-bike across a set of lights (well at least these whom stop at the red light)
I'm lucky enough to have a rural commute along quiet country lanes. Early mornings are a joy, just me, the countryside and birdsong. As I always say "there's no better way to start the day"
This was great Si, I hope it inspires some new cycle commuters!
I live in Cambridge where cycling to work is very much the norm (although cycling infrastructure is not as good as you might think). Many of my colleagues who live outside the city use the Park & Ride sites where parking is free, and then cycle the last bit of their journey either on a folding bike or a low-value bike they can leave at the P&R - this could be an option in lots of other cities.
It's harder for those with young children who need drop-offs, but lots of people who live in the city use trailers or cargo bikes. From memory I think you do/have done too - maybe a topic for another video if you haven't done it already?
This is by far one of the best CGN videos, thank you for such vedio. I wish you have added Brompoton as I rode 3 bikes in my life mountain, road, and Brompton bike and all sold and now I have Brompoton for me and my family only. You can combine folding in jumping in the bus, folding it in the office and keeping it beside you for safety. I wish I had the same weather as you do, here in Dubai it’s too hot to ride and I work in UAE and Saudi and I fold and fly but I can’t ride in the heart with a 55 degree to 58 under the sun, but in the summer I work in Ruland Oakham and all my commuting is on my brompton, and if I am in London or Austria or any other country that is cool enough I don’t recall paying for Taxi.
I commute in my high speed e bike, love it! 30 minutes one way in mostly separated bike lanes The Netherlands)
When I worked in Birmingham and lived about 15 miles away, I used to cycle on the canal towpaths, with a little main road sections at each end. I was never as fit as then. Now, I work about 20 metres from home, so I'd struggle to commute to work. Though in the summer, I do a loop before work and a loop after. Motivation is weak in the winter, as the mornings are so dark.
If you can, though, commute by bike, you'll become really fit without even trying.
Totally agree with everything you said.
Oh, not quite - I think backpacks really suck. You end up with a horribly sweaty back. Get panniers; they hold more and make the commute more pleasant.
Really appreciate these types of videos aimed at shifting the paradigm for people who might not necessarily be interested in cycling as a recreational activity or sport, but that might want to consider picking it up as an alternative mode of transport, leading to a better living environment for all of us.
I personally don't mind cycling but it's not one of my interests either; yet as someone who has never wanted a car and for some time now has been interested in more people-friendly urbanism, cycling is a great choice for longer distances - though I admit that in my heavily car-centric city sometimes I end up leaving the bike at home because I don't feel confident enough to venture out on roads I'm not familiar with.
But for that same reason I feel a lot of joy whenever I see someone else commuting by bike, as the more we are the safer we are and the sooner we might see changes aimed at improving our experience.
Thanks Si great video, I’m looking forward to riding too work again after I was hit by a car last year and broke my leg.
This is the rare sort of GCN content that deserves a thumbs up. Well done!
I cycled to work for 3 years and loved it now I have moved there is no safe route or direct cycle path. I feel real fear on the roads and have had so many near misses that I dread setting off but enjoy the ride.
Thank you, GCN! Despite you are in overseas (for me), it is extremely important and relevant that you carry on with this education and desmystification job!! Here in Brazil cyclists-tubers are only fond of amateur racing, for them commuting is still seen like something boring and useless.
Great vid, and suggestions. I hope more folks consider cycling. Here in So Calif., still needing more appreciation for SHARING THE ROAD. Thanks, for your sharing your experience and helpful ideas....🍀 🌟
I cycle to college and back 3 times a week as I'm in college 3 days a week and I use my roadbike to commute to college and back which is 14 miles
I've been cycling to work since December 2022 and will continue to do so. The traffic in my part of the world (Manila) has gotten worse and I would arrive nearly the same time if I drove a car. It saves up on fuel and I burn calories, plus it's a good way to blow off some steam after work. I know that traffic in the UK is bad and crime is also worsening, but consider your options and give it a try.
Great video, some great tips Sci. I started out commuting on an old steel frame road bike with friction shifters, the 25km commute seemed too much with a 15-20% climb in the middle. In the beginning I could only make it once a week. Determined I splashed out on an Ebike, but after a few years of riding I didn't need it anymore. Now I'm on a newer road bike (still 20+ years old) with a sora group set and starting group rides, having great fun keeping up with the flash bikes. I'm looking to upgrade again but I still love the old bikes and I'm commuting most days 25km each way getting fitter and faster.
did cycle commuting for 7 years then spent 10 driving now I'm back closer to home and have been cycle commuting for the past year. Love every minute of it.
I've been commuting 30 km to the city for a year, and here are my extra tips to start: First, participate in a couple of on road cycling events to become more comfortable riding on the road rather than just on shared paths. Secondly, explore a few trails during low-traffic times, such as weekends or early mornings, to become familiar with the route to work.
Thanks for encouraging people to ride bikes to their work! I think this change is essential for improving overall life quality in urban areas. Where I live it is really unpopular to commute by bike and drivers as well as authorities really hate cyclists, but I still think it is worth it over sitting for hours in traffic. My coworkers look at me as if I am crazy when I say that I cycle 36km every day.
I feel like your last two videos were made for me personally. I hurt my back a few days ago. I have also been trying to convince people by example the riding to work is a good idea. I ride my bike to work most days, except for the last few. My back has been very sore. Great Job Si!
Before I baught my first car I rode my bicycle everywhere. Life was good and dandy. Thene I baught a car and had to work more hours and got out of shape. Jump forward to today and I ride my bicycle more and have a good work and life balance. To keep a bicycle moving requirs balance.
One thing I did when I first started was driving to work in the morning and bring my bike in the car.
I would leave my car at work, then ride back home. Then I would ride to work the next day, then drive my car back.
It was a good way to ease myself into bike commuting. A very good option if your employer allows you to park overnight at the office.
Solves some worries about bike storage (leave the bike in the car) and distance (it gets cut in half).
I did this for about 8 years in the 1980's & 90's before changing jobs and working from home. My commute was 29 miles each way along the A38 between Bristol and Gloucester. It could be scary at times, cold, dark and wet in winter but I enjoyed every ride 😁
Drive Monday and take change of clothes for the week. Cycle TUESDAY, Wednesday, Thursday. Drive Friday and bring home used clothing. And gives you rest days before and after your weekend rides. PERFECT!!!
I started commuting to work 3 weeks ago. Its only 3km one way but i love it ! I bought used cheap decathlon singlespeed on steelframe and i have so much fun riding it and occasionally bulding my strenghth ;)
Right! Have you ridden in urban areas in New England? It requires mega-attention and an vigorous aggression.
It really makes me happy to see GCN showing people that a bike is more than a sports instrument or a toy: it's actually also a transportation mode!
I think you might have missed an important tip for those who have a too long commute to be done solely by bike. Combining it with public transit might be their solution. I live 20kms from Lisbon’s city centre and although it's actually a nice ride along the sea and the river, it takes about 20mns longer than if I ride to the train station, get on the train with the bike, and then ride to my final destination.
And if you can't take your bike on the train, you might be able to have one waiting for you at the train station.
I used to cycle to work. It was half a mile there and half a mile back. But I also used a post bike at work. Now I cycle at least 10 miles every week. I am nearly 75.
I picked up a local used ebike. It's been great. It's got a rack, wide tyres, and makes the hills on the way to work easy.
I love the fact that the Orbea is gleaming and the trainers are scruffy.
Excellent content.
thanks for this video or information, now i have happy adventure in my life. i never scared and adrenaline rush on road. l leveled up on biking
I do find mixing a physical job and commuting by bicycle is hard. Sometimes I have to take a day off cycling because it can become too exhausting.
Edited to add that there is an e-bike in my future.
I do cycle to work.
1. Physicla Health benefits.
2. Time management.
3. Mental pressure release....
Yes it was a bit scary when I started first...but that time took help from colleagues who are expert..
It’s a nice idea and many people would love to do it. Even just watching the video you can see a lot of hazards. You’re harder to see, not just for cars, but also pedestrians. That could be a nasty collision.
I'm here in Saudi Arabia working for the past 18 years. I ride a reliable Trek FX3 hybrid bike on a 10 km daily commute to and from work for almost three years now. Just fortunate that I can safely park my bike inside our office.
Indeed, cycling to work is worth doing!
I cant cycle to work now .... in London. as when i DID, it only last 4-5 Months then a gang riled me up and took it in broad daylight . No one helped. 😮💨
Hi from Beaverton, Oregon, USA. Even though I do not live in the UK (hope to visit one day), I enjoy watching your videos. I live about 1.5km from work and I ride my electric scooter. I also live about 20.5km from a program I attend and will occasionally ride my electric bicycle. The trip to work takes about 10 minutes and the trip to the program I attend takes about 1 hour. I have never owned a car nor have I ever owned a driver's license. If the weather is is not great for riding my electric scooter or my electric bicycle or I do not feel like riding my electric scooter or electric bicycle, I can ride public transportation basically for free. About a month ago, while riding my electric scooter in the bicycle lane on a road with hardly any traffic on my way to work, I got hit by a car. I scraped my right arm up and cracked my helmet. I did not need to go to the hospital and now feel a lot better than I did then. I still ride my electric scooter to work despite being hit by a car; I am more cautious now. I hate it when most people who want to go from point A to point B automatically get in their car and drive. Consider riding a bicycle, scooter, electric bicycle, or electric scooter and you will thank yourself later for the exercise.
Great video, hope it inspires. I think another reason is, thinking it takes too long. But your health is really worth that extra time and also you maybe surprised on the time difference once you take into account congestion and parking. This is what I found, I only need to get up 10mins earlier for my 10km ride to the station
I started cycling to work 3 months ago and really started to enjoy it. Its 11km and takes me about 35 minutes. Problem is last week i fell off and broke my elbow. Major surgery and 6 weeks minimum off work. Not ideal
Speedy recovery my friend.
Talking about safety @5:00 and a Just Eat kamikaze flies across the screen 😁
You should have mentioned the hybrid public transportation + folding bike. Great for the home->train station->work