Riding To Work? Check Out These Tips First

The cost of car parking in the city. Infrequent or cancelled public transport. Too much traffic on the roads making for a stressful journey. A desire to get fit. There are many reasons why more New Zealanders than ever before are riding to work, or to wherever they spend their time. We’ve observed this trend for ourselves because right now we’re selling a lot of commuter bikes to NZ riders. 

Our commuter bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and prices. There really is something for every rider, and every budget, with many of our commuter bikes equally at home on cycle trails as well as city streets. If you’re one of the new wave of commuter riders, we say welcome to the club. And to help you get started, here are a few tips from the Pushbikes team.

• If you’re unsure how long it will take you to get to the office or uni, or wherever you’re planning to go, do a dry run on the weekend. Ride at a moderate pace to give yourself a conservative estimate of how much time it will take, knowing you can always pick up the pace when you’re doing the real thing.
• Look for routes that have less traffic as this will make your ride to work safer, and far more enjoyable. Check out any bike paths in the area as they might take you a long way to your destination in a safer style.
• You don’t have to ride every single day to start with. If you’re not used to riding frequently, then you might be a little sore after your first few rides. Ease into it by riding every second or third day as you begin...you’ll soon get fitter and able to handle a ride every day.
• If you are doing an early morning commute, and a late evening return home, always wear reflective gear and put a flashing tail light on your bike. Even on sunny days when visibility is meant to be good, you should try and stand out against other traffic on the roads.
• If you’re doing a longer commute - say 30 minutes or more - then consider wearing cycling shorts or pants as these will make your ride much more comfortable.
• If you don’t know how to already, learn how to change a flat tyre. 
• Watch for parked car doors swinging open. People getting out of their cars, especially if they’re late for work or in a rush, often forget to check before opening the door.
• Invest in good racks, panniers and bags to carry your work essentials. This is a better option than a heavy backpack, and much easier on your back.

Riding to work is a great way to start your day. By keeping these tips in mind, your commute will be even more enjoyable and safer. And when it’s time to invest in your commuter bike, or to have it serviced, come and see us. We ride to work too, so we’ll look after you!