How to get yourself geared up for the cycling revolution

According to the Katie Melua song, in 2005 there were nine million bicycles in Beijing. How things have changed. Those ubiquitous Sino cycles have been largely replaced by imported European sedans, while in Europe, country roads have swelled with thousands of Mamils (middle- aged men – and women – in Lycra), taking to the roads at weekends on expensive bikes manufactured in China and Taiwan. The coronavirus now looks set to complete this geographic about-turn. There may soon be nine million bicycles in Barking.

According to government estimates, the transport culture change is happening fast. In lockdown, cycling and walking has increased by up to 70 per cent in places, a rise that will stick as, in May, return-to-workers were advised to avoid crowded public transport and drive, cycle or walk instead.

Commuting by train, bus and Underground is now a potential biohazard. Roads will become gridlocked as commuters take to cars. Cycling, for many, is the most sensible, safe and healthy option.

In early May, Boris Johnson, a keen cyclist, announced: “This should be a new golden age for cycling.” A few days later, the Government launched a £250 million fast-track fund for England to immediately develop new cycling infrastructure, which will include pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling. These funds are the first part of a £2­  ­billion investment, which itself forms part of the £5 billion package for cycling and buses announced by the Government in February.

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, called for local authorities to re­allocate road space for walking and cycling. Under this push for push bikes, towns and cities could be transformed in the coming months. Councils with existing cycling infrastructure plans are encouraged to bring them forward, while GPs can prescribe cycling and exercise. Cycling, which was a government priority before the pandemic, with a Conservative Party pledge to double journeys by bike and create 250 miles of cycle path, has been supercharged by the virus.

This month, there will be an updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, with an active travel commissioner already being mooted, and a new inspectorate that could potentially ensure councils meet higher standards for permanent infrastructure across England. The two-wheeled revolution is well under way, and UK roads, chock full of bicycles, may soon resemble pre-industrial China, or modern-day Amsterdam.

Indeed, British Cycling, the national governing body, believes up to 14  million people could take to the saddle if towns and cities follow DfT guidance and quickly implement new measures. Last month, it launched the #choosecycling campaign to help people make the switch to two wheels. It involves a series of instructional videos for commuters and the activation of the organisation’s nationwide network of more than 10,000 volunteers to provide support for new riders.

For those planning on joining what British Cycling calls the “biggest transport revolution for a generation”, the idea of getting on a bicycle and tackling city streets can seem daunting. And the considerations are endless. What type of bike? What should you wear? How do you stay safe? Does Lycra chafe? Can you eat more cake? These are all valid questions.

To start cycling, you need a bike, and choosing which one to buy is the most important decision you’ll make. Prices vary from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. Broadly speaking, there are six bike types; road, mountain, hybrid, Dutch, folding and electric. The terrain and type of commute will dictate the best one. Dutch bikes are generally best for flatter road journeys, and if your commute has no off-road trails and sharp inclines, you can discount mountain bikes. If you plan on using public transport part of the way, a folding bike could be your best option. For novices, most experts recommend a hybrid.

As Rebecca Charlton, a cyclist and TV presenter, explains: “If you’re a novice and solely commuting, a hybrid provides a far more upright position and gives a balance between mountain bike geometry and the zippiness of road wheels. The riding position offers greater control in traffic. Hybrids also typically come prepared with mounting bolts to attach panniers to. Without the drop handlebars of a road bike, you won’t have to worry about different hand positions or being tucked down low.”

Once purchased, adjust the bike for the most comfortable ride. Wrong saddle height, for example, affects efficiency and can lead to injury. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, legs should be almost fully extended, but not quite.

Cycling coach and nutritionist Will Girling says: “A bike is symmetrical, the body isn’t. If a bike isn’t set up properly for your body, you could get lower back pain. There is no point spending money on a bike if it is uncomfortable and you are not getting the best from it.”

Also consider pedal type. Experienced cyclists use clip-in pedals and cycling shoes, which require practice, as you need to uncouple when stopping. For novices, it’s best to use regular flat pedals. If you are using an old bike, get it serviced. This month, the Government is issuing up to 500,000 £50 cycle repair vouchers to encourage more cycle use. At the very least, check the brakes, gears and tyres and make sure there are no cracks on the frame and that the chain and gears are lubricated.

Serious cyclists spend hundreds of pounds on kit, but commutes can be done in work clothes, depending on the dress code in the office, so you might not need to go full-on Mamil. You will need a helmet, however. While not legally required, they are a must. A good-quality one can literally save your life. Lights must be used in the dark and a decent lock will also be needed.

A small saddle bag is useful for tools and accessories. Get in the habit of carrying two spare inner tubes, an air canister or mini-pump, tyre levers and a multitool. If you are carrying equipment or a change of clothes, invest in a good backpack. Panniers are also a good idea and give you extra width on the road to encourage vehicles to give you more room. Make sure whatever luggage you choose is waterproof and bright.

If braving wet conditions, it makes sense to invest in a breathable waterproof jacket, over-trousers, cycling gloves, overshoes and socks. Dress in layers and try to avoid cotton, as it holds moisture. Padded cycling shorts are not to everyone’s taste, but once you get used to the sensation – akin to wearing a nappy – they do offer protection.

Once kitted out, it is time to plan your route. It is unlikely to be the same route you would take in a car. Research cycle paths, cut-throughs, canal paths and parks where cycling is allowed. Try to choose quieter routes and stick to well-lit roads after dark. Speak to other cyclists at work for advice and test your route on a quiet day.

Be mindful that more route options will become available in the coming months. New cycleways will appear in towns and cities across England as the first tranches of government funding become available to local authorities. Some roads will be reconfigured with bollards, markings and barriers to separate cyclists and cars.

Dame Sarah Storey is British Cycling’s policy advocate. She explains: “Roads will change depending on what councils do and the level of ambition they have. It is vital that regions produce sufficient pop-up cycleways to allow people to make the choice to cycle.

“Brighton, for example, has changed space on the seafront, while Birmingham has developed a plan where people can move between cells on foot or by bike. Manchester is planning low-traffic neighbourhoods. Sheffield is delivering an active travel network. Roads will be divided and cars and cycles separated with plastic wands, cones or water-filled barriers, which are quick and cheap. The key is making cycle paths visible and safe.”

Indeed, safety is arguably the main concern for novice commuters. In addition to choosing cycle-friendly routes, once on the road, there are also techniques cyclists can employ to make journeys safer.

Positioning on a carriageway is key. On roads without cycle lanes, cyclists should be a third of the way into the lane, roughly in line with the near side of cars. Riding in the gutter risks hitting potholes, drain covers and glass and encourages cars to squeeze past.

When turning, always look before changing position. Clearly signal intentions and move in a confident and positive manner. Avoid unpredictable and unnecessary changes of direction. Make eye contact with drivers wherever possible. At roundabouts, ideally try not to stop, if it is safe. Never filter up the left-hand side of long vehicles. Anticipate the road ahead. Be predictable. Observe what is going on around you and negotiate hazards.

Its also important to stick to road rules and be confident.

As Charlton explains: “Don’t allow other road users to pressure you into making a move you’re not confident with. If another cyclist decides to go up the inside of a bus, do not follow. If you’re waiting at a junction and a car behind is pressuring you to go, remain confident in your judgment. You are the one who can see the road ahead and know when you are safe to manoeuvre at your pace.”

For those who do take to the saddle, the benefits are considerable, as Dame Sarah explains: “The average person who commutes by bike, public transport or active travel is 4kg [9lb] lighter than the average person who drives.

“They are less susceptible to long-term health problems, so you reap the benefits not just now, but further down the line.”

Cycling is healthier, cheaper and quicker, and is a viable socially distanced form of travel: in the months to come, two wheels will inevitably be better than four.