Cycling... What do I need to know?

[Damien_Woodbridge]

Hi, everyone!

 

I've been looking into replacing my vehicle with a bicycle to go to work these days as, well, I'm not as active as I could be and it's not that far of a distance! Maybe 5km away at the most.

 

I haven't ridden a bike in over twenty years so I'm a little nervous about getting on one again, but that isn't my concern... I live in the Berkshire area, and I have no clue what I can do to 'protect' my bike, so to speak. I know with a vehicle, you need insurance, a license, plates... What is the alternative for bicycles? Can I get insurance for if it gets stolen? What do I need to know for making sure it doesn't get stolen?

 

Are there any classes in the Berkshire area for cycling, such as rules of the road and how to deal with special circumstances? Perhaps even improving how you cycle?

 

Thanks in advance!!!!

[renegadeimp]

Hi there (again)

 

What you need is appropriate safety gear such as a good helmet ( don't go for cheap ones from halfords).

 

Regarding the bike, you need a solid lock that isnt a loop one. Preferably get a solid 'D' lock with a 'Sold Secure' rating of Gold or Silver. Do NOT buy bronze unless you are very strapped for cash.

 

You then need to get your bike coded, which means taking it to a reputable dealer, or even your local police station, and they engrave your post code in a very inconspicuous place on the bike. You can get insurance for bikes, but it forms part of your house contents insurance.

 

I would also advise you get some form of decent cycling style shoes that are comfortable, and the all important cycling jacket ( incase the weather turns mid-ride, and a lightweight hi-vis vest if you plan to ride early morning or early evening/afternoon.

 

You can also look into lights if you plan to ride in bad weather or at night. One thing to remember, is you MUST have a front and rear reflector that are separate from your wheels.

 

There are plenty of cycling clubs for beginners and advanced riders all over the place. Check facebook or have a quick google for your local area. Some clubs are completely free, others have a small membership fee, but for that, you get advice when you need it, help working out your own courses around the area, or even access to regular cycling meet-ups where you are matched with riders of your own ability or a little higher and you ride varying distances with a group.

[renegadeimp]

http://www.bikehub.co.uk/featured-articles/cycling-and-the-law/

 

is also a very good read for the new rider on biking in the UK.

[Damien_Woodbridge]

Hi renegadeimp!

 

Thanks for the advice for safety gear, I had been planning on just biking without a helmet but maybe that isn't quite such a good idea. How deeply should I invest in a good helmet? For example, is there a certain price point where it turns into a money grab and doesn't provide anything more for protection?

 

Do these locks provide instructions on how to properly use them in the packaging, or is that something I will have to go out and figure out on my own? Last thing I'd want to do is invest in a good lock, only to put it on wrong and lose both the lock and the bike... I reckon it's easy to figure out but the last time I was on a bike was during the time you could just leave your bike unattended and no one would take it so I've never had much a use for locks...

 

With getting my bike coded, does that mean if I report the bike stolen, they can check a specific area on the bike for the code to determine whether or not the bike is really yours? Does this cost any money? Do you recommend putting any stickers or decals on the bike to make it stand out from other bikes so that police can identify it easier?

 

With the insurance, how much does it get generally covered? My bike is used and bought from a yard sale so I have no idea what the retail price is, just what I paid for it. Is it worth the extra investment or should I just rely on protecting my bike and reporting to the police if it gets stolen?

 

I never thought about joining a cycling club, that is a good idea! Having an avenue for advice and comparable riding companions would be nice... Good conversation, shared interests, and practice.. Yeah, that sounds good. I'll have to check that out!

 

Also, thank you for that link! That really distinguishes between different parts of cycling, so I think that'll be helpful... I'll be printing off that site when I head to the library next week so I can read it until I'm blue in the face.

[renegadeimp]

Google the helmets you want to buy and pref get them from amazon or a specialist bike shop. All Sold secure rated locks have instructions. Just be aware that gold rated ones are heavier than the rest as they are made of a lot stronger components. To lock your bike you hook the lock around your back wheel, the frame and a solid static object, so the bike cannot be moved, and the wheel cannot be removed and the rest of the bike stolen.

 

For insurance, you just put it on your home contents insurance and say its worth around £100 if its a cheap and cheerful one. My current bike for example is worth around £850 so has its own insurance. It will have to be reviewed in a few months again as i'm getting better wheels and a new gearset for it, so it will hike the price up a bit.

 

 

Bike coding is as you describe. It does cost a small fee, but only a few GBP. You can decorate the bike how you want so it stands out against others. You can put decals on it, or spray it. It's your bike, and you dont need permission to change it around.

[Damien_Woodbridge]

Thank you! That is very helpful, and I'm glad I can customize the appearance however I feel. I always worry about losing my car in the parking lot since decals are so expensive, so being able to do it rather cheaply with a bicycle will be handy...

 

Again, thank you. You've given me a great start thus far!

[fletch70]

If you are using your home contents insurance just double check you have cycle cover. You may also want to check if you have 3rd party liability. It is not just car drivers who cause accidents. Ad for locks,you will see many people have an extra one to secure the front wheel. People will steal anything these days.

[BankFodder]

They do say that if you paint your bike pink, that it will never be stolen. If you try it, you can let us know if that is right.

 

This is the most blindingly bright light I have ever used - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Lunar-2X1-Watt-Rear/dp/B00452O6LI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1370720155&sr=8-8&keywords=rear+cycle+light

 

Also I find that a mirror is very useful - especially if you are an experienced driver, you will probably find that using it is very natural .

I use these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirrycle-Mirror-Mountain-Hybrid-Bikes/dp/B000VKDUAQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1370720259&sr=1-5&keywords=rear+cycle+mirror

 

I always use gloves - fingerless in summer and full in winter. If you take a tumble, you'll be pleased that you did

[BankFodder]

And also high vis jacket or waistcoat.

Do everything you can to be visible

 

If you use a single pannier then make sure it carries a light and carry it on the offside to force motorists to give you a bit more clearance

[renegadeimp]

Yep. High vis jacket is an absolute must. Especially if you intend on riding through busy cities or down roads with fast moving vehicles. Forget about how it looks, it WILL save your life and you won't even know it did.

[norman13]

If it's any help ,check out Aldi frequently ,they have bargain and fairly good quality cycling and running gear in from time to time.

 

With front lights ,there's usually two types;

those to be seen by others with

and those to see with.

In the summer i tend to have the former ,such as a little compact lezyne femto (on in daytime too)

In the winter i use a fairly powerful p7 or T6 for lighting up offroad paths

i use at night .

You can get those for around £30 on ebay ,they're basically copies of magicshine .You have a little rechargeable battery pack that fixes to bike frame.

Side impact is a huge problem with bikes ,you can get these fibre flare things now and also tyres with reflective ring on .Depends how much on road riding you do .

Remember ,20years ago when you last rode ,there were a lot less cars about too .

Build yourself up gradually mileage wise as you'll just end up aching and not wanting to get back on it.Have fun !

[Farbramble]

Also op, I'd get a copy of John Franklin's book:Cyclecraft: the complete guide to safe and enjoyable cycling for adults and children.

 

I'd been cycling all my life and thought I knew everything re cycling, but this book changed how I traveled by bike.

 

Anyway, good luck. You'll notice massive savings in fuel costs, you'll arrive at work feeling fresh, and it will shed the pounds!