Speaker: As cyclists, we abide by the rules of the road, but we also stick to a code of
unwritten rules that help influence our behavior. Now, I'm not talking about what
kind of lycra you may or may not wear, these are things to help us get along with other
cyclists but also other road users too. Now, though, we felt it needed an update.
[music] That was rude. Firstly,
it goes without saying, not only are we sticking to the rules of the road, but we're also
sticking to the rules laid out by your government and your local authorities. Make sure you stay
up-to-date with the news and make sure you can adjust your cycling plans accordingly. Whether
that means you have to ride inside or whether you can go outside. Five kilometers from home, 100
kilometers from home, solo, or with another rider, knowing what you need to do and sticking to it.
It's important not just from a coronavirus perspective but also because people
hypersensitive at the moment to what other people are doing. As cyclists, we are pretty visible.
If you behave like an idiot, well, you're going to make it worse for the rest of us.
[music] Before you set out,
let's be clear. You're going to have to be able to fix some of the basic mechanical issues that you
might experience while out riding. maybe a loose saddle. It's absolutely imperative that if you're
not staying close to home, then, to take some spares with you. I'm talking spare inner tube,
a pump, and a basic tool like that. That way, well, you're nice and self-sufficient. Everything
in the moment is trying to eliminate contact with others so calling up a family member or
a friend to get you home, well, just isn't cool. The other thing to think about is taking enough
food with you. The last thing you want to do is to be dropping into a shop miles from home. This is
another point of contact that we should be trying to eliminate. I think that will do. It's not so
much about being an idiot as about doing your bit. If you live in a densely populated area,
then, it's worth having a good think about where you're going to be riding. We're looking
for a bit of space, a bit of solitude, so try to go for those quieter roads and
if you can, avoid the built-up areas. It's hard to be prescriptive about the
do's and the don'ts because everything's, well, specific to you and where you live. Personally,
I'm struggling with the bike paths because I find or I can't give a wide enough berth
when overtaking but luckily, well, I've got loads and loads of nice quiet lanes instead.
My advice to people new to this would be to have a look at some route planning software. Here at GCN,
we work with one called Komoot who have a free version. It will naturally guide you on to the
best cycling routes and you can tailor them depending on what type of riding you want to do.
I've got my routes sorted and I've got spares and food. I'm going to take you on a little spin
now and finish the coffee because no ride can start without coffee.
[music] Give each other more room when
overtaking. There are so many more people out on their bikes today. It's amazing. Let's make sure
we give each other enough room. When overtaking, give each other a nice, wide berth and don't cut
in once you're overtaking and why not give them a wave? That's got to be called for, now, more than
ever. Beautiful. Go a bit steadier on descents. When the whole coronavirus pandemic blew up,
there was a lot of conversation about whether cycling was safe enough, or would it put a greater
strain on healthcare. We don't need to go through the stats here, but let's face it, it's been shown
time and time again that the benefits of cycling far, far outweigh the negatives. That said though,
perhaps at the time, I wish we'd take a safe sport and make it riskier. One of those things could be
railing descents as fast as we can. Perhaps now is not the time and let's back it off 1% or 2%.
I don't know about you, but I always tend to get a runny nose while I'm out cycling. Yes,
you didn't really need to know that, did you? I guess I'm not on my own. Ordinarily,
it's not taboo to clear your nose into a passing hedge but let's just say in 2020 let's stop this
stock it, rocket, use your arm, your elbow, or even your shoulder. If it looks like, well,
when you get back home that you've been attacked by a pack of snails,
then so be it. You could use a handkerchief, but yes, just leave out the stock it-rockets.
Be courteous. Let's be extra nice and friendly to one another. If someone gets upset with you
riding by or riding past too quickly, let's accept that their circumstance might be a
lot different to yours and there might be a good reason as to why they're feeling
anxious and angry. Social distancing does not mean we need to stop being friendly
so I'm going to be extra friendly. That's it. Let us know what you think. Is there anything
more as cyclists we can be doing? Use that comment section below. I am going to do a
bit of yoga, a bit of stretching, something a bit different. Keep it nice and chill and at
the end of the day, enjoy the sun. I'm lucky enough to have a garden, see you all soon.
[singing] [00:06:00] [END OF AUDIO]