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- If you've not done it before,
city cycling can be a little daunting.
- Cycling's really fun out in the open countryside,
but it can be really fun in the city too.
You just need to be aware of
slightly different hazards,
and that of course you will interact with
more other road users than you would
in the countryside.
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As ever before you set off,
it might be useful to have a bit of a think about
what you'll be doing.
For example, you need to think about
your destination, the route you'll take,
and what you might encounter along the way.
Planning your route's really useful because
it can help you to avoid restricted areas,
or paths you're not allowed to ride on,
and it can help you to prioritize
bike paths and bike routes, which are not only safer,
but they're often smoother, and faster, and more fun than
riding on the road.
Now, there's loads of great apps out there
for planning your route by bike.
For example, Kommot's really good, but
if you're riding round a city, often
Google Maps with a bike function works really really well.
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- Let's talk about equipment.
- Now you're gonna need a bike, for a start.
- Yeah, but then that might be all you need.
Let's face it, in many countries
cycling is just a mode of transport,
like walking, or driving.
And so actually even wearing a helmet
might make you stand out a bit.
- Yep, but there are also countries where
wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times,
even on a city bike, and in fact any sort of bike.
And personally, unless I was visiting family in Holland,
and riding my city bike there,
I probably would have a helmet on for
every sort of bike ride that I did.
- In terms of accessories, well lights are a good idea.
Essential in fact after dark.
And then a bell as well, because
the most important thing to factor in to city riding
is the increased volume of road users out there.
So anything that can help you be seen, or heard
is a good idea.
- Yep, and one last thing that I would recommend taking
would be a lock, just because it will make it
a lot more flexible to pop into the shops.
- [Man With Black Helmet] That's right.
- [Man With Red Helmet] Knowing that your bike
will still be there when you come out.
- Flexible and also more relaxing,
so you don't constantly worry that
your bike is not gonna be there when you get out.
- [Man With Red Helmet] Hey, you could even pop down to
the river to get an ice cream.
- You're obsessed with this fact that
all cities have got a river.
(laughs)
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- We briefly touched on this a second ago, but
wearing reflective clothing,
especially on arms and legs,
can really increase how easy you are spotted.
- That's because the human brain is instinctively programmed
to recognize biomechanical movement patterns.
- We've also mentioned lights before, but again,
these will really increase how easily you
are visible to other road users.
- And your luggage can be a great place to mount reflectors,
especially if you don't want to wear any special clothing.
For example, a reflective rucksack is great
because it can be seen from all sides.
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- Big city life can throw up
all kinds of different hazards,
from children walking to school,
people walking their dogs,
pot holes, drain covers,
even large lorries or buses.
And hey, you even need to watch out for
those cyclists that give the rest of us a bad name.
- Please don't just think you can
jump across junctions at the last minute.
Running red lights is dangerous,
and it also gives other road users
a reason not to like us,
which we probably want to avoid.
- Yeah.
And one last thing to note, is that
if your town has the special bike boxes
by the traffic lights,
it's definitely worth using them
as you will not only be more visible to
the road users behind you,
you'll also be able to set off sooner
when the lights go green.
Which, considering the speed limit in most towns
is around 30 kilometers an hour,
will keep you ahead of the traffic,
most likely until the next set of lights.
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- I feel in a city, your behavior is extra important.
More people can see you and what you're doing.
So don't give anyone else an opportunity to
pick up on something bad that you've done
that they can use against you,
or against other cyclists.
And it's pretty simple,
you just have to treat other road users,
and other cyclists as you wish to be treated yourself.
Be courteous, and allow priority when you have to.
And also remember that most bike paths are shared usage,
so there'll be pedestrians there as well.
So don't expect to have an uninterrupted journey.
A simple wave of thanks or a smile can
really make a world of difference when
you're interacting with drivers,
other cyclists, and pedestrians.
And be aware that with the momentum you carry
as a person on a bike, you're often the
most dangerous thing on a shared use path.
So watch out for children, dogs,
pedestrians, phone zombies.
You don't want to hurt them, and
you also don't want to hurt yourself by falling off.
I know about this because I got
knocked off by a dog earlier this year,
and even though it was the dog's fault,
I do wish I'd gone a bit slower,
and avoided getting hurt.
- Maybe if you had a bell Emma,
which can be really useful on bike paths
for warning walkers and cyclists
that you're about to pass.
People often appreciate a little courtesy ding
to let them know you're there.
It's especially useful when overtaking.
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One of the most popular things to do
when in town is to shop.
So why not head down to your market and
fill your basket full of the local produce,
and carry it home on your city bike.
- Now your bike luggage is also a great way
to increase you presence on the road.
Other by increasing overall size,
and I'm thinking here wide loading panniers,
or by increasing your visibility as we mentioned earlier.
City cycling is a safe and enjoyable experience.
It's a fantastic means of transport, and of exploration.
But, you do need to be alert and aware of
how your actions affect other people.
- Yeah, be courteous where you need to be,
but above all else, get out there and enjoy it.
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