Tips for commuting to work by bicycle

Now that we are about to start a new school year, many of us are planning our new routines. The end of summer is the perfect time to stop and take stock of how we manage our time on a daily basis, and what we can do to have a healthier routine and dynamics.

In this sense, we are not discovering anything if we say that the bicycle is gaining followers every day.

Many people are including bicycles as a mobility solution for their daily lives. To go to work, to take the children to school, to move around the city, in short.

In France, the government has recently presented a plan to get almost 10% of total trips to be made by bicycle (currently 3%). In Germany, two out of three people rate the bicycle (electric or not) as the ideal means of transport for commuting to work. And in the rest of Europe the trend is similar.

The emergence of the urban electric bicycleThe new “smart car”, which is a true revolution in the industry and has changed the way millions of people commute to work or take their children to school, is key to understanding what is happening in major cities around the world.

The truth is that according to a survey published by Ciclosfera, owners of an electric bicycle prioritize it over any other means of transport up to 49% more often, being their favorite vehicle by far.

In addition to the explosive appearance of ebikes, other factors have influenced a phenomenon that Parisians have dubbed “veloruption” (a play on the words velò, bicycle, and revolution). These factors include the paradigm shift following the Pandemic, with the emergence of teleworking and a new assessment of what is really important.

Also, as we pointed out, the commitment of major cities around the world, saturated with cars and fed up with noise, traffic jams and pollution, to new forms of micro-mobility that are more sustainable and that work.

In addition, the escalating fuel prices is also remarkable when it comes to understanding why more and more people are switching to bicycles every day. (the savings are enormous, as our friends at Capri Bikes explain in their blog). and, of course, the growing concern of citizens about Climate Change, which is already the number one concern of citizens worldwide according to the International Economic Forum.

This need to be more sustainable, coupled with the current context, is what pushes us to value new ways of doing things. Among them, what means of transportation we use for our daily commute.

In this article, we propose a series of tips from our extensive experience as urban cyclists and after studying the main recommendations of official organizations (DGT, City Councils…) and specialized media.

After a thorough analysis, we have extracted a series of common points that will help you move around the city on your bike with joy and safety.

Tips for getting around the city by bike

Make sure your bike is the right one.

It may seem a truism, but it is clear that it is not. The first thing you should do is make sure that the bike you use to get around town is the right one for you. Urban bikes such as the Capri Berlin (electric or not) are ideal for this purpose because of the Dutch frame type, whose geometry favors a very upright posture.

This position is not only more comfortable: it helps to improve our visibility by having our back practically straight, but also to be seen much more visibly by traffic.

All Capri bikes are designed for city riding, those using a diamond frame (such as the Capri Metz or the high bar Capri Berlin) are designed with a special frame geometry for a more upright posture.

There are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a bicycle to move around the city. The first, as we have already anticipated, is to choose the wrong type of bike.

We discard fixies, road or mountain bikes, BMX, bikes without gears and, in short, any model that has not been designed for urban use.

Another common mistake when choosing a bike is making the wrong size, especially upwards. If a bike is too big for you, safety decreases. Make sure the bike you buy is ideal for your height. Capri Bikes makes it easy and clearly indicates for which height range each model is recommended.

The weight of the bike is also important. Very heavy bicycles are not ideal for city riding.

Finally, non-electric bikes are all well and good, but e-bikes are perfect for everyday city riding. Electric bicycles give you the push you need at key moments (start of the ride, hills…) to reduce the danger due to the difference in speed that we sometimes encounter when riding on the streets of our cities.

Apart from other more obvious reasons (sweat, effort or time), e-bikes are conquering the cities for that improvement in the experience of use that means having an extra boost in the moments you really need.

Familiarize yourself with your bike

Before riding in busy traffic areas, it is very important to be fully familiar with the bicycle you are using. Use it in quieter places, bike lanes, walks, etc… until you have full control.

It is relevant for both electric and mechanical bicycles. Without a doubt, the best way to familiarize yourself with your bike is to ride for miles in completely safe environments, to be able to try different gear options, different levels of assistance, improve your riding, etc…

In addition, we recommend always having a minimum of mechanical knowledge: knowing how to inflate the tires and being able to put the chain back on if it jumps. Thus, if any of these two unforeseen events occur, which are not very frequent, but easily solvable, you will be able to continue without any problems.

Keep your bike always ready, a good maintenance is key

Nobody would think of driving a car in bad condition, would they? The same applies to bicycles. Maintain your city bike and take it to the workshop at least once a year (and if you use it daily, at least twice a year).

The bicycle is a vehicle and should be treated as such. Good maintenance is economical and safe: it will extend the life of your bike significantly and help you enjoy it more, without noises or surprises, with more safety.

Plan your route and always prioritize the bike lane.

If you start cycling to work and you live in a big city, it is very important that you plan your route well to look for safe options (bike lanes, less traveled routes).

A good planning work will help you choose the best route and ride with confidence and safety.

The bike lane is always the safest way to ride, so prioritize it whenever possible. Fortunately, there are more and more of them in cities all over the world!

Respect the rules of the road

We know that the rules are not designed from the point of view of cyclists and that sometimes stopping at a traffic light may seem more complicated than continuing pedaling due to aspects such as the loss of inertia (although with an electric bike this does not happen, it is another of its advantages) but there is only one way and that is to respect the rules of the road. It is the best and safest. In addition to what is legally required. Respecting the rules of the road is the only option. Remember: always respect traffic lights and signs, and never drive on the sidewalk.

Lights on the bike, always

Some bikes (like the new electric Capri Berlin) come with built-in lights that turn on by themselves when you need them or that you can activate if you prefer, …but the vast majority do not.

It is very important to be seen and there is nothing better than good lights to do so. Here we leave you a lot of lights for your bike that can serve you perfectly.

Be seen, wear appropriate clothing

You have to be seen. The more the better. The DGT asks to “Make sure you wear personal protective equipment and, if you ride early in the morning or at dusk or later, make sure you have reflectors and lights on your bike. Also, wear reflective stripes on your clothing so you can increase your chances of being visible while on the road. For the same reason, never wear dark clothing while riding at night,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Think about what type of clothing is most appropriate for your gear. There are some commuter apparel options, such as Rains, that are taking commuters by storm for their blend of design and functionality.

Put on your helmet

Although it is not always mandatory for adults to wear a helmet on urban roads when riding a bicycle, our advice is to always wear a helmet.

Make sure it is an approved case. Some people don’t like helmets, but with helmets as nice and comfortable as the ones we have at Biciclasica, the problem is solved.

No phones or headsets

Moving by bike is moving with freedom, so forget your cell phone and headphones for a while and enjoy the ride.

Besides, it is the safest thing to do for you and others. If you want to use a navigation application, be sure to install a bike adapter on the handlebars, and test it thoroughly before riding.

Circulates in a predictable manner

This point is very important and usually goes unnoticed, on a bicycle, in traffic, you have to be especially predictable because you are very vulnerable. Avoid any unexpected or sudden movements.

It is best to use the right lane in the center and always signal changes of direction with your arms intermittently and repeatedly. We must make changes in direction with caution and enough time in advance.

Backpack or saddlebag with: inflation pump, tools and waterproof suit.

The good urban cyclist’s kit, saddlebag with inflation pump, some tools (if you need them for chain adjustment) and a waterproof suit in case it rains. With that and a good bike: at the end of the city.

Battery in the phone

We recommend always carrying a charged phone in case of any unforeseen event.

Bike battery charged

If you move with an ebike, make sure you have enough battery power to complete the trip.

Homologation in strollers and baby carriages

If you use a child seat make sure it is approved, when you install it check that the installation is perfect, always carry the child with a helmet and properly strapped in (always double check) and do not exceed the maximum recommended weight (usually 25 kilos).

Trolleys are not allowed on all roads or in all municipalities. Make sure you can use it in your city.

Obviously, never take a second rider on a bike made for one person!

Make sure your shoes are properly tied.

Loose laces can get caught in the bicycle chain. If you wear wide pants, adjust them or fold them inward.

With all these tips, many of them of pure common sense, you will enjoy a more fun and safe experience cycling to work, but to make a brief summary of the most important, always remember to use a suitable bike in perfect condition with which you are familiar, choose the safest route and respect the traffic rules to the maximum.

Commuting to work by bike (especially by electric bike, where the efforts only go as far as you want them to) will improve your quality of life to an extent you may not yet imagine.

We encourage you to try it by following these tips. It will be good for you, your city and the planet!