“I would cycle to work, but…”• We want to get your buts out into the open.• Your but is not as big as you think it is.• It certainly needn't stop you cycling.• Cycling City can help you.

Save time…• Bikes are fast across town.• You’ll have a predictable

journey time.• No parking hassles.

Save money…• No bus or train fares.• No petrol costs.• No parking fees.

£££

Save yourself…• Your general health and

fitness will improve.• You’re likely to lose weight.• You will significantly lower

the risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease and other diseases.

• It promotes mental health

A 75 year old Cyclist!

Go Greener!• Reduce your carbon

footprint.• Cut pollution.• Reduce noise.• Reduce traffic congestion.

It’s fun! “Nothing can compare to the simple pleasure of a bike ride”JF Kennedy

Reasons for not cycling…

• Don’t own a bike• Bike in bad condition• Too many hills• Too much to carry• Too far to travel• Childcare• Weather• I don’t want to arrive sweaty with helmet hair

Reasons for not cycling…• Need to look smart at work• Bike may get stolen• Too much traffic• Dangerous roads• I just don’t want to look like “a

cyclist”• Inconsiderate drivers• Other…?

I don’t own a bike…

• So buy one!• Buy from a bike shop.• …a few buying tips.• Buy second-hand: Bike Back,

eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree.• Loan Bikes• Your employer can help you

(more later)

Bike in poor condition…• Fix it!• Cycling City can help with

Doctor Bike surgeries and Bike Maintenance courses.

Hills…• Modern bikes make hills

easier. • Change your route (Maps

and Trip Planners).• Lose weight (the

bike/load/you).• You’ll get fitter.• Electric assist.• Push (we all do it!)

Too much to carry…• Why?• Carry it on the bike, not on

your back.• Get proper cycle luggage

I live too far away to cycle…• Is it really that far?• Bike—bus/train—bike• Folding bike and train or car

I don’t know the best route…• Order free cycle maps

www.betterbybike.info • Use a trip planner

www.transportdirect.info • Use Google Earth to get

route ideas. • Test ride potential routes at

quiet times.

Childcare commitments…• Trailer.• Child seat.• Tag-a-long.• Kids’ bikes (get them on a

course)• Childcare is temporary!

The weather…• Not as bad as people believe• It rains on average only 12

commuting days each year• Modern fabrics keep you dry• Change at work• OK – take the bus/car on wet

days!

I need to look smart at work…• Change on arrival.• Carry a change of clothing with

you.• Choose crease-resistant fabrics.• You don’t have to cycle EVERY

day!

My bike might get stolen…• Buy a decent lock.• Look for the Sold Secure mark.• Lock to something solid, with a

small gap, in view.• Second (different) lock.• Hack bike.• Folding bike.• Security tagging• Insurance (cheaper on home)

Other reasons...?

Too much traffic… too dangerous…• Change your route• Travel at a different time• Allow more time• Ride differently• You have a huge amount of

control over the behaviour of other road users

Top Tips• Don’t cycle too close to the curb• Don’t cycle too close to parked cars• Own the road! (Primary position)• Watch out for lorry blind spots• Just because it’s a cycling lane…• Look, look, look! • Anticipation: are you ready to stop?

• Jumping lights. Its just not worth the risk!

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 1. Right turn out of a minor road.

Example 2. Primary & secondary riding positions

Example 2. Primary & secondary riding positions

Cycle training…• Cycling City can offer One-

to-one training delivered by Life Cycle.

• Tailored to your exact needs• All abilities• Discreet• Just £5 if you live in Bristol!• Money back if not delighted

Next steps. You…• Talk to a Cycling City Cycle Advisor or your

workplace Cycle Champion if you have one.• Book a cycle training lesson.• Get your bike sorted. Cycling City will help!• Get some maps and plan your route to work.• Think about clothing, luggage, locks, etc.• Practise your commute.• Then go for it!• Do it for a month and we guarantee you’ll never go

back to your old method of commuting!

Next steps. Your employer…• Cycling City can help employers put a package together.• Cycle Champion or identify a Cycle Champion if there isn’t one

already.• Provide decent bike parking.• Implement CycleScheme. Half-price bikes!• Book a Doctor Bike surgery.• Cover the cost of cycle training for staff.• Support Bike Week in June and other bike events throughout the year.• Support a BUG.

Other Useful Contacts

• Cycling City• Your workplace Cycle Champion• www.betterbybike.info • Life Cycle UK facebook page• www.ctc.org.uk• www.bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk• www.sustrans.org.uk• www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/cycling/

cycletoworkguidance/