Here’s BQ’s tips to help make your first attempt at bike commuting enjoyable and successful:
Plan ahead
Plan the route. If you haven’t thought about the streets and paths you will take, feel free to ask us for advice about managing the trade-off between the safest, flattest, and shortest routes to work. We suggest riding to your workplace on the weekend as a trial run.
Plan the logistics. Once your bike commute becomes more regular, you will want to minimise the amount of gear you have to carry each day. Items like shoes, belts, and trousers can stay at work, or you can bring a whole week’s worth of work clothes to the office in one trip (perhaps on Sunday evening). Many people who ride to work like to have items like a hair dryer or straightener at their workplace as well.
If your office has an End of Trip facility, there may be a laundry service which operates in your area.
Tips on how you can ride to work and emerge crease-free and presentable
Take your time
Your ride to work doesn’t have to be a sprint. It could be a leisurely spin, especially if your route includes some of Brisbane’s many bikeways. Ride at a steady pace, which doesn’t put you out of breath and in a lather of sweat. Change gears early on hills and spin up the incline in a low gear. If your ride takes you along the busier bike routes, such as the V1 or the Bicentennial Bikeway, there will be cyclists going quite fast. But go at your own speed that feels safe and comfortable!
Know your bike
Your ride to work will be much more enjoyable if you can handle routine roadside maintenance, such as fixing a flat tyre. Watch our YouTube series on bike maintenance by Bike Bestie.
Smile
Lots of people find travelling to work stressful or depressing. But, riding your bike to work is such a great way to incorporate fresh air and regular exercise into your day. Not only will you arrive at work alert and energised, but you will also have a smile on your dial. If you do encounter a grumpy driver, respond with a smile and a wave—they might be having a bad day, but you’re living life in the bike lane!