HOW TO GET INTO CYCLING
We ask the questions that beginners are dealing with and get answers from the experts...
LAURA HALES HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT AT CYCLINGUK.ORG SAYS:
“Make sure you have a bike that is safe – bike recycle centres are hidden gems that take donations of unwanted bikes, fix them up and sell them on at very reasonable prices. They’re also mines of information on cycle routes, activities and general advice. Check with your local authority to see whether it provides cycle instruction or group activities if you feel you need them.
“Once you get out on the bike keep it social. You’re more likely to continue if you have like-minded people to help encourage and support you. Look for groups which offer coffee and cake or pub stops and shorter distances to help you get started. Again, check with your local authority as to what exists in your area or contact Cycling UK to see if there is a community cycling programme running near you. Learn how to do basic maintenance such as perform a safety check and fix a puncture. Your local bike shops can help and there are plenty of videos and resources online. If you’re not able to fix a problem yourself make sure that you’ve got all the tools to enable someone else to help you.”
LAURENCE BOON PRODUCT MANAGER AT CYCLESCHEME.CO.UK SAYS:
“The government Cycle to Work initiative was set up in 1999 to encourage employees to swap their car commute for a cycling one. The initiative allows employees to get a new bike at a reduced price, to ride to work.
“Anyone employed by an organisation registered with a Cycle to Work scheme can take part. Simply tell your boss you want a bike (up to the value of £1000), they’ll pay for it and you reimburse them over the course of the next 12 months through your salary, and make an impressive tax saving too. If your boss is reluctant tell them they can save up to 13.8 per cent in National Insurance contributions, and direct them to providers like Cyclescheme to find out more. You will have an allowance of up to £1000 to spend on a bike and/or cycle
“YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO CONTINUE IF YOU HAVE LIKE MINDED PEOPLE TO HELP ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT YOU”
accessories and you’re likely to save between 25-39 per cent on purchase prices. You get to enjoy a new bike now but spread the cost through monthly payments.
“Officially, cycling to work should account for over 50 per cent of your bike-riding miles but how you spend the rest of your time is up to you. Just take care to buy a bike that suits the commute as well as any other cycling activities.”