I have a little confession to make: I'm a little bit scared to ride a bike. I know it's good for the environment, and for my health. It looks like fun. Heaps of people I know are doing it already. But... I'm nervous about doing it myself.
I had this idea that I was going to get involved in Ride to Work day this year, but I put off getting a bike, and made all sorts of excuses.
It's mostly because of the traffic. It's much bigger, heavier and faster than I am. Plus I'm a pretty klutzy and absent-minded person, always tripping over or walking into things. I'm not sure these two facts make a good combination!
And yet I'd still like to try, I think. I don't drive, so I'm used to getting around by walking and taking public transport, so I won't miss the so-called convenience of a car. It'd be nice if I didn't have to wait around for buses, or sit on cold train station platforms, waiting for my ride.
But arriving at work all sweaty doesn't seem like much fun, and although we've got some showers and lockers at my office, they don't look all that nice. I know I don't have to get all spandexed up in neon lycra, but I'm not sure what I'd wear instead, since I normally live in jeans. These photos at Copenhagen Cycle Chic might have to be my inspiration.
Plus there's the cost of getting a bike, especially when I don't know if I'll like riding enough to follow through on this. I think I've solved this little problem though, because a friend has said she'll lend me her bike for a while, to see if I like it. I don't think I'll get a better opportunity to give this cycling idea a test-run, so I guess this is it!
Are you a regular cyclist? Have you got any tips for a beginner? Or are you like me, interested but not confident enough to take to the streets yet?
Comments
Ever since Santa delivered an enormous 24" Malvern Star to our house when I was 7, I have loved riding bicycles. I rode to school for years and then to work in the Brisbane CBD when I was a younger woman. I worked hard to develop excellent hill climbing capability - handy in Brisbane! My bike then was my pride and joy, the most expensive thing I owned, a lightweight and fast racing frame with skinny tyres.
Now, in my late forties, I ride to work and do most of my shopping on the bike. It's a comfy girl's frame with mudguards, a chain guard, plain rubber pedals, a front basket, rear pannier rack and a three speed hub brake. This gives me plenty of scope for baggage if I want to pick up anything during the day. The hub brake gives me stopping power in all weathers and the full mudguards and chain guard protect my clothes. I wear whatever I want, right down to shoes with heels. I do not wear lycra!
I have gradually put together a bicycle that suits my requirements really well and I love using it. Honestly, I ride because I'm too lazy to walk! My bicycle is comfortable and reliable. It is not a fashion statement or a status symbol. It's not going to fool anyone into thinking I'm a sports nut.
I don't have a very long ride to work (<10k) and I have devised a pleasant route which takes me through a series of parks and car parks, allowing me to avoid much of the traffic. I don't ride at a furious pace because I don't want to have to shower and change when I get there. I ride faster on the way home. My ride to work allows me to interact with the people I see on the way and to notice things that car drivers miss - like the flowering shrubs along the lane behind the car yards and the domestic intrigues of the birds. Because riding does require an attitude of focus, it is an excellent transition activity between work and home. Quiet, uninterupted thinking time or simple in-the-moment experience.
When I do take my place on the road I ride strongly and confidently. Don't ever look as though you're apologising for being there! Give it a go, you just might love it!
Anne