This is for the ladies out there, did you know we are very under-represented in the urban cycling stats? Three quarters of people who cycle to work are men (that's an NZ statistic, I don't know about other countries). Its time to change these figures!. Here are my tips based on my own personal journey to cycle commuting awesomeness. I hope this helps you get over the "can't be bothered", "too hard", "I'm too busy" "its not safe" valley of reasons that have been holding you back until now.
1. You don't need to cycle every day to reap the benefits
Try it just once a week. My personal goal is twice a week, sometimes I only manage once, but you know what??, that car-free day totally rocks.
2. You don't have to wear lycra
I am totally into the concept of cycling in street clothes. Picture this, you arrive at your destination, wearing your work attire, step off your bike, rosy cheeks and fresh as a daisy. Well that's my vision and it works some of the time. I wear a layer (a light singlet under my dress or top)and shed this when I get to work Helps keep my outfit for the day fresh.
3. Invest in some gorgeous bike gear
This will totally inspire you. I use wiggle.co.nz (Wiggle.com) for cycle shirts and pants free shipping worldwide for orders over 50 pounds. Maybe a nice bike bag, a pretty helmet, have a look online, cycling is becoming uber stylish. For more inspiration: http://beautifulbikebags.co.nz/ http://www.bikepretty.com/ http://www.bicyclebaskets.co.nz/
4. Get a good bike seat
I changed the standard seat that came with my entry level Merida mountain bike (from Bike barn) to a more comfy wider one. It made a big difference.
5. You don't need to wear cycle pants
Refer NO. 4 for why not. I loathe cycle pants, who wouldn't ? They cut my legs off mid thigh and really, whose bum looks good with all that extra padding?. err...no-ones?? (Confession: this single point and my own vanity put me off cycling for longer than I care to admit).
6. Invest in some dry shampoo
Lets face it, hair washing is a time consuming pain, and this stuff lets me have a quick refresh after a bike ride, (a blast with a hairdryer helps too). I use Batiste products -available at Countdown, Farmers here in NZ)
7. Cycling with kids is totally doable
I commute with my (18.5 kg) five year old daughter in a bike seat on the back. I recommend a seat on the back for ages 3-5 years. Though the Weeride and the Dolittle, which go on the front have been recommended to be me by friends also. We have such adventures! I'm in the process of getting a trailer bike, to see us through the stage before she is confident to ride her own bike.
8. Wear bike lights front and rear, flashing, DAY and NIGHT
Its all about being as visible as possible. In my opinion good lights are effective at making cyclists stand out.
9. Safety in numbers
The evidence is growing that urban cycling gets safer the more people who do it, as it helps to raise everyone's awareness. So join us and consequently help to make our roads safer for cyclists.
10. Research, research, research
There are so many amazing online resources. Check out the below for more awesome tips and advice: https://www.bikeauckland.org.nz/resources/biking-to-work/
Good luck ladies! see you out there!
PS: I've just signed up for the Auckland Bike Challenge, (an awesome workplace competition which uses the fantastic lovetoride website/app format) about to kick off 1 Feb. Join me ! https://www.lovetoride.net/auckland?ic=d15bc528&locale=en-GB).