It may be true that you never forget how to ride a bike, but that doesn't mean you will necessarily feel confident when you first get back on your bike after a long break. When you're a child, you are more-or-less fearless so that you think nothing of zooming along as fast as you can and performing stunts on your bike. Once you stop riding your bike regularly, though, which often happens as you get older and have less time and are more likely to travel by car, when you do think about cycling all you can see are the dangers.
However, there are many benefits of cycling regularly and so it is worth focusing on these rather than dwelling on the potential negative aspects. When you are starting out, you may have to buy a bike if you do not already possess one. It is important to get one that is the right size for you, and to set the saddle at a height you are comfortable with, as otherwise you could pick up injuries and develop aches and pain in your knees, neck and back. If you already own a bike, you obviously need to check that it is in good working order before going for a ride.
If you're not very confident about riding your bike, it might be a good idea to avoid riding on the roads, at first. You may decide to ride along off-road cycle trails that take you through the countryside and enable you to avoid the traffic. You could always try cycling through your local park, especially if you're not very fit and can't ride very far – unless you have access to a very large park, in which case you will have to be able to cover quite a few miles! As you get more confident you may decide to start riding on the roads.
When you do this, it might be worth sticking to areas where traffic isn't so heavy and where there are cycle lanes available, so that you don't feel too intimidated by other road users. As you gain confidence, you won't be as worried about holding up traffic or being involved in an accident, so that you can enjoy yourself more. The only way to increase your confidence, though, is by riding your bike and so if you prefer riding on flat surfaces, you have to get used to riding on the roads, as your presence on the pavement will not be tolerated by pedestrians.
To build up confidence, it might be useful to join a cycle club and to go riding with other members. That way, you can pick up some tips on improving your riding style, discover new routes to take and also make some friends whilst you're at it. As your cycling improves, you may decide to take longer rides and to work on increasing your speed, perhaps touring the countryside or taking part in races. Everyone has to start somewhere and you shouldn't let your lack of experience hold you back. As a beginner ride, the most important thing you can do is just get out on your bike!
Everything else – such as following a proper training plan and purchasing high-quality equipment can come later, if you want it to. All you need to get started, really, is a bike that works, although you may find that a pair of cycling shorts will come in handy! It is then up to you to build up the miles in your legs, so that cycling feels like less hard work and you actually want to get on your bike every day.
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Dangers of Cycling on the UK's Roads
Cycling is an activity that has grown in popularity over recent years in the UK for a number of reasons. After witnessing the success of British professional cyclists some people have been inspired to take up the sport, wanting to improve their fitness and to compete against others. Transport policy and a concern for environmental sustainability have also encouraged more people to leave their cars at home and get on their bikes instead, as has the increasing cost of running a car. Yet, cycling on UK roads can be a dangerous experience, with far too many cyclists coming off badly in accidents that could potentially have been avoided.
The trouble is that some car drivers cannot get their heads around the fact that they do not own the roads. There are those who claim they pay road tax, despite the fact such a tax no longer exists, and that for some reason this gives them the right to do what they want. They may well pay Vehicle Excise Duty, but the cost of maintaining the roads actually comes out of general taxation, a tax which the majority of cyclists also pay. Plus, bikes cause far less damage to the roads than larger vehicles, such as cars. There will always be car drivers who cannot be reasoned with, though.
These are the kind of drivers who are prepared to overtake dangerously close to a cyclist, pull out in front of a cyclist when they should give way and beep their horn in anguish at being held up for a few seconds behind a relatively slow-moving bike. They are so impatient that they don't seem to care about their safety or the safety of other road users, as their overriding priority is to reach their destination as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it only takes one inconsiderate move by a car driver for a cyclist's life to come to a premature end.
This is not only the case in the UK, as anywhere that cyclists and cars have to mix, cyclists are always going to be more exposed and vulnerable to danger. However, in other countries there does seem to be a greater tolerance towards cyclists. In the UK, there have been instances where, as a result of careless driving, a cyclist has been killed, yet instead of being punished by the courts, the driver is let off with barely even a slap on the wrists. This is hardly likely to send out the right message to other road users who rightly believe they can get away with murder.
It is not always the car driver's fault, as there are cyclists who flout the law and take their life into their own hands, but most do not want to inconvenience other road users, especially when they know how car drivers can respond. Cyclists have so few options, though, since cycle lane provision is inadequate and the state of the roads is often atrocious, so that cars and bikes alike have to dodge pot holes and other bumps in the road. What there needs to be, therefore, is a greater amount of respect between the two parties, rather than the current antagonism which seems to exist.
The trouble is that some car drivers cannot get their heads around the fact that they do not own the roads. There are those who claim they pay road tax, despite the fact such a tax no longer exists, and that for some reason this gives them the right to do what they want. They may well pay Vehicle Excise Duty, but the cost of maintaining the roads actually comes out of general taxation, a tax which the majority of cyclists also pay. Plus, bikes cause far less damage to the roads than larger vehicles, such as cars. There will always be car drivers who cannot be reasoned with, though.
These are the kind of drivers who are prepared to overtake dangerously close to a cyclist, pull out in front of a cyclist when they should give way and beep their horn in anguish at being held up for a few seconds behind a relatively slow-moving bike. They are so impatient that they don't seem to care about their safety or the safety of other road users, as their overriding priority is to reach their destination as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it only takes one inconsiderate move by a car driver for a cyclist's life to come to a premature end.
This is not only the case in the UK, as anywhere that cyclists and cars have to mix, cyclists are always going to be more exposed and vulnerable to danger. However, in other countries there does seem to be a greater tolerance towards cyclists. In the UK, there have been instances where, as a result of careless driving, a cyclist has been killed, yet instead of being punished by the courts, the driver is let off with barely even a slap on the wrists. This is hardly likely to send out the right message to other road users who rightly believe they can get away with murder.
It is not always the car driver's fault, as there are cyclists who flout the law and take their life into their own hands, but most do not want to inconvenience other road users, especially when they know how car drivers can respond. Cyclists have so few options, though, since cycle lane provision is inadequate and the state of the roads is often atrocious, so that cars and bikes alike have to dodge pot holes and other bumps in the road. What there needs to be, therefore, is a greater amount of respect between the two parties, rather than the current antagonism which seems to exist.
What Makes Cycling so much Fun?
Cycling is a fun activity, but unfortunately most people forget this as they get older. They enjoy the freedom their bike gives them as kids, but then they become teenagers and give up their bike in favour of a car, so there seems no reason to continue cycling. However, with rising fuel costs and growing environmental concerns, it may be worth re-discovering a passion for cycling. Once you get your bike out of the shed and start riding again, you will find out how fun it can be, which is also great news for your health and fitness!
When you choose to cycle, you get to experience the freedom that you did as a child; to breathe in the fresh air and explore the countryside. You may be able to go exploring in your car, but it just isn't the same. It might be harder work getting up the hills on your bike, but you also get to enjoy coming down the other side and to feel a sense of achievement for having done something you thought you couldn't do. If you go off-road riding you can also get to enjoy the bumpy terrain and jumping over obstacles, which is quite a challenge in itself.
You may be more interested in the possibility of being able to speed along on your bike, rather than riding through more challenging terrain, especially if you opt to commute to work. Riding your bike means you can largely avoid the congestion that plagues built-up areas. In city centres, such as London, there are usually cycle lanes which are specifically designated for bikes and you are able to overtake standing traffic to ensure you are at the front of the queue for when the lights turn green. Commuting to work by bike means you will arrive at work feeling energised and focused.
Cycling gives you a chance to meet other people with a similar passion for the sport. You may meet fellow commuters when taking the same route to work every day or by joining a cycling club, so that you can go out on club runs and get to know people better. You can pick up tips and you might start to get involved in the competitive side of cycling, including road races and time trials. Indeed, you may find that competing against other riders makes cycling fun for you, as you get to push yourself to your limits and see how you fare against others.
Cycling is an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can do, and is a lot of fun, so that it isn't too difficult to motivate yourself to do it – unless it is raining or snowing in which case you may have to bring your bike indoors! This is obviously beneficial for your health, as cycling is an aerobic activity that strengthens your heart, lungs and other muscles, and helps you to burn calories and stay lean. Cycling promotes the release of endorphins, and so after a ride you feel really good about yourself, less stressed and more positive. It is therefore worth making an effort to get back on your bike, so you can have fun and keep fit!
When you choose to cycle, you get to experience the freedom that you did as a child; to breathe in the fresh air and explore the countryside. You may be able to go exploring in your car, but it just isn't the same. It might be harder work getting up the hills on your bike, but you also get to enjoy coming down the other side and to feel a sense of achievement for having done something you thought you couldn't do. If you go off-road riding you can also get to enjoy the bumpy terrain and jumping over obstacles, which is quite a challenge in itself.
You may be more interested in the possibility of being able to speed along on your bike, rather than riding through more challenging terrain, especially if you opt to commute to work. Riding your bike means you can largely avoid the congestion that plagues built-up areas. In city centres, such as London, there are usually cycle lanes which are specifically designated for bikes and you are able to overtake standing traffic to ensure you are at the front of the queue for when the lights turn green. Commuting to work by bike means you will arrive at work feeling energised and focused.
Cycling gives you a chance to meet other people with a similar passion for the sport. You may meet fellow commuters when taking the same route to work every day or by joining a cycling club, so that you can go out on club runs and get to know people better. You can pick up tips and you might start to get involved in the competitive side of cycling, including road races and time trials. Indeed, you may find that competing against other riders makes cycling fun for you, as you get to push yourself to your limits and see how you fare against others.
Cycling is an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can do, and is a lot of fun, so that it isn't too difficult to motivate yourself to do it – unless it is raining or snowing in which case you may have to bring your bike indoors! This is obviously beneficial for your health, as cycling is an aerobic activity that strengthens your heart, lungs and other muscles, and helps you to burn calories and stay lean. Cycling promotes the release of endorphins, and so after a ride you feel really good about yourself, less stressed and more positive. It is therefore worth making an effort to get back on your bike, so you can have fun and keep fit!
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