You & your bike
Staying safe on your bike
If you lack confidence cycling on road or haven't ridden a bike for a while, you should consider cycle training. See our list of cycle trainers. Courses start with the basics of off-road training, progressing to on-road training, initially using quiet roads, then building awareness and confidence on busier roads.
For tips on staying safe on your bike check out the Think Campaign's website.
There's some good advice from Why Cycle too, including tips about bike security.
Tips for winter cycling
- you'll warm up quickly when you're cycling so wear breathable layers that you can remove and put back on as the weather changes
- choose a light, water-proof windbreaker that folds up small and can be worn over your clothes
- book a cycle training session in the evening so you can learn to ride confidently in the dark
- get some warm gloves and socks - having warm hands and feet makes all the difference
- adjust your riding to the conditions - take extra care when it's icy or wet
- keep a pair of shoes at work to change into if your feet get wet on the ride in
- don't forget your lights - and with something reflective on your bike, bags or clothing you'll be easy to see when it's dark
- ask your local bike shop about getting mudguards fitted to your bike - more water comes up off the road than down from the sky
- park your bike out of the elements where possible to keep it running smoothly
The law and the cyclist
Find out what you can and can’t do
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Choosing a bike
There's a huge range of bike styles from mountain bikes, touring, road and hybrid to BMX. Check out Why Cycle for some advice on what might be the best bike for your needs before you go shopping.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a bike, particularly for children, is correct sizing. Why Cycle offers a guide to the best size bike for adults and children.
If you are thinking of getting involved, you might want to buy a new bike or get a bike service, prior to taking part in a ride or cycle activity. The Association of Cycle Traders website gives you a great guide for what to look for when buying a! bike. It also has a search facility so you can find your nearest bike shop.
Here's a summary of some of the most popular bikes
Commuter bike: These are excellent general purpose bikes and are equally suitable for commuting or leisure riding. They are ideally suited to commuting in towns like Aylesbury. Ridgeback, Trek and Giant all make very good hybrids, and start from around £200-£230. They are ideal for short to mid distance commutes, such as from Wendover, Aston Clinton, Bierton, Watermead, Haydon Hill or Stone, and the larger frames make panniers easy to fit.
Racing bike / road bike: Racers are classic speedster bikes, with low handlebars and a high saddle for maximum aerodynamics. The dropped handlebars make the brakes harder to reach and the riding position necessitates fast pedalling. They have very light frames and thin tyres, great for riding quickly. Racing bikes are very suitable for slightly longer commutes – over 6 miles – but will not hold panniers easily. They start from £250-£300 but you can pay up to £10,000 for a top quality road bike.
Folding bike: Folding bikes have the advantage of collapsing down to briefcase size and are the only bicycle allowed on trains during peak hours. This makes 'folders' fantastic for incorporating into a commute containing train or bus travel, or "mixed-mode" commuting, as you can cycle to the station or bus stop and simply fold your bike up and take it on the train. They have smaller wheels than normal bikes but are just as fast in urban environments. They are also far less likely to be stolen, as you can carry it with you when you arrive at your destination, and they won't get wet or rusty as they can be easily stored inside. Makes include, Brompton, Dahon Airnimal and Strida, and they start from £300.
Equipment you will need
The only equipment you need for cycling is a bike fitted with a red rear reflector and lights if you plan to cycle in the dark. Other equipment is recommended, but not essential.
Lock: Buy a secure D-lock with a proper key and locking system. Good D-locks start at about £25, and the Squire UBX – recommended by the Cyclist Touring Company – retails for £30. When locking your bike, make sure you insert the lock through the frame of the bike and the front wheel, and attach it to something secure. A lock is only as strong as what it is locked to!
Helmet: The wearing of helmets is not compulsory in this country, but they do provide protection in case of an incident. Look for a helmet with the British Standards Kitemark, (preferably to European standard EN1078 or equivalent) and make sure it fits properly. Good helmet makes include Bell, Giro, Met, Specialised and Trek and retail from £30.
Panniers: For transporting documents, clothing or lunch, panniers are ideal as they allow you to carry objects on a bike without the sweaty back that comes from riding with a backpack. Panniers go over the rear wheel on a frame, and act as saddlebags for a bike; they are easy to remove and start at about £25. They can be waterproof and are fine for carrying delicate materials in wet or cold weather.
Mudguards: Most cyclists know that it's not rain that's the problem, it's dirty water on the ground splashing up. Mudguards are easily fitted and prevent any unwanted splashage muddying your clothes. They cost about £8 for clip-on ones and £20 for fixed-frame ones but try to make sure a new bike comes with them already fitted.
Pumps: Even if you never get a puncture – and with modern puncture-resistant tyres, punctures are far less common – your tyres will gradually leak air, needing to be pumped up every month or so. Pumps can be light and easy to transport – useful for commuting – or can be large and left at home – good for leisure cycling. They start at £4 and can be fitted to your bike, so it's always there when you need it.
Cycle first aid kit: These are not purchasable as such, but can be made up at home and carried with you when cycling.
Clothing: Although seasonal changes mean varying temperatures and weather conditions, certain items of clothing can be useful in all situations. Modern fabrics help to keep cool in the summer and warm and dry in the winter. Hi-visibility clothing is recommended to keep yourself safe, seen and comfortable. Sam Browne belts are good for being seen and reflective slapwraps not only help you to be seen but prevent your trouser leg from being caught or dirtied in the chain.
Looking after your bike & maintenance
You should learn the basics of cycle maintenance. Most of it is very easy to do yourself. Check regularly that your tyres, gears, chain, brakes and lights are in good working order.
View our latest maintenance video here
Or check out the London Cycling Campaign’s easy guides to maintenance, covering almost everything on your bike.
We recommend that your cycle is serviced by a professionally trained cycle mechanic at least once a year, depending on usage.
The following retailers in Aylesbury offer cycle servicing. Services start at £25
Buckingham Bikes Workshop: 01296 481669 / www.buckinghambikes.co.uk
Halfords: 01296 399010 / www.halfords.com
Children and cycling
Cycling is a great way to encourage children to exercise and increase their long-term health. Research also shows that children who cycle regularly are more confident and independent.
Teaching your child to ride a bike and going on family cycling trips are rewarding experiences for parents and children.
The sooner you put your child on a bike the better! As soon as a baby can hold its head up unsupported it can be carried in a good quality bike seat. This is usually between 6 months and a year. It's a good idea to get your baby used to a bike seat as soon as possible and you used to the extra weight.
For more information on cycle training and to book a professional instructor visit the cycle training page.
What people have said about cycling in Aylesbury and around Buckinghamshire
"Having the opportunity to use a pool bike was brilliant. I was hesitant about cycling at first, as I had not cycled for a number of years and had no bike of my own. Being able to use a pool bike, built up my confidence and enabled me to assess if I would use a bike enough to commit to owning one. I use my bike most days now.
I don't miss sitting frustrated in traffic jams and feel safe when the nights draw in. I also get the chance to enjoy things that I would miss in the car, not to mention the cost savings. Today I have just returned to my desk after completing some site work on the bike, thus saving time and resources. I now actively encourage others to take up the opportunity."
"I had my bike looked at by Dr Bike last Wednesday and I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the service. I have never managed to make a session before and I was amazed how much you got for free! My bike got a thorough overhaul, new pedals and it had its handle bars turned the right way up (yes, I have been cycling for years with handle bars upside down!)
Karen Arnold, Senior HR Assistant
"My name is Mike, I am an Aylesbury resident and regularly cycle within the town. I mainly use my bike for commuting and general journeys within Aylesbury. I also cycle for recreation.
I am a BCC employee and recently, co-formed the Amersham Bicycle User Group (ABUG) a partnership group between BCC and Chiltern District Council to develop cycling facilities at Amersham Council Offices and to encourage Amersham staff to try cycling as a commuting transport.
I believe cycling is an excellent way to combine a functional method of transport and a cardiovascular exercise contributing to a healthy lifestyle. It is also an exercise that does not ‘pound’ joints, such as knees and ankles. Cycling is for all, not just athletic types - everyone can cycle at a pace that is comfortable for them. In my own case, I have a mild form of Cerebral Palsy; I may have difficulty in walking 5 miles in a day, but I have no difficulty in cycling, say, 30 miles in a day.
I would encourage anyone to try cycling even if it’s only once or twice a week to start with. I suggest that Aylesbury, with the Gemstone Cycleway network, is a great place to start."
Mike Barber, June 2010
Jill Henderson, Mobile Cycle Training Service 07887 541735 jhendersontraining@hotmail.co.uk"
"I live north east Milton Keynes and when I used to work in the center I used to regularly cycle the 4.5 miles to work when the weather was dry. However, since working for BCC in Aylesbury I have been driving to work nearly everyday.
Then the publicity for the salary sacrifice bike to work purchase scheme came out and I thought that would give me a challenge. So I bought a road bike at the end of 2009. As a runner I am reasonably fit, but had not done any serious cycling, so I knew I needed to improve my cycling fitness before undertaking the ride to Aylesbury. Once the spring came I have been gradually increasing my mileage at the weekends. Finally the weather was fine, the school holidays meant the traffic would be light and I didn't have any meetings at either end of the day. I thought that this represented my best chance of success.
My route took me through Milton Keynes in to Bletchley then into the Buckinghamshire countryside through many of the small villages in the North of the County and finally a roll down the hill into Aylesbury, before arriving at County Hall via the Ruby Way gemstone cycle path.
The new secure bike parking facilities were good and getting a shower in NCO was also easy. The hills seemed tougher on the way home and I slept very well that night!
I can't afford the time to do it very often, but I do hope to try again. The weather was kind to me, the scenery great and hopefully it will pay dividends on my fitness."
