Riding a bike as your main mode of transport is a great idea: It’s cheap, you get your daily dose of exercise and with the right bike you look unbelievably cute riding it!
But if, like me, you’re a little nervous about riding one because you are completely uncoordinated, then fear not because a couple of bike enthusiasts and seriously inspiring women have some tips for us.
Sarah Wilson
TV personality Sarah Wilson is a serious bike lover and has a host of tips for the eager bike rider on her blog. “My philosophy is this: When more people ride bikes in cities, the safer that city is for cyclists,” Sarah says.
“I know many of you get stuck on how to start out riding — how and where to buy a bike. So let’s get back to basics.”
These are Sarah’s tips on owning and riding a bike.
- Always test-ride. Bike shops will always let you do this. If you live in a hilly area and are planning to buy a single-speed, test-ride up a hill.
- Try a three-speed. The retro look is rad. But if you’re new to riding, having no gears can be tough. Think about a hybrid — retro in look, geared in functionality.
- Switch to slick tyres if you have a mountain bike. It’ll make your bike faster, and cleaner if you’re keeping it indoors.
- Get a bike lock that you can sling over your shoulder. You can then stick the key in your pocket or down your bra (with an ATM card or $20) and the lock over your shoulder and off you go. No bag. No clutter.
- Look for clever storage options to keep your bike inside your apartment.
Read the rest of Sarah’s 24 tips on her blog >>
Lynette Chiang
If that isn’t enough to inspire you to get on the saddle, Lynette Chiang might just change that. Lynette rode around Cuba on a bike and wrote a book about her travels called The Handsomest Man in Cuba.
It’s been more than 20 years since she’s owned a car, so Lynette knows what she’s talking about. Here’s her advice on bike safety.
“[Bikes and cars] can co-exist in your life,” Lynette says. “Be friends with cars — they’re still bigger than you — and they’re a blessing if the weather turns foul and you can get a ride.”
And if you want to be able to just throw your bike into the boot of the car on those rainy days, then Lynette suggests a folding bike. “What’s not to love about a low stepover for all ages and stages that you can take (mostly) indoors and on mass transit?” she says.
Whether you want a bike for those daily commutes to work, or if you just want it to ride around on the weekends, safety is always important.
Lynette’s bike safety tips
- I never get on my bike without my Traffic Cone Bag in orange mode. Never.
- Have eyes on all 12 sides of your head.
- Do yoga to help increase flexibility for those “look behind you quick” moments.
Now, if you’ve been thinking about buying a bike, get on it and have fun!
More on active lifestyles
Pros and cons of Bikram Yoga
Mental effects of exercise
Ready, set, run!
Leave a Comment