“Cycle to work and make a difference to the environment.”
Cycling in India is slowly and steadily becoming a fad as citizens have started to pedal their way to healthy living. Some prefer cycling for health, some for recreation and some for racing or endurance. There are also those who cycle to work and make a difference in the environment. With citizens understanding the benefits of cycling, these few pedal pushers have managed to find time to stay healthy and reach their workplace simultaneously.
However, cycling in India can be quite daunting as the commuters try to dodge potholes, cars and pedestrians that can be terrifying.
Take a look at 10 tips below that guarantee to make your cycle to work commute friendly.
Plan your route:
We all know that the route which we usually take is always packed; hence planning an alternative route to cycle to work can be a better idea. You could come up with your own cycle-friendly route, just stick to the left.
Start early:
Peak hours in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai can give you hell. Hence, starting early before the traffic builds up can help you avoid the traffic, pollution and make cycle to work hassle-free. You don’t have to fight for space on the road or even get pushed around by the speeding vehicles like the trucks, buses or cars.
Smile:
While training can be serious, your commute to work need not be on the same lines. Smile while commuting and even wink at people across the streets, signals and so on. Avoid dodging and ride at a leisurely pace while you cycle to work.
Don’t stress on the small things:
Roads are pretty empty early in the morning and you are likely to come across maniacs who zoom past you at high speeds, which is quite common in India. Besides, pedestrians can also be a pain who step out and you have to swerve your bike around to safety. Unlike a car or a motorbike, this takes a lot of energy, hence, focus on cycling and avoid such moments that could ruin your mood and day.
Don’t be in a rush:
Training is the only time you should try to break those ‘Strava’ segments and while you cycle to work, it is better to ride easy. There is no trophy for reaching your office before time by putting your life in danger. Simply take your time and enjoy the ride.
Fuel up:
Before you head out, eating a good healthy breakfast is a must. Here’s our list of some delicious breakfast ideas. After all, a fed cyclist is always a happy one. You can also consider carrying some healthy snacks for your desk.
Communicate:
Often, we are all tempted to use words that rhyme with luck or truck for that matter. However, there are more effective ways that can be useful to communicate on the road with other road users. Make use of hand signals as they are easy to understand and let others know about your intentions. You could also consider installing an electronic bell that can be used to alert the pedestrians on the road while you cycle to work.
Dress for the occasion:
Often, cycle to work can leave you sweating, it is better to carry an extra pair of work clothes in a rucksack, pannier or your bag. This won’t take much of an effort as the weather in India can be guessed very easily. Do make sure to find your comfortable commute style and enjoy your ride to the fullest. Most importantly, don’t forget to wear your helmet.
Look up:
Looking around while cycling is a good habit, so take the chance to soak in the hidden beauty of the giant concrete box that we all live in. There is a lot of the city that often goes unnoticed, a new shop, heritage buildings, familiar faces and many other things can make cycle to work fun.
Ask around:
While cycling along with your buddies, there is not much time to ask them about their favourite cycling brand for apparel, accessories and more. But that’s not a concern as these enthusiasts are very active on social media groups and communities. Besides, cycling-related brands in India are very active on social media as well. Also, don’t be afraid to share your opinions too!
Editor: Nigel Buthello
