Tips & resources

Bike commuting 101

Riding a bike to work is easy, convenient and not to mention fun. There’s no better time to experience it for yourself with help from our simple checklist.

Get to work happy and healthy

Are you spending your commute on overcrowded trains, trams and buses? Or even worse, wasting away the daylight hours while sitting bumper to bumper in your stationary car, dreading the idea of doing it all again tomorrow?

We’ve got a really simple solution — ride a bike!

You’ll not only get to work quicker, more alert, and healthier than when you left, you’ll save time, money and you may even have a little fun along the way.

The great thing about bike riding is that regardless of your age, fitness levels or ability, anyone can experience the joy of the ride – all you need is a bike, helmet, set of lights and you’re good to go.

And we promise, once you get rolling, you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to start.

We know your first ride to work may be daunting, so we’ve pulled together our bike commuting 101 check list to get you started.

Step 1 – Grab yourself a bike

M-Check - Cyan bike

Before you start rolling, make sure your bike is in good working order.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the many parts of a bike—and easy to ignore the state of your bike altogether—so we’ve created a simple and speedy bike check that draws the eye through all the most important areas: The M Check – download a copy below.

Don’t forget to pump up your tyres, check that your brakes are working, you have front and rear lights, a working bell and a helmet.

Download M CHECK

Step 2 – Plan your route

Investigate the best route to ride to work and check it out beforehand. Build your confidence by inviting a friend and do a test ride on the weekend. 

Not sure how to plan out your route? We have an in depth guide on how to plan a bike-friendly route if you need help. Please note whether you would like to stick to bike paths or happy to ride on roads and adjust your route accordingly.

If your commute is too far — part way is always okay. You could drive in part-way, park, and then swap to the bike. Or, you could ride to your local train station, you can look out for secure bike parking facilities such as the Parkiteer bike cages.

Step 3 – Get the inside word

Bicycle Network's tips for bike riding beginners

Chat to the regular bike riders at your workplace and ask for advice on the best riding routes, where to park your bike and where to shower (if you think you’ll need to).

Trust us, when you start talking to fellow riders about your first commute, they’ll be so excited that the helpful advice will come thick and fast.

You may even find yourself with a new bike buddy and some company on your commute.

Step 4 – Enjoy the ride

Riding a bike is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Take the time to enjoy the journey and experience the sights, smells and sense of community that comes from being on a bike.

Now’s the perfect time to see for yourself why more and more people are ditching the car or public transport for a bike. 

Reclaim your day and take back the inactive hours wasted – we promise you’ll be happier and healthier for it.

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