Conquer your commute: Part 4 - Riding to work after lockdown

Why is cycling the way forward?

It’s not just us as individuals turning to the bicycle for inspiration. Getting to work by bicycle is going to be a key part of the government's plan moving out of lockdown.

Cycling to work will help ease overcrowding on public transport, with some estimates suggesting that trains could run only at 12 per cent capacity with commuters observing proper social distancing.

This should see an unprecedented amount of cyclists out on the roads, and it has not entirely been disclosed how the government will deal with this. However in preparation for cycling back to work, here’s what you can do to cycle to work safely after lockdown 👇

Check in with work on current facilities

Before you begin commuting to work check in with your employer to see what facilities are available to use. Get an idea of how often showers and changing facilities are cleaned too.

You may want to consider other options like sustainable wet wipes, dry shampoo or a simple flannel in order to get fresh for the day.

You should also let your employer know that you’ll be cycling to work in advance. This allows them to plan for added social distancing measures for people cycling to work.

Use the cycling infrastructure

You already know how to plan the ultimate ride to work. And you can always get a refresher on part 2 here 😜

And with more people riding to work after the lockdown, the cycling infrastructure around cities might have changed or improved to accommodate more cyclists. In Leicester, pop up cycleways have already been put in place to aid key workers who cycle to and from Leicester Royal Infirmary. This is likely to be a trend across the country, with small sections of segregated cycle lanes popping up every day, in the nations effort to keep people moving.

Carry your own tools

If you’re cycling to work you're definitely going to want to carry the essentials should the worst happen. Popping into a bike shop or hopping on the train with your bike is going to be harder and more faff after the lockdown has lifted. The most vital tools to carry would be some tyre levers, a multi-tool, pump and spare tubes. This set-up will cover you in the event of a puncture, which can then be repaired on the roadside.

If you want to carry less kit, a CO2 cartridge or even Muc-Off’s B.A.M system will quickly get you back on the road, without the need of a minipump. The B.A.M works by inserting latex foam and air into the tyre or tube, being able to inflate a 29” tyre in under a minute, whilst sealing holes of 3-4mm.

Brush up on your maintenance skills

This goes in tandem with carrying some tools on your commute. Being able to quickly fix a puncture or repair a snapped chain will help you when stranded at the roadside! There are a wealth of online videos to learn the basics from.

Park your bike safely

Store your bike inside where possible, however you can store it outside providing you lock it up correctly. We recommend you use a gold sold secure lock as they provide the maximum amount of protection against theft. When locking your bike, make sure the frame is fixed to the bike stand first and then you can think about fixing wheels second. Need to up your locking skills, then check out our ultimate guide to locking your bike securely in the city!

If you are locking your bike in a Sheffield style rack, like the one pictured below, then it would be a good idea to carry some gloves or antibacterial hand gel when in and around the bike parking area.