Cycling UK Forum

I meant my post light-heartedly; like all the things you hear are banned on grounds of H&S, such as three-legged races at sports day (or is that just urban legend?). But that said, for companies that use bicycles (Royal Mail, for example), maintenance is one of the things that HSE & local authority inspectors look at. My company recently banned shop bikes because it was easier than ensuring that they were correctly maintained and equipped.

It's a good idea to have policy, procedure, and records covering maintenance, and even better to also cover user training/qualification. It could be something as simple as having a policy that says bicycles have to be checked by a shop once a year (or every so many miles?) and that a driving licence or cycle training is required to operate (and, of course, the records to show that the policy is followed).

Check the HSE guidance on driving for work. It also covers motorcycles, bicycles, and fleet maintenance. The company H&S person should be aware of the requirements for the cars/vans that the engineers use. Similar requirements should be applied to bicycles.

In theory, the company should have a risk assessment for tasks performed in the course of work. HSE requires it. This risk assessment probably needs to be revised to include the reduced risk of cycling versus driving.

Unlike many children her age, my toddler goes to bed at 9:00 pm, because otherwise, she's up at 5:00 am. A 9:00 pm bed time usually means sleeping until 6:00 or 7:00. It also gives me a little more time to spend with her in the evening after work.

The BC (is it a sin to mention them, here? ) web site has a club finder page that I've found to be useful. All of the clubs listed are BC affiliated, but many also have other affiliations, including CTC.

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/si ... Finder.asp

Of course, you can't tell from the BC site if the club is any good, but you can check the club web site (if available), contact them, try a club run, or go to some events.

Also, if you've got a decent local bike shop, they will usually be familiar with clubs in the area & may be able to make recommendations.

Best of luck.

I haven't noticed a discernable difference in passing space, driver attitude, etc. when I'm in winter gear vs. summer (when my gender is more obvious), but I do notice a difference when I cycle with an occupied child seat. Carrying a toddler on my bike must mean more drivers consider me a 'vulnerable road user' because I seem to be given far more space and patience than when I cycle on my own.

People believe that cyclists belong in gutter because that is what they are taught, directly or indirectly.

I have several times recently come across families cycling together and overheard mum, dad, or both, shouting ahead to children, "Near the kerb!" or "Keep to the side!" When I've had the opportunity, I've explained to the parents why we don't belong in the gutter. But, driving instructors don't tell people that cyclists don't belong in the gutter. The Highway Code doesn't tell people that the gutter is the wrong place for a cyclist. That's left to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (Cyclists are advised to take a prominent position....), and cycle training courses. How many people even attempt to get an advanced licence? Or take cycle training? Why can't the information provided to drivers by the Institute of Advanced Motorists be included in standard driver instruction? Or the drivers' theory test?

The theory test may ask people how much space to give vulnerable road users, but nothing in the learning and licencing process ensures that drivers know where on the road a cyclist should be, nor why they may move from secondary to primary, or use a primary/prominent position in the road.

And most people only learn what their parents and other road users teach them. That cyclists belong in the gutter.

Punk_shore wrote:dan_b wrote "the turbo". What is a turbo please?

Turbo trainer. A device that turns your bicycle into a stationary/exercise bike. Most of them support the bike at the rear hub in such a way as to place the rear wheel against a roller. The friction and opposing force (provided by various means) through the roller allows you to ride your bike indoors whilst watching the telly. Much better than nasty old wind, rain, hills, icy winter weather, etc.

No offense, but the Times article is almost as silly and patronising as the survey that started this thread.

Is there some reason that a woman can't cycle and look attractive simultaneously? Is it necessary to transform to supermodel before attempting work? Do normal people really have 25 dresses that they rotate (and pack in tissue paper to avoid wrinkles)? I find these attempts to encourage women to cycle off-putting rather than helpful. I guess I'm not exactly the target market, but I would think that cycling is more likely to appeal to women who are more like me than those that are put off by getting a little sweaty, or ruining their do.

If someone did articles or surveys like this about men, how would men react to them?

How about it, guys? How do you avoid helmet hair? How do you look like a credible executive after carrying clothes in panniers?

I guess I'll miss out the questions about make-up....

It might be easier to earn a living at it if you can divert some funds from local authorities

There are several places in Essex to hire bicycles...

http://www.trailnet.org.uk/hire.htm

Even though I am female, I have more bikes than I have smart shoes with matching handbags. I think I could more easily find matching bike accessories than handbags in my cupboards.

I'd happily limit myself to one pair of smart shoes. Most of them are uncomfortable, anyway.

But limit myself to one bike?

Couldn't do it.

Not essential.

Maybe if I'd ever found a pair of cycling shoes that worked for me, I could say otherwise. They just don't fit me. Even when they seem a decent fit off the bike, my feet cramp after I've pedalled for any length of time. How much and how quickly varies with the shoe and the cleat location. I've tried lots of different shoes and cleat locations. Some are better than others. I've even considered the ones that mould to your foot, but I'd hate to spend £170 or more and find out I still can't wear cycling shoes. I will note that many regular shoes cause me the same problem when cycling, but it takes longer (hours, rather than minutes).

I use mountain bike toe clips, as they're much easier to get out of than the traditional strap-type toe clips. Those and Birkenstocks (not sandals, the sort that enclose the toes) provide the best comfort for me. And the birks don't make me walk like a duck when I stop at my favorite tea shop.

First, I wouldn't immediately dismiss aluminium alloy frames. A steel frame may be more durable, but life is in terms of tens of thousands of miles. You may never achieve enough miles to know the difference.

Both of my main bicycles are aluminium alloy frames. One of them (hybrid) is over 16 years old and has done an estimated 7000 or 8000 miles (I don't have a computer on it), commuting, touring, club runs, hauling children and groceries, etc. It commonly carries my 12 stone, plus up to another 3 stone in toddler and accessories. The other bicycle, my primary road bike, was new last summer (replacing a bike that was retired due to needing lots of work and new bits) and rides quite comfortably for me, with and without luggage.

I suggest going to bike shops and riding lots of different bicycles. A good bike shop can offer advice about the bikes they carry and help you find a good fit. Every time I've bought a new bike, I knew as soon as I rode it that it was the bike for me. Buying a bike at a shop has the additional advantage that they will set it up for you, and often offer the first service free or at discount. Bikes ordered off the internet come boxed and require assembly and/or adjustment. Although a local bike shop can do the set-up, etc. for you, they may charge for it. Don't limit yourself to one bike shop, either. Visit several, if you can; even if it's an effort to get to them.

Second, I carry my work clothes in panniers. That way I can ride in clothes that are comfortable for cycling, and not worry about work clothes getting wet, road grimy, etc. I am female, but non of my bikes are mixte frames (not even my only ladies-specific bike). I only find the top tube a disadvantage when I have a child seat on the bike.

Good luck bike shoppping!

Check out http://www.thinkbroadband.com/

It's an independent organization that offers rating and selection services. You can check the reliability & customer service rating of most providers in the UK and compare multiple service providers.

FWIW, I'm happy with my provider, Namesco. They aren't the cheapest, but they are competitive, and I've always been happy with their customer service and reliability. I've been with them for 4 years.

I bought a new road bike this summer. I would have considered the cycle to work scheme if my employer participated. They provide me with a company car. How about a bike instead?