Tag: Commuting

Cycling to work has become an increasingly popular form of transportation, with more people opting for a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of travel. With the rise of bike commuting, it’s important to understand the impact it has on cities and communities.  This post presents 75 key statistics on bike commuting, providing insights on the number of people cycling to work, the benefits of cycling, and the challenges faced by cyclists. From the average distance cycled by commuters to the reasons why people choose to cycle, these stats paint a picture of the current state of bike commuting and its future potential. Let’s dive in. Bike Commuting Statistics There are around 1 billion bikes in the world. (Statista) In some…

Pedals are vital for stable and comfortable cycling. They’re one of the three contact points between rider and bike. Their purpose is to transfer the power created by the rider’s legs. Commuters and sports cyclists have different requirements from their pedals. Road racers and mountain bikers rely on being able to guarantee a fixed foot position, to stomp down consistent power. They also need quick release mechanisms. Commuters don’t need these features. How Do Bike Pedals Work? Bike pedals convert power to move the bicycle. You’d have to run with the bike underneath you if you didn’t have them. They’re fixed to one end of cranks, and work together with a chain and gearing to propel you. You place your…

Commuting by bicycle has many variants. City dwellers hop on a ride, avoiding underground systems or busy walkways. In the suburbs, new cycling infrastructure might open safer routes which include dropping kids off or stopping for a coffee. There is also a place for longer-distance commutes. Long-Distance Bike Commuting As many developed countries’ authorities begin to incorporate longer, safer and more connected routes that encourage cycling via segregated lanes or away from vehicles via shared ways, we can see an increased number of options to bring more riders out onto the roads from longer distances than ever before. Choosing a route for a longer distance commute needs to take in considerations such as the distance of a commute (covered here),…

Brooks saddles are universally regarded as some of the best saddles available anywhere in the world. That makes them an attractive proposition for most cyclists, even more so if you use your bicycle for the daily commute. Finding the right saddle for everyday use is hugely important. Read on as we break down the best Brooks saddles for commuting. How Do I Choose a Brooks Saddle? Brooks saddles have earned a reputation for being top of their class. The company has a storied history and has been building saddles since 1886! Choosing the right Brooks saddle comes down to a range of factors including riding style, usage and personal preference. Making the right decision with a Brooks saddle is especially…

E-bikes are rapidly gaining in popularity, with a growing range of electric bike brands for cyclists and commuters to choose from. Mintel research shows there were over 170,000 e-bikes sold in the UK in 2020, and the figures continue to rise year on year.  They’re priced higher than their non-electric counterparts, but e-bikes are a great investment. They’re a breeze to ride, great fun, and hold their value in the long-run. If you’re switching from a car or public transport to an e-bike for your commute, you’re also doing your bit to offset your carbon footprint.  If you’re tempted to make the switch, or looking to buy an electric bike to ease your commute, it can be hard to know…

Finding the best bike saddles for commuting is important. Apart from being uncomfortable, an ill-fitting saddle can also cause lower back problems, and can even give you a poor posture. Saddles that are too narrow don’t support the pelvis or bone structure, whereas an overly wide saddle causes the dreaded chafing. That’s not to mention saddle sores, and a range of other rarer problems including nerve damage to the perineum. The problem is even worse on the commute, which necessarily means you’ll be on your bike every day. A poorly fitted or poorly designed saddle will wreak havoc with your body, leaving you feeling tired before you’ve even reached the office. Finding the best bike saddle for commuting can seem…

As more of us opt for the bike as our mode of transport to get to work, many of us have had to consider upgrading our previous once loved helmets for more modern and safer ones. Luckily, the market is now full of innovative helmet designs and safety features in order to keep our heads protected during an impact to the head. Are Some Bike Helmets Safer Than Others? In general, yes some helmets are safer than others due to the added technology that many of them now feature, for example many helmets have special rotational impact protection to better protect the brain from injury during a side on bump. Moreover, other safety features that are not structural can also…

At first glance, gravel bikes and road bikes look pretty similar. But on closer inspection, these bikes have important differences that will affect the kind of ride you have. If you’re thinking about a new bike for your commute, you’ll need to know what these are. When choosing a bike for your trip to work, you need to think about the kind of journey you’ll be doing (or already have). Road surface, distance, how much weight you’re carrying, are all important factors to consider. Also, what kind of rider are you? Do you want to get to work as fast as possible? Or perhaps your riding style is more leisurely. Your body type and weight may also affect which bike…