Could Britain become a cycling nation?

Boris bikes marked their two year anniversary this august. This cycle hire scheme from Barclays, nicknamed after the London mayor, has been a major success.  The cycle hire scheme was launched with 5,000 bikes and 315 docking stations back in 2010.  These were distributed across the city of London and in 8 different boroughs. Since the scheme began the number of cycles has increased to 8,000 and there are now 570 docking stations.The cycle hire scheme allows users to quickly hire a cycle at any of the docking stations and ride away. They can then be returned at any of the docking stations near to your destination. These stations have been generally well received, with an average monthly hire of 600,000.

Boris Bike Scheme

These bikes are perfect for short journeys and have been proven to be great for manoeuvring around a busy city. So why not roll out bike schemes, like this one, in all of the major cities in Britain. It has been announced that a similar bike scheme will be launched in Belfast, within the next 3 years. The city will invest in 300 bikes and 30 docking stations. Manchester has also been drawing up plans to become England’s number 1 cycling city, after research showed that there are more than 20,000 people in the city who want to cycle.

Manchester currently has 40 bikes available to hire at a cycle scheme at Piccadilly station, but the council will be hoping to rapidly expand on this. With the success of the scheme in London and the huge amount of publicity cycling has seen over the last few weeks with the Tour De France and Olympic successes, these cycle schemes could possibly be seen popping up in every major UK city.

Could Britain become the a cycling nation?

No one can deny the huge amount of positives that these schemes provide and if Britain's new found love with cycling continues, Britain could become one of the biggest cycling nations.

Choosing the right bike

When deciding to buy bikes there are a few things that need to be considered before purchasing.

One of the first things you need to think about is, what will you be using the bike for? There are three basic types of bikes to choose from: Road, mountain and the hybrid.

 

Road

These bikes are designed for cycling on paved streets and travelling at speed. Features of road bikes include skinny tyres and a lightweight frame. The riding position puts the cyclist bent over the handlebars, this position cuts wind resistance and because of this position a good fit is important. Choose a road bike if you will be cycling mainly as a form of transport.

Mountain

In comparison to a road bike, a mountain bike has wide tyres and a heavier frame. These bikes are designed specifically for going off-road. The mountain bike offers a more comfortable riding position, which is popular with those who find the road bike uncomfortable. If you are thinking of purchasing a mountain bike, make sure that you will be doing a lot of off-road cycling, otherwise another type of bike might be better suited.

Hybrid

A hybrid bike, as you have probably already guessed, is the combination of a road and a mountain bike offering the best features of both. These bikes are great for city cycling and offer comfort and durability. Hybrid bikes are good if you are planning on using your bike for only short trips.

Whatever bike you choose make sure that it’s the correct size, this is important for your own comfort and enjoyment. This can be confusing, but bike stores will be happy to help you with this. Take a look at this bike sizing chart.

Budget

Set yourself a budget, but remember when it comes to buying a bike, you get what you pay for. Aim to get the best bike that you can afford, without breaking the bank and leaving yourself out of pocket. The price of a bike will reflect the quality of its components, durability and features.  Be sure to shop around and see what’s out there, buying a bike is exciting, but don’t jump in and buy the first bike you see.

Does Britain need a better cycling infrastructure?

With Great Britain winning so many medals in the cycling events, the big topic of the moment is will this spur the government to invest into a better cycling infrastructure. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic legacy to leave behind after London 2012? Currently on Britain’s roads bikes and cyclists are seen as guests, they are seen by the majority of drivers as a bit of a nuisance, getting in the way and slowing down the flow of traffic. Isn’t it time that Britain’s roads became ‘home’ for cyclists.

Cyclists should feel at home on Britain's roads

Many cycling accidents could be avoided and the motorist and cyclist would finally be at peace with one another.…we hope.  A better cycling infrastructure would also encourage more people to take up cycling, especially as a form of transport, due to the increased safety it would provide. Drivers would also receive benefits from this, no more worrying about the cyclist in front of you that is quickly approaching. The list of benefits for this could go on and on…but I won’t!

It is understandable why many people don’t like to cycle on main roads and busy traffic routes, roads can be scary and daunting for everyone from the novice cyclist to those with handfuls of experience and with Lorries and buses whizzing past, who wouldn’t be slightly afraid.  If a better cycling infrastructure was implemented into the UKs busiest cities, the roads would be a happier and safer place for everyone and more people would be likely to start cycling.

Copenhagen cycle lane

Many cyclists are hoping to have something similar to the cycle infrastructure of Copenhagen, with its cycle paths, super bikeways, cycle parking and integration. Their network of cycle paths is made up of around 350km of path, some with their own signal systems. The super bikeways are currently being developed, to create a network with surround municipalities. Britain can take ideas from Copenhagen’s cycling culture and adapt it to suit our own. Our current cycle lanes are not adequate,  sufficient  or safe enough and need to be improved if we want to get more people on their bikes.

Here are Shedforce we love cycling, so we are all for anything that would make cycling more comfortable for everyone. Let’s hope that London 2012 will trigger the big investment that cycling on Britain’s road’s needs. 

Essential kit to have when cycling

  

The country has become obsessed with cycling and you want to join in the fun too? No clue where to start? Well there are a few pieces of kit that you’ll need to get you started, as well as a bike, essential to keep you safe.

Helmet

A helmet is an essential piece of kit and the only thing that will protect your head if you are unfortunate enough to fall off, or get knocked off your bike. There is always an on-going debate about whether helmets should be mandatory for cyclists, but it is definitely an item worth getting.

Repair kit

A must have item in case of a break down, a puncture or need to make any adjustments. These are available at most bike shops and are great for carrying out any minor repairs and adjustments while out on the road.

Spare tube

It’s always a good idea to have a spare tube as part of your repair kit, as the most likely problem that you will have is a flat tyre.

Bike lock

A good strong bike lock will be needed when you’re out and about. Bike thieves are out in force at the moment, so the stronger the lock the better. When choosing a lock, look for; ease of use, weatherproofing and carrying. Is it easy to use? Is it weatherproof? Is it easy to carry?  The answer should be yes to all of these. Take a look at this review to help you find your perfect lock.

Eye wear

Keep your eyes protected while riding, otherwise there’s nothing to stop dust and debris flying into your eyes. They also provide protection from the sun those pesky insects and tree branches.

Reflective vest

A reflective vest will help you to be seen by motorists, the brighter the better.

Lighting

A must for riding in the dark, fog or anytime where there is reduced visibility.  You will need a good light for the front of your bike, this should be white with a steady or flashing beam. The rear of your bike should be fitted with a red light. When purchasing lights make sure you check: the battery type, if they are rechargeable or not and how many hours of running time it has. Lights are for your own safety as well as that of the people around you.

Rain gear

Essential for the regular commuter, unless you like getting wet!

Water bottle/ Hydration pack

It’s important to keep hydrated while you ride, especially on those long journeys. You can attach a water bottle onto your bike with a bottle cage, or you can use a hydration pack. A hydration pack is a backpack with a water filled bladder and a drinking tube.

Luggage rack

A luggage rack is a great way for you to carry all of your necessities. Racks are easy to attach to your bike and are great for carrying panniers and other accessories.

Time for more women to get cycling!

Cycling is a great sport that has recently dominated the news headlines, thanks to Team Sky and Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour De France but let’s not forget about the great women in the sport. Women like Victoria Pendleton and Lizzie Armitstead are great British female cyclists and are expected to do great things in the London 2012 Olympics, this sport isn’t just for men.

Victoria Pendleton is a British Olympic medallist, with a gold medal in the women’s individual sprint. She also has numerous medals as a world champion cyclist, with medals gained from the World Track Championships, European Track Championships and the British National Track Championships.

Lizzie Armitstead has already created a buzz at the Olympics this year, winning a silver medal in the women’s road race at her first ever Olympic Games. Before the Olympics, Lizzie competed in a number of top level road races including the British National Road Race Championships, the Commonwealth Games road race and the UCI Road World championships.

We will all be looking forward to seeing how these two ladies do throughout the Olympic games and with female cyclists Danielle King, Joanna Rowswell, Jessica Varnish, Laura Trott, Wendy Houvenaghel, Lucy Martin, Emma Pooley, Annie Last and Shanaze Reade, hopefully Team GB women’s cycling will bring home more medals for Britain!

With the press full of cycling, the nation is falling in love with the sport. People are being encouraged to hop on their bikes and give it a go, but women seem to be far more reluctant. In 2009 it was found that 79% of British women never cycle and this number has only improved slightly. A survey carried out by the mind charity on 1,450 women found that 9 in 10 women were scared to take part in outdoor exercise and It was found that one of the reasons for this is that 2 out of 3 feel body conscious. British Cycling has announced a new project, in which they aim to get 80,000 women cycling, thanks £1million in funding from the national lottery. This project will hopefully help many women get over their cycling fears.  Read more here>

Skyride by Sky is currently trying to get more women cycling by organising women’s only cycling events nationwide, which has been a success. As well as this, local cycling clubs such as the Ilkley cycling club have been planning special events to attract female riders, with women only weekend rides.

With so many great events available for women to join, there are no excuses for not giving cycling a go. So go on ladies…on your bike!