Everyday cycling. A thread.

There seems to be alot of twitter confusion about everyday cycling. So here's my experience.

Ask me anything

This is me on my £50 second hand bike. My partner and I don't have a car and we very rarely use public transport.

We cycle for all our everyday activities.

To work
To the pup's daycare
To shop
To see friends
To go to the train station
For fun
To explore

We do this for:
The environment
Saving money
Convenience

And b'cos it feels fab to do things by cycle

Everyday cycling is not sport cycling.

You don't need any fancy gear. You just wear your clothes and cycle.

If it's summer I wear less clothes
If it's winter I wear more clothes
If it's raining I put on a waterproof coat

My waterproof coat is not fancy. It's not breathable and it wasn't expensive. It's not cycle specific.

It's the same one I use when walking the pup in the rain.

I put this coat on when it's raining. Whether I'm cycling the mile to work or a 20 mile round loop to Prestwich.

My cycle is a Dutch city sit up and beg. It gives a fab view of the road, it's comfortable and it's a relaxed, non-sporty ride.

I get where I need to go and, even if I'm wearing my non-breathable raincoat, I'm no more sweaty than someone who's walked.

I used my secondhand £50 bike for 3 years. I spent about £80 in total over that three years. This was to purchase and have a pair of marathon plus tyres fitted.

When my grandma's husband died I was left a small amount of money and I used this (£250) to get a new bike

I only got a new one because Im disabled and I find a dropped crossbar easier.

I gave my old bike in full working condition to @walkrideRochda1 who now uses it for everyday cycling.

I took the marathon plus off first and put them on my new bike. I spent 80 quid on them!!!!

Dutch brand everyday bikes are excellent as unlike other brands they often come with everything you need including lights, mudguards and chain
guards.

Chain guards are really important for everyday cycling as they give a bit of protection to all the bikes guts (?) from the rain

In terms of storage me and my partner keep our bikes locked (sold secure silver chain) outside our apartment building under a tree. Helped by their design, they are coping well with the elements.

This location is really convenient and theres no carrying in and out of buildings.

Because our bikes are relatively cheap we don't worry about them. This is why low cost cycles are MUCH better for everyday cycling.

I will lock myself to a rack in the city centre and leave it for a day without worrying about it.

Not everyone can cycle. And that's fine. This thread isn't trying to force people to

This thread is about busting myths about what you need to cycle and showing how everyday cycling can be cheap, fun and convenient.

The exception to cheap however, is when disabled people need nonstandard cycles. Many (not all) disabled people would be able to cycle independently with the right type of cycle. These stretch into thousands of pounds however.

I'm currently saving for a trike

Please email your MP and tell them you think that motability should cover non-standard cycles too if you also think this is awful, and also support the work of @Wheels4Well

So that's my thread on everyday cycling.

Cheap (we also save tax, insurance, depreciation, parking & public transport).

Convenient - door to door efficiently & in own clothes

Fun - no better feeling than doing what I need to with my family by cycle

And most important of all?

Pups love cycling