The 16 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Start Bike Commuting

Bike commuting is a brilliant way to blend fitness, environmental consciousness, and daily travel.

However, there’s a learning curve, and first-time bike commuters often make mistakes that can turn this healthy habit into a chore, or even a hazard.

We’re going to shine a light on common bike commuting mistakes….and by the end, you’ll know what bike commuting pitfalls to avoid.

So, strap on your helmet, and let’s get into it!

Trusting the weather forecast

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Remember when cycling to work or around town, nothing is more important than being prepared, and that includes not implicitly trusting the weather forecast.

Sure, they’re often right, but they’re equally frequently wrong, and you don’t want to be caught in a surprising downpour.

Here are a few steps to help you navigate this common bike commuting mistake:

1. Stay informed: Constantly update yourself on the weather, checking the forecast more than once during the day. Use reliable weather apps on your smartphone.
2. Carry proper gear: Always keep a compact waterproof jacket or poncho in your backpack when commuting by bike. A pair of waterproof trousers could also save your day.
3. Inspect your bike: Wet roads increase the chance of punctures, so it’s good to regularly inspect your bike, check the tyres, etc.

By keeping these pointers in mind, you can avoid being caught out by unexpected weather conditions and keep your cycling commute enjoyable.

Beginners not planning in advance

Failing to plan ahead can be a major pitfall in bike commuting, especially for beginners.

Let’s look at what you might miss if you don’t prepare.

Read more: Tips for bike commuting

Failing to assess your physical fitness

You’re ready to cycle to work but have you checked if your body is up for the demand? Start with shorter rides to gauge your stamina.

Gradually increase the distance as your fitness improves. You can use public transport for part of your trip!

Not mapping out your route

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Don’t just stick to the road you drive on. Look for safer, bike-friendly paths. Use GPS or cycling apps to find the most efficient route.

Not considering bike maintenance

Don’t ignore your ride’s wellbeing. Keep it in optimal condition and regularly check essentials like brakes and tires.

Have a basic repair kit for minor on-the-go mishaps.

Ignoring commuter benefits

Some workplaces offer facilities or incentives for bike commuters. Make sure you’re not overlooking these commuting benefits.

By planning ahead, you’re not only ensuring a safer commute but also a more enjoyable one. Remember, proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Failing to bring any snacks

Heading out without packing some form of sustenance can be a major blunder.

Especially if you’re planning a longer commute, or if your ride will be is particularly strenuous, energy-boosting foods are essential.

Here’s why:

1. They’ll Replenish Energy: Cycling uses up calories. By bringing snacks like bananas or trail mix, you’re providing your body with much-needed fuel to keep pedalling.
2. They’ll Support Physical Fitness: Adequate nutrition is integral to optimum physical performance. Good food choices such as nuts and fruits contribute to muscle recovery and stamina.
3. They’ll Keep You Hydrated: While it’s not food, it’s just as important. Carry a bottle of water to prevent dehydration.

So remember, it’s not just about jumping on the bike and pedalling away. You must consider your body’s need for fuel. Avoid this common cycling mistake by packing nutritious snacks for your ride.

Read more: Planning what to eat after cycling

Opting for the busiest route

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Your bike commuting journey can turn from pleasant to problematic if you’re always choosing the busiest roads. Sticking with the general commuting crowd may seem like the safest option, but more often than not, it’ll lead to traffic congestion and possibly accidents.

1. Ignoring Less Traffic-Prone Routes: Biking through the city’s busiest streets isn’t always the fastest or the safest route. Opt for neighbourhood streets, bike lanes, or cycling pathways when possible. It’s less hazardous and, you might discover, surprisingly refreshing!
2. Forgetting to time Your Commute: Heading out during peak hours? That’s a recipe for stress. Time your commute to avoid the usual rush hours. Early mornings or later in the evenings could mean peace of mind and a smoother ride.
3. Overlooking the benefits of Technology: Utilise technology to your advantage. Apps like Google Maps, RidewithGPS and Strava provide options for a bike-friendly route, highlighting less crowded paths and providing estimates of travel times.

By being mindful of these points, your bike commute can become an enjoyable part of your daily routine rather than a nerve-wracking battlefield navigation.

Not charging your lights

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Neglecting to charge your bike lights is a common mistake you don’t want to make. It’s crucial to fully charge your lights, especially for night or early morning trips.

Consider investing in lights with a battery power indicator; this will keep you informed of how much power you have left. Also, it’s worth having a backup light source.

Whether it’s spare batteries or a secondary set of lights, you won’t be left in the dark if your primary light source fails.

Finally, consider a routine charging schedule to ensure you’re never caught out. By prioritising these steps, you enhance your visibility and safety during your bike commute.

Read more: The best lights for bike commuters

Hugging the kerb

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Terror of traffic often leads newbie cyclists to the perils of hugging the kerb. This isn’t just potentially dangerous, it’s a rookie bike commuting mistake too.

Firstly, sticking too close to the kerb makes you less visible to drivers.

Secondly, it communicates to motorists that they’ve plenty of road to pass you, inviting close overtakes.

Finally, the kerb-side is a magnet for debris and potholes, increasing the risk of a tyre puncture. Improve your commute by pushing out into the lane, asserting your space.

Remember, this is not about being inconsiderate to drivers but about ensuring there’s a safe distance between you and passing cars. At the same time, monitoring and steering clear of debris along the route can prevent any unexpected mishaps.

Make this simple yet effective change in your biking routine to enjoy safer commutes and to avoid the typical bike commuting pitfalls.

Don’t be scared to take the lane (safely)!

Read more: Bike commuting in safety

Riding with a backpack

This one is a little controversial!

It’s no secret that carrying a backpack while cycling can be a real hassle. It not only throws off your centre of gravity, but can also lead to unnecessary back pain. Here’s why it might not be the best idea:

1. Loss of Stability: Carrying a weighty backpack can often cause imbalance due to the uneven distribution of weight. For example, when your bag leans to one side, it forces you to lose your stability, hence making the ride quite tricky.
2. Back Pain: Riding for long stretches with a loaded backpack can be a direct ticket to backache city. Regularly carrying heavy loads puts strain on your lower back which in turn can lead to chronic pain.
3. Heat Trap: Backpacks can trap heat against your body which is especially uncomfortable in summer commutes. It can leave you drenched in sweat even before your daily grind begins.
4. Compromised Safety: In case of emergencies, a backpack could hinder your mobility, making maneuvers and quick stops more challenging. This can escalate the risk of accidents.

Not protecting your bicycle from theives

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Let’s focus on the issue of leaving your bike unprotected. This is another common mistake made by many bicycle commuters.

Do you remember to regularly lock your bicycle and secure it when not in use? This step is often overlooked but vital in preventing theft and ensuring a smoother commute.

1. Avoid leaving your bike unattended: No matter how safe the area may seem, it’s always better to be cautious. So, always take a moment to lock your bike when it’s not within your sight.
2. Invest in a strong lock: A flimsy lock can be easily broken. It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality, durable lock that makes it hard for potential thieves to break open.
3. Park in well-lit, crowded areas: Choose highly visible, well-trafficked spots to park your bicycle. Away from the shadows and surrounded by people, your bike is less appealing to thieves.
4. Register your bike: Registering your bike and noting down its serial number offers additional protection. If your bicycle does get stolen, this information will help in tracking it down.
5. Insure your bike: Finally, considering bike insurance can save you a lot of frustration and money in the event your bike is stolen or damaged. Insurance companies nowadays offer bespoke plans for bicycle commuters.

Remember, the safety of your bike is as important as your own. Don’t neglect it and keep your commuting experience stress-free and enjoyable.

Read more: How to lock a bike when no racks are available

Skipping bike cleaning

Don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning your bike regularly.

When you skip this essential step, you expose your bike to wear and tear that could have been easily avoided. It’s recommended to give your bike a proper clean at least once a month.

1. Accumulation of dirt: A build-up of dirt and grime can clog up the gears, brakes, and chain, compromising their efficiency. Try to wipe these down after every particularly muddy or gritty ride.
2. Impacting ride quality: An unclean bike can significantly affect your ride quality. If neglected, debris lodged in your bike’s moving parts can cause friction – slowing you down and making your journey tougher.
3. Increasing maintenance costs: By routinely cleaning your bike, you’re forestalling more complex and costly repairs down the line. It’s about investing a little time now to save a potentially major hassle later.

Use a simple garden hose to spritz the bike, focusing on the greasy parts. Once done, drying is necessary to prevent rust. There’s no beating around the bush – regular bike cleaning is a must-do.

Not making this mistake can significantly improve the lifespan and performance of your bike.

Forgetting your shoes

Forgetting your shoes is another common mishap among bike commuters.

To prevent forgetting your shoes, make a checklist before leaving home. Include cycling shoes and other essentials like helmet, cycling glasses, and gloves. Also, consider keeping a spare pair of shoes at work.

It will save you the embarrassment of walking around the office in cleats or riding shoes if you forget yours at home. Preparation is key to avoid such potential bike commuting mistakes.

Unprepared for punctures

An often overlooked yet crucial part of bike commuting is preparing for unexpected punctures.

1. Always pack a puncture repair kit. It’s compact, lightweight, and includes all necessary tools for quick tyre fixes, such as tyre levers, patches, and a mini pump.
2. Know your tyres – different types come with distinct puncture vulnerabilities. Hence, learn how to inspect them for sharp debris and how often to inflate them to the right pressure. This reduces your chances of getting a puncture.
3. Practice makes perfect. Try fixing a flat at home first so when it does occur, you’re not stuck scratching your head.
4. Invest in puncture-resistant tyres or liners as they can really save the day during your commute.

It’s small steps like these that effectively safeguard your commute against unexpected pitfalls.

Don’t wait until you’re punctured at the roadside, be proactive, and prepare for punctures. Remember, a quick response to flats can make all the difference in your commuting experience.

Being unprepared for winter

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Winter bike commuting can be a tough nut to crack, especially if you’re unprepared. Evaluate weather conditions each morning. It may perhaps seem intimidating, with icy roads and plummeting temperatures, but, you can overcome that by getting the right winter apparel.

Thermals, insulating layers, and a waterproof outer shell are all vital, keeping you snug, dry, and safe. Remember that the functionality of your bike also gets affected in cold weather.

Mudguards become a necessity in ensuring that splashes of dirty, icy puddles don’t cover you, while winter tyres provide the needed traction even on slippery surfaces.

It’s also essential to have your bike lights in working condition as days get shorter and visibility reduces. Regular cleaning and greasing of your bike’s components can ward off the damages caused by salty slush on the roads.

Finally, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and maintain energy with warm fluids and energy-dense food. Winter cycling might be challenging, yet with proper preparation, it ain’t that much of a hurdle.

Taking the most direct route

You might assume that the quickest path for your cycle commute is the most direct one. But, this isn’t always the case.

Direct routes often involve busy roads that aren’t safe or pleasant for cyclists. Handling through heavy traffic can be stressful, increase the risk of accidents, and make your ride less enjoyable.

Instead of sticking to the straight route, consider taking a few detours. Look for roads with less traffic, bike lanes, or scenic paths. These routes might be longer, but they’ll significantly increase your safety and enjoyment.

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Let’s not forget the added benefit – exploring new areas and sights in your journey. You can use cycling apps or mapping tools that show cycling-friendly paths and plan your route accordingly.

Remember, bike commuting isn’t a race. It’s all about improving your fitness, saving on commuting costs, and doing your bit for the environment. So, prioritise safety and enjoyment over speed, and avoid this common mistake.

Not staying relaxed

A major faux pas in bike commuting is not staying relaxed. While often seen as a leisurely and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it can quickly turn stressful if you don’t maintain a relaxed mindset.

Tension can affect your riding style, make you less responsive and it’s tiring. Remember, you’re commuting, not racing, so there’s no need for a tense grip on the handlebars. Relax your grip to prevent hand fatigue and improve control.

Another common problem is tensed shoulders. Lift your head up periodically, roll your shoulders, and let them fall into a more relaxed state. This will ensure a comfortable ride and reduce the risk of shoulder pain.

Dressing in dark clothes (Stealth Ninja!)

Choosing to ride your bike in dark attire might seem stylish, but it’s a common mistake that could compromise your safety.

Keep in mind, visibility is crucial when you’re sharing the road with larger vehicles. Remember, you’re not a stealth ninja!

Opting for light and bright coloured clothes is a smart way to make yourself seen by others. Reflective gear at dusk or on darker days can make a important difference to being spotted.

Plus to your clothing selection, think about your bike itself. Attaching reflective stickers or lights can enhance its visibility to drivers around you. Consider investing in a high visibility vest or jacket, especially if you’re commuting early in the morning or late at night.

Finally, always remember that a safer commute is a more enjoyable commute! So, brighten up your outfit and take the ‘stealth’ out of your bike commuting.

Saying “No” to showers (Urghhh!)

Bike commuting is a fantastic way to stay fit, but drenching in your sweat isn’t pleasing. It’s no secret that commuting via bike leads to perspiration, and saying “no” to showers post-ride raises both hygiene and social issues. Don’t turn your fitness routine into an unpleasant experience for you or those around you.

1. Always clean up after a ride. Your workplace might have a shower, so use it to rinse off sweat. If there is no shower facilities, you can opt for portable shower wipes or baby wipes. They’re easy to use, and they’ll leave you feeling relatively fresh.
2. Have a change of clothes with you. Forgetting this makes you end up in a sodden shirt, becoming a victim of the dreaded ‘sweat stench’.
3. Use a good deodorant after your shower. It helps to keep odours at bay and makes you feel refreshed throughout the day.

By following these habits, you’ll make your bike commuting experience healthy, delightful, and socially acceptable.

Remember, cleanliness is as important as commuting green. Avoid this common mistake and enjoy your bike rides to the fullest.