Submitted by Susannah Cook on Thu, 2023-08-31 14:20
New to cycling or getting back into it? Make sure that your bike fits you properly and that you can control it comfortably. Is its roadworthy? And do you have the right equipment?
1. Get your bike checked over by a local bike shop if you are unsure how to do a full check, or join one of the regular 'Dr Bike' sessions for Cambridge staff, held periodically around the University estate. Visit our events page for details and to sign up for a session
2. If you're not sure how to check your bike is safe to ride, there is a handy video from Sustrans showing you how to give your bike a basic ‘M-check’, or you can save our quick M Check flyer, if you are not sure.
3. As the nights close in, it is important to “Be Safe, Be Seen”. When cycling in the dark, make sure you have two lights on your bike, a red one on the back and a white one on the front. Download our Be Safe Be Seen flyer.
4. Cycle training can improve your confidence when cycling on the roads, and can help you to position yourself correctly around other vehicles. Even if you’ve cycled for a long time, a one off lesson can help you improve your skills. Outspoken Training on behalf of the University offer free 1:1 sessions of two hours for both staff and students, which can be started at a whole range of destinations around the city.
5. There is also the opportunity to purchase a cycle helmet at a subsidised rate. Helmets are available to buy from the University's Online Store at half the recommended retail price. More information can be found on the Environmental Sustainability cycling webpages, or email Travel@admin.cam.ac.uk.