Cycling At Different Times Of The Day

Everyone has their own preference as to when they prefer to exercise and in this case go out on their bike. Everyone who knows me will know I am an early bird and I prefer an early morning but I completely understand each to their own.

With cycling at different times there are some considerations you should think about as follows:

Early Morning Riding

My tips and take on early morning are below:

• Get your kit ready the night before! I tend to have my bike, shoes, helmet, wahoo and whatever else ready by the front door the night before. I get my kit ready and laid out the night before and also have my bottles filled in the fridge the night before. Alarm goes off, bathroom stop, teeth brushed, dressed, kitted up and out the door!
• Be careful with the weather and check in advance as early morning can often see roads that are more slippery if there is a slight frost on the floor or damp from the dew in the morning and you should ride with this in mind.
• Enjoy the sunrise as it can be glorious.
• Enjoy quieter roads.
• Set yourself up for the day ahead – I always feel energised and ready for the day when I have started with an early morning ride.
• If you can convince others to join you then even better!

Night Riding

My tips for night riding are below:

• Be safe and be seen! Obviously depending on the time of the year it may or may not be dark but generally night riding involves a level of darkness so always be prepared with safety in mind.
• Ensure you have both a front and rear light as minimum and that they are fully charged. Even if you are riding on roads that are well lit, lights should always be used.
• If you have hi-vis clothing that is a benefit or clothing with reflective material. I also have a reflective bag cover from Proviz that works the same way when commuting.
• If you are riding through the night you may wish to take a spare charger and cable for lights/bike computer.
• Wrap up – the temperature drops during the night and extra layers will be welcome. You may wish to carry layers that are easy to pack and carry such as a buff, gillet, arm warmers, leg warmers or a lightweight jacket.
• Be more cautious – you should always be alert for pot holes or any obstacles in the road but at night you should pay particular care if visibility is impacted.

Rush Hour/Commuter Riding

Everyone will have different areas/roads they use if they are commuting by bike. My route goes into central London and my tips are below:

• As with early morning riding get your kit ready the night before! See above for what I get ready in advance. I also commute with a friend so I am time dependent to ensure I am not late to meet them.
• The same as for night riding – be safe and be seen! Again depending on the time of the year it may or may not be dark but sometimes this could involve a level of darkness so always be prepared with safety in mind, reflective clothing and lights!
• There are a lot of cycle paths often used for commuting. I use the CS3 but I need to use normal roads to get to it and again at the other end come off the cycle path and use roads in London to navigate to my office.
• I have found when commuting expect to be slower – it is not a usual ride and usually includes a lot more stop starting as you are crossing junctions etc so plan your journey/time accordingly.
• Cycle paths are notorious for having pedestrians walk in them so a bell on your bike is useful to raise awareness as you approach.
• I have found that if there are roadworks or work being done on pavements then the workmen often put the signs for these in the cycle path, which is not helpful so be alert.
• Pick a suitable bag for carrying any work equipment and clothes. Something waterproof is suitable as you never know when you might get caught out. Something comfortable if using a backpack whilst riding and a bag cover is good to keep the bag in good condition and are most often hi-vis/reflective. If you choose to use a pannier instead you will want to get this set up on your bike and try it out – also less stress on your back if you carry a lot. I find I am ok with a backpack but my husband prefers a pannier so it is personal preference. Also roll clothes rather than fold as it causes less creasing.
• I have also found that some cycle paths are not maintained the best and so you can find more rubbish, grit, debris that could cause punctures so be alert but also ensure you are carrying with you spares in case you need them.
• Mudguards for the same reasons above that I have noted in relation to the bag and cycle paths.
• Avoid weaving through traffic and as always be courteous of other road users. During rush hour a lot of people are in a hurry and I have seen doors of cars open without looking, vehicles suddenly move lanes etc so being cautious and having a little patience will go a long way and be much safer.
• Allow time at the end of your journey for locking up bikes, showering etc before you start work.