Hi guys, this is my first post, thought this would be a good place to start & introduce:
Current commute: I ride every day top wherever I need to go, but when I do work (once a week) it's a 4 mile ride, mostly on quiet back roads and cycle paths. Quite a cruisy ride.
My gear: Currently I am riding a Orbea AOS with a rear and front LED light set which are very bright and a rear fender. I am currently using a 45l backpack to store my gear (such as removable lights and gloves etc), spare clothes for work, locks (in the process of deciding what type of lock to buy, will probably buy a Kyrptonite NYFA U-lock) and anything else I need to stash.
I normally just wear normal clothes, I avoid dark clothes if riding in the dark/dusk, but I haven't stepped up to a high visibility vest, but I might get one for winter as it gets dark by 5pm which is just as I finish work or Uni. The only thing is I wear a backpack and so half the visibility factor is being covered up.
I also am looking to get panniers are many people seem to recommend them, but I am not sure if my bike will fit them or not.
I have been commuting/using a bike as primary transport for over a year now (my last bike, a Giant Rincon, was stolen late November last year
) so here's some advice to share:
Advice/2c:
Ride your bike with the mindset of a motorist!
Whether you're on the cycle path, sidewalk or street, you are a vehicle so ride it that way!
Be obvious about your intentions if sharing the road with cars, e.g. don't zig-zag around, slowly change lanes, indicate with your hands and give time to make sure people saw, keep eye contact with drivers where possible, ride defensively and have as much light and reflecting gear on as possible- I know as a ex-motorist how annoying it would be with people riding around at dust/night wearing dark clothes and no lights.
Expect the unexpected, if it's winter, but there's no rain, BRING THAT JACKET with you anyway, because chances are that it will be raining a few hours later on your way home (happened to me a few times!).