Ride to UTS: your guide to cycling to and from UTS

10 questions about riding to UTS

1. Isn't it too dangerous?
2. Will I feel good?
3. Won't it take too long?
4. Do I need special equipment?
5. Won't I be all sweaty when I get to work?
6. How do I carry my stuff?
7. How do I plan my trip?
8. What if I live a long way from work?
9. What if it rains?
10. What if I get a puncture?

1. Isn't it too dangerous?

Just like crossing the road is dangerous and driving a car is dangerous, so too is cycling. Like following the golden rule of "look both ways before you cross the street", there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risks of riding a bike in Sydney.

The 3 Cs:

• Common sense: Bicycles are recognised as vehicles and must follow the rules of the road. Riding on the left, obeying traffic signals and using hand signals before turning right are all essential for safe riding.
• Courtesy: Be assertive but considerate by knowing the road rules and acting on them. If you make eye contact with motorists you can be more confident that they've seen you.
• Caution: Find the safest riding route - try quieter streets or off-road bike paths. Ride predictably and leave yourself room to manoeuvre. Try to be aware of what's happening around you and look ahead too. Avoid narrow spaces where you have little room for error. Watch for opening car doors. If possible, ride out from the door zone - a car door is about 1.5m wide. If you can't do this, then slow down to a speed where you can stop in time.

Other important safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet. It should fit securely on your head without sliding forwards or backwards. (RTA statistics show that more than a third of cyclists killed and around 20% who are seriously injured were not wearing a helmet.)
• Know the road rules and follow them! The RTA has a handbook for bicycle riders (PDF, 2.17 Mb).
• Ensure that your bike is in safe working order by maintaining it regularly and checking the brakes, chain and tyres for wear and tear.
• Lights and reflective clothing are a must if you travel at night, early morning or dusk - a white light for the front, and red light for the back and wear reflective materials so you can be seen by motorists.
• Make sure that your bike is fitted properly for you - with the handlebars and seat at the right height and position for you.
• Carry a water bottle (and drink from it!) to ensure you stay hydrated on the journey.
• Always remember to warm up and cool down to give your muscles time to adjust.

2. Will I feel good?

Cycling gets the endorphins flowing and is a great stress release. It can boost your energy levels and mood as well as improve how well you sleep.

Long-term health benefits include increased strength, improved muscle tone, decreased body fat and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.

The National Physical Activity Guidelines for adults recommend that you "put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days."

Remember, bike riding should not feel more strenuous than walking unless you want it to. Don't push yourself too hard at first.

3. Won't it take too long?

For city trips of less than 15km in peak hour, it's generally quicker to cycle than to drive or use public transport. The City of Sydney have developed a map (PDF, 772 kB) showing the distance a healthy person can generally ride within half-an-hour to or from the city centre.

Getting to and from UTS, you've done your exercise for the day so you don't need to find time to go to the gym.

4. Do I need special equipment?

You need a bike, a helmet (it's illegal to ride without one) and a good lock.

If you're planning to ride in the dark you'll also need front and rear lights.

Make sure your brakes, tyres and chain are in good condition.

Is your bike set-up ideal for your body size? Are you over-extending your upper body? Is your seat at the right height? Is your helmet fitted correctly?

Ask your local bike shop for advice and possibly a bike service.

5. Won't I be all sweaty when I get to work?

UTS: Facilities management provide a list of shower locations on campus.

6. How do I carry my stuff?

If you're travelling light, try a backpack, courier-style bag or bike basket.

Panniers (bags that can be fastened to a rack) are great for larger loads.

Bike trailers are an option for large or heavy work materials.

7. How do I plan my trip?

Start by speaking to regular cyclists and checking out maps available from your state/territory cycling organisation. Aim for a route that avoids fast traffic and narrow roads. You might be able to utilise off-road bike paths and on-road lanes.

If you know someone who cycles in from your direction, ask if they'd like to ride with you. Most regular riders love to share tips and help others get started.

Consider doing a trial ride on a weekend.

The RTA have maps of marked cycleways.

8. What if I live a long way from work?

Consider jumping on the train with your bike in the morning and getting off at a reasonable distance from work.

Park and ride! Have you thought of driving part of the way and riding from there?

Some people reduce the distance per day by riding only one way each day, and taking the train or bus in the other direction.

9. What if it rains?

Wear a rain jacket, preferably with underarm vents and reflective or bright panels.

Take a change of clothes for your legs or wear waterproof overpants.

Exercise extra caution, just like when you drive a car in the wet. Avoid metal surfaces such as tram tracks and drains.

If it rains at the end of the day and you'd rather not ride, leave your bike at work and ride home the next night or take your bike home by train.

10. What if I get a puncture?

Firstly, minimise the chances of this by making sure your tyres are in good condition and are inflated to the recommended pressure (the pounds per square inch (PSI) rating is marked on your tyres). Ask your local bike shop about tyres and tyre linings that offer extra protection against punctures.

If you do get a puncture and you're carrying a basic repair kit, you can replace the tube or repair the old one quite quickly on the spot.

If you haven't learned how to repair or replace a tube, devise an action plan. This might involve carrying a mobile phone to call for help or a taxi (remember to ask for a station-wagon so you can throw your bike in the back) or know where the nearest train line is.