Commuter guide

1. Maintain your bike for commuting

Find easy to read guides on everything from basic repairs to fine tuning. Never let basics like flat tyres or loose cables stop you again.

For more, click here.

2. Get set up

Having your bike fit properly will make a huge difference to how you feel at the end of your ride - even just changing the height of your handlebar and seat.

For more information on how to set up your bike, click here.

3. Know the rules

Generally riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other road user. Some special rules apply to bike riding. Knowing the rules is part of the key to an enjoyable commute.

For an overview of the road rules, click here. 

4. Commute with confidence

Build your confidence and skills through courses and workshops

For a comprehensive list of courses for beginners through to experienced riders, click here.

For more basic and beginner tips, click here.

Also, read the evidence that bike riding is low risk transport when you know how. And how about those benefits!

Workplace Riding Courses (New!)

Bicycle Victoria's new workplace riding courses will give you and your work colleagues the knowledge, confidence and skills to become regular bike commuters.  Contact us at Bicycle Victoria for further information about these courses.

 

 

 

 5. Choose your route

Planning your route is a huge step ahead in mentally preparing for your first few commutes.

Check out Melbourne's metropolitan trail network.

Bicycle Victoria also offers a series of books and maps available online and from our office to help you with your commute.

If you are having trouble finding a good route to work, contact us for help!

6. Helmets

Don't be caught without one. Not just because it's the law, but because they are a great idea.

To learn how to fit a helmet correctly, click here.

7. Lights

Same goes as for helmets! Make sure you aren't caught out by shorter days, carry lights and check batteries.

See Ride On's annual Lights Test to find the best lights currently on the market.

8. Gloves

Gloves can help prevent blisters by reducing road shock and chaffing. They can also protect your hands from injury in the case of a fall, and help shield your hands from weather extremes.

For more information on the types of riding gloves, click here. 

9. Building your commuting skills

Click the links below for valuable pointers on

Riding in traffic.

Crossing tram tracks

Riding in winter

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

National Ride to Work Day

The 2010 National Ride to Work Day date is Wednesday 13 October 2010.

In 2009, around 110,000 participated, many riding to work for the first time. This is ground zero for many budding bike commuters.

Are you ready to join the commuter revolution in 2010? 

Click the image below for more details.

 Bird Swooping Season

With Spring around the corner, authorities are warning that native birds are already dive bombing pedestrians and cyclists.

This year, the Department of Sustainability and Environment have launched a 'Magpie Map'  highlighting swooping hotspots.

With Ride to Work day coming up, help out your fellow commuters by reporting your own swooping hotspot.

Call: 136 186
Email: swoop.vic@dse.vic.gov.au
Twitter: Send a tweet to @dse_vic with the location details and #swoopvic

To view the map and for more information, click here.