91̽»¨

Advice and Tips from the Faculty's Cyclists: 

Explore a wealth of tips from experienced cyclists in the faculty, including where to leave your bike, how to stay safe on the roads, and what equipment is worth investing in.

Nikki Dibben

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

Buy some bike panniers that you can carry around at work and hang on the bike, e.g. Ortlieb make some great ones. And get some strong lights and high viz clothing for safety.

Where do you leave your bike at work?

I lock my bike in the cycle hangar on the plaza between the two Jessop Buildings. You can apply for a key from EFM and it means it's really secure and sheltered from the weather if that's something that bothers you. It also means I risk leaving the lights on my bike rather than taking them off every time I lock up, since only other Uni cyclists use the hangar.

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

I live 5km away and it's quicker cycling than driving. I also arrive feeling awake and refreshed. Between 8.30 and 9 the traffic can be a bit frantic so if at all possible I try to avoid those times.

Bron Ray

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

Be prepared! This is in various ways, by making sure:

• your lights are fully charged;
• you've got a waterproof bag (panniers are easiest as rucksacks feel weighty if you have to cycle uphill), or use a bag liner if your bag isn't waterproof;
• you have full body waterproofs, including shoes that don't let in as much water; 
• you wear some kind of glasses - clear on dull days, as cars can flick up all sorts of muck in front of you; 
• you have 2 good locks, including a D-bar lock.

Main tip - don't be intimidated or scared off by these other tips above! I love riding my bike to work, in any weather. I sing down the hills and always arrive buzzing!

How is cycling for a commute different to cycling recreationally?

• Own your space in the road, so don't cycle less than half a metre to the curb, as cars will always try and push through and you'll end up in the gutter.  If you are slightly further out, they delay overtaking until it is safer and give you a wider berth. 
• Ride 'defensively', so that is about anticipating what drivers might do and adjusting your ride accordingly in good time.
• 'Eyeball' drivers who may not have seen you - it sounds weird but it seems to work! 
• Always overtake, don't undertake (I see lots of cyclists undertaking the traffic and unless it's on a cycle lane, they may get squashed).
• Cover your seat - a plastic bag, a shower cap, anything you have - it's not nice to come out to a wet seat after work!
• Remove anything someone else could remove when you lock up your bike - e.g. lights.

Where do you leave your bike at work?

I have always left my bike on a rack outside the building, but I have recently discovered there is a covered, lockable place nearby, so I will ask Estates about getting a key for this.

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

In my experience, car drivers in 91̽»¨ seem to be generally more understanding and aware of cyclists than the national press might have you think.  Just keep alert - of traffic, and also of pedestrians, particularly from the SU down the cycle path to Mappin - a bell is essential here!

Sara Whiteley

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

Brush up on your biking skills. If you feel unconfident cycling on roads then get some training: I highly recommend the (free!) Pedal Ready courses. When I first started cycling, I thought that cyclists were supposed to cower at the edge of the road hugging the kerb at all times, but actually this isn’t always the safest place to be. On the Pedal Ready course you learn the art of road positioning so you can position yourself in a way that influences the traffic around you and can make it safer. Once I learned these skills and built some confidence, cycling felt less intimidating.

Here are a few of helpful links:

• Try Before you Bike

Be smart about your route. Don't base your view of 91̽»¨ roads on those you see from a motor vehicle. Car drivers are usually completely unaware of the many quieter roads which cyclists can use. In my opinion (which is based on my experience of cycling in central and south west 91̽»¨ mainly), if you're cycling down an A-road or alongside tram tracks you're doing it wrong!

I use the to get route ideas. You can ask it to give you fast, quiet or balanced routes. I also follow my instincts a lot and one of the nice things about a bike is that you have a lot of freedom in the route you take. If you don't feel safe on a particular turn, or a particular road, then you can easily reroute or even briefly use the pavement (taking care not to affect pedestrians, of course). The cycling infrastructure in 91̽»¨ is constantly improving so I keep coming across new, more bike-friendly routes.

Be prepared.

• Invest in a waterproof cycling jacket and trousers.
• Keep spare clothes / toiletries and a towel in your office in case you get wet! 
• Relinquish your need for a 'good hair day', and enjoy stronger legs instead.

Where do you leave your bike at work?

I often park my bike outside Jessop West, being sure to lock it with a decent lock. I have also recently acquired a fob for some secure undercover bike parking in a nearby building for the winter.

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

The best things about cycling to work are:

• No traffic jams!
• No parking fees!
• You can come and go entirely on your own timetable (no tiresome waiting around for public transport)
• Fresh air and exercise
• It is often much faster than driving/bus
• Being able to toss your hair every morning when removing your helmet (only applicable to those with longer hair)

Jonathan Rayner

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

• First, you're doing a good thing, for yourself health and wellbeing-wise, for the planet and other road users by taking one car off the road. 
• Second, always wear a helmet and high viz jacket and make sure your bike has working lights, the brighter the better.
• Third, despite the 91̽»¨ hills, a hybrid is better than a heavy mountain bike if all you're doing is commuting. 
• Fourth, consider bike insurance, not just for theft of your bike but for your own safety - pedestrians wearing headphones are as dangerous to cyclists as cars. Insurance companies tend to insist you use a strong D-lock type bike lock - these are a good idea anyway! 
• Fifth, always carry a pump and a multitool (screwdriver/allen key combo) just in case. 
• Sixth, remember to waterproof your saddlebags/paniers!  
• Seventh, consider a helmet cam - you don't have to set up a youtube channel or sue anyone, but I think drivers treat you with more care if they think they're being seen and recorded.
• Eighth, hands can get very cold on handlebars in the winter - I use a pair of skiing liner gloves inside cycling gloves which helps (slightly). 
• Ninth - Mr Butterworth's cycle shop on Abbeydale Road can fix things cheap when you can't yourself (I'm not receiving anything for that endorsement). 
• Tenth, related to ninth, consider keeping a 'spare' second bike for when you just can't fix something by tomorrow.

Where do you leave your bike at work?

Bike racks outside Jessop West. I have used the lockable sheds but the posts are more convenient. From University you can then cycle readily to the town centre, eg handy bike racks in Barkers Pool.

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

If you can cycle in 91̽»¨ you can cycle anywhere - Annapurna for example.

Renee Timmers

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

Cycling to work is such a reliable and consistent way to get to work, and it gives you a bit of exercise on the way too. My main tip is to avoid being in a rush and just take it easy, having the confidence that you will get there. Rushing up the hill is no fun, nor pacing down the hill. But progressing up the hill, no matter how slowly is fine, as is wheeling down whilst navigating the traffic at ease. My other tip is that it is surprising how quickly one gets used to a particular route and how much easier that routine makes the experience. Everything about it becomes easy with familiarity including traffic, hills, and weather.

Where do you leave your bike at work?

I leave my bike next to the Jessop Building where I work, locked to the bike stands. Leaving a regular bike outside like that seems unproblematic. Electric bikes might be more in danger though of being stolen. I would not leave that somewhere where cars could drive past and take the bike. 

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

The bike paths are sometimes a bit silly in 91̽»¨, stopping for example when you need them. I avoid crossing big roundabouts by bike, better to briefly become a foot traveller and be safe.

Kate Taylor-Jones

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

I am from a family of cyclists and there are seven cardinal rules I believe in to make cycling safe, fun and the quickest way to get to work!

• Wear a helmet. I know they look daft, but they can, and this is no exaggeration, save your life. 
• Be careful on corners. Cars often cut corners - always show down and look carefully at any T-junction. 
• Visibility is vital. This is especially key in the dark winter months. Lights and reflective clothing can be bought cheap second hand or from the Decathlon (or other sports stores) cheap range. 
• I believe that panniers are a vital investment to cycle to work. You don’t need to be all hot and uncomfortable with a heavy backpack, stick all your gear in a pannier and let the bike take the weight!
• Check your route. I tend to avoid the main roads and take smaller roads to avoid the busier areas. In rush hour, cars don’t always respect cycle lanes (where there are any), and smaller roads tend to be more pleasant in the early morning or later evening traffic. 
• Be confident. You have as much right to be on the road as a car. If you feel having a camera will make you feel more protected (I don’t but I know lots of people who do), then get a cheap one and make sure it is visible. 
• Finally, it rains in 91̽»¨ A LOT – wet weather gear is vital - not an option. Again, you can get it cheap from a wide range of places. 

Where do you leave your bike at work?

I leave my bike in the cycle hub near the student union. It rains a lot in 91̽»¨, and I like to start my journey with a dry saddle! Make sure you lock up your bike regardless of where you are parking. It is a sad truth that unlocked bikes will be stolen. Make sure your pride and joy is not one of them! 

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

I love cycling to work. Despite some near misses, stolen bikes (in London, not 91̽»¨) and occasional shouting matches with bad drivers, it remains my favourite form of transport above all others.  Remember you are not cycling to work to win any races, you are cycling to literally get to work so choose the bike that works for you. There are a vast range of bike types – get the one that will work for your specific needs. If you are worried about the hills or your fitness levels, invest in an Ebike. They are amazing and very soon you will be speeding up the hills with ease!  Cargo bikes, ebikes, foldable bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes – all will support your commute in a slightly different way so check what your priorities are and then speak to a bike shop or look online for suggestions. I would also ask anyone you know who cycles – people always have some great ideas and experiences to share.

Richard Kirkham

What tips do you have for someone thinking about cycling to work?

• Don't use your best bike.
• Consider the timing of your journey in and out. Are you flexible enough to be able to avoid rush hour?
• Devise a route and time of travel that reduces contact with traffic to a minimum.
• Don't feel obliged to ride in the gutter. Be prepared to stick your elbows out and require cars to move out to pass around you.
• Avoid road rage moments by sticking to the rules. Car drivers tend to be very quick to get angry with cyclists for minor highway code breaches. 
• Anticipate driver error as much as possible (I try to catch the eye of any driver on a T Junction).
• Embrace wind, rain and cold. It is a great way to wake up the senses in the morning! 
• Treat yourself to some warm gloves and shoes and decent wet gear.

Where do you leave your bike at work?

I am lucky. Outside the School of Law there is a very good bike shed. I use two fairly medium strong bike locks to provide reassurance. To be honest, my policy is not to use my best bike for coming to work because I am aware of the risks and the roads can get dirty over the winter.   I also take the view that a less high quality bike turns my bike rides home from work (uphill) into a good fitness exercise.   

Is there anything else that you think that staff and students wanting to cycle to the University should know?

Cycling into work makes a nice break between home and work and for me clears the mind. It is also much more flexible than relying on buses or the vagaries of traffic jams and parking spots.

Routes

Here are some tried and tested routes used by cyclists in the faculty. They're great for discovering creative ways to craft out routes that avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic.

From Nether Edge

I cycle from the Nether Edge area. I avoid main roads like Abbeydale/London Road. From the Sainsbury’s Local at the Nether Edge shops, I head down Montgomery Road, Wostenholm Road, Washington Road, Summerfield Street, and then turn right at Napier Street and pick up the off-road cycling path on Harrow Street (near Waitrose). This takes me under and alongside the ring road. I reach Jessop West by turning up Gell Street. You have to cross the tram tracks briefly but it’s OK if you go straight over them. A good chunk of the route is off-road and avoids busy junctions. It takes 12-15 minutes by pedal power or 10 minutes on an e-bike.

From Crookes

From Meersbrook

My cycle route starts well: I travel down Meersbrook Park, and the amazing view and the wonderful trees really start my morning well. I have to traverse the very busy London Road and Abbeydale Road and I deliberately use the smaller roads around these two big arteries to keep safer and away from the bus lanes (which can be fairly unpleasant in rush hour). I travel up the cycle hub and park there.

From West 91̽»¨

Coming in from West 91̽»¨ you can aim for the entire Endcliffe park cycleway, including through the woods. This is a really nice and calming route (but watch out for the dog walkers). From Hunters Bar, most of Brocco Bank through to Clarkehouse Road and then the University has a cycle lane which actually works better in rush hour when the traffic is generally stationary.  Not as nice as cycling through the park - but a surprisingly easy and safe route for a cyclist. Only one significant bit of effort as well for the way-in, saving the harder work for the way home.

From Crosspool

From Dore

My route is Hathersage Road/Ecclesall Road South to Hunters Bar, then Brocco Bank, Clarkehouse Road/Glossop Road to the University. This route has a lot of bus lanes and dedicated cycle lanes for being separate from cars in rush hour, but it's uphill on the way home. A (flatter) alternative for me is Abbeydale Road/London Road but this can be very busy.