Commuting equipment info-----Have your say

3D Student

Have Your Say!!

Hello bicycle enthusiasts.
I am completing a major project concerned with bicycle commuting. In particular I am interested in types of clothing or helmets worn whilst commuting whether it’s in a city or the countryside. Do you have any thoughts or opinions on commuting by bicycle? How can we encourage more people to be green, stay safe and commute with ease? Does anyone have favourite or hated pieces of kit? What do you look for in your equipment whilst commuting? Do you need to make phone calls, listen to music or block out loud noises?

Any responses will be greatly appreciated and will help this project evolve. The final project will be displayed in London mid summer.

Thank you

don_don

I initially thought about posting a slightly sarcastic response, to the effect of "Why don't you just read the threads?", but then I realised that would be rude, sorry.

The forum is packed with thoughts, opinions, favourites, hates and cough loves...

A few hours research will no doubt give you a flavour and help narrow your questions down a little.

Just don't be surprised if you find some of the conversations a bit, how do you say, tongue-in-cheek!

Good luck

sarajoy

3D Student wrote:

Do you need to make phone calls, listen to music or block out loud noises?

The above just struck me - the answer is no, no, and not-on-your-nelly if you enjoy life and don't want to die yet!

A loud noise on the roads is a good hint to "get the hell out of the way!"

As for the rest...

...well I ride in the city, on a really rather busy set of roads.
types of clothing or helmets worn whilst commuting: BRIGHT jacket that's (sometimes a hi-vis reflective vest in addition) water/windproof (though the latter is more important as I go far enough to sweat and need a shower/change at either end anyway), shorts, leggings, gloves, £30ish helmet (white, girly). Leggings and the thick gloves will disappear as spring comes around no doubt, as will the jacket in favour of jerseys/T-shirts and fingerless gloves.

Do you have any thoughts or opinions on commuting by bicycle?: It's fun, and good for fitness, but needs a lot of vigilance on busy roads.

How can we encourage more people to be green, stay safe and commute with ease?: I'm inclined to suggest cycling proficiency courses for adults - non-mandatory - but for adults who wish to begin commuting but haven't cycled for a while, or who are nervous about traffic. Some good awareness-boosting for drivers would be good too - as many of them make the cycle commute very difficult. But we mustn't forget the cyclists that give the rest of us a bad name - should we have easier ways to penalise people for reckless cycling?

Does anyone have favourite or hated pieces of kit?: Not yet..!

il_principe

3D Student wrote:

Have Your Say!!

In particular I am interested in types of clothing or helmets worn whilst commuting

Uh oh :shock:

Crapaud

3D Student wrote:

... How can we encourage more people to be green, stay safe and commute with ease? ...

Why? It's an environmental / political issue. If they do decide to go green, you could encourage them to cycle though.

A copy of Cyclecraft could be included with the purchase of a new bike.

3D Student wrote:

... Does anyone have favourite or hated pieces of kit? ...

I love my Sealskinz waterproof thermal socks.

3D Student wrote:

... What do you look for in your equipment whilst commuting?

Reliability and ease of use / maintainence.

3D Student wrote:

... Do you need to make phone calls, listen to music or block out loud noises? ...

No, definitely not and, IMO, any (deliberate) hearing impairment is just stupid

killiekosmos

Killiekosmos's 2p worth:

In particular I am interested in types of clothing or helmets worn whilst commuting whether it’s in a city or the countryside.
- winter - waterproofs/warm outerwear - bright jacket + lights
- summer - just work clothes (short communt)

Do you have any thoughts or opinions on commuting by bicycle?

- it's healthy, cheap, quick, enjoyable. I've colleagues who drive less than I cycle to work

How can we encourage more people to be green, stay safe and commute with ease?
- good facilities, showers, lockers, bike racks.
- better road designs in town with cyclists in mind., lower speed limits in some areas

Does anyone have favourite or hated pieces of kit? What do you look for in your equipment whilst commuting?
- puncture-proof tyres, thief-proof locks

Do you need to make phone calls, listen to music or block out loud noises?
- NO! I need to watch traffic

hambones

Making phone calls and listening to music should only be done on quiet Sunday morning rides!!

always_tyred

I really like my invisibility cloak. Seems to work perfectly no matter what else I wear.

3D Student

Thanks to everyone who has replied so quickly. It seems that you all feel strongly about Mobile phones and music whilst riding. With reference to rider schemes, the government were considering a compulsory bicycle test but I think it would put people off instead of encouraging them. Are their any schemes like the IAM (institute of advanced motorists) in the bicycle world? A charity run organization for people who want to improve or renew their skills. I have checked out the other feeds on this sight but any discussions on the topic of commuting and equipment would be very useful, Thanks

singlespeedexplosif

How can we encourage more people to be green, stay safe and commute with ease?
Make all car drivers try riding a bike in rush hour traffic.
Does anyone have favourite or hated pieces of kit?
Ground Effect clothing, it's superb. No 'hated' pieces of kit.
What do you look for in your equipment whilst commuting?
That it works and will last a decent length of time
Do you need to make phone calls, listen to music or block out loud noises?
no, yes, sometimes.