From commuting to fitness to racing?

KnightOfTheLongTights

was just doing a bit of research into cycling growing as a recreational sport.

From a commuters' perspective, what would you like to see more of from the various cycling bodies, local authorities etc?

What could be done to make your cycling safer and more enjoyable?

If are 'just a commuter', do you intend to 'get more serious' about cycling and take it up as a sport? If you haven't already, is there anything in particular stopping you?

If you have already, is there anything that would have made it an easier and swifter process? What was useful?

What sort of resources or info would help you do so that you don't feel are available at the moment?

Thanks in advance for any opinions / suggestions.

asprilla

I'm not really interested in crits or track riding, but I am interested in sportives and triathlon. I don't think I need any additional resources (there are clubs in my area I can join and get advice) and the only thing that would make my cycling safe would be a general improvement in the standard of all road users (apart from me as I'm perfect already).

Zachariah

I've gone down the commute-fitness-racer route (not very far into the racing bit yet though). Can't say there were any stumbling blocks in the way, unless you count the races being difficult to get to for where I live.

meanredspider

Yup - less potholes and more considerate road users all-round.

I'd like to do more charity-type events rather than racing for the sake of it.

And I'd like to see the Revenue stop trying to torpedo CTW schemes. The cost of all the gear to cycle is a significant barrier and dropping taxes where possible on cycling isn't going to hurt the public purse much (given the windfall from fuel prices and the reduction in road use).

KnightOfTheLongTights

thanks all, really useful stuff

(by the way, there is a purpose - there's a possibility your suggestions / opinions will eventually feed through and have some impact)

greg66_tri_v2.0

Asprilla wrote:

I'm not really interested in crits

Crits: a great way to destroy your bike and suffer a wealth of pain.

notsoblue

Greg66 wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

I'm not really interested in crits

Crits: a great way to destroy your bike and suffer a wealth of pain.

Why is that?

jonginge

There tend to be a fair few crashes in cat4 crits...

greg66_tri_v2.0

notsoblue wrote:

Greg66 wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

I'm not really interested in crits

Crits: a great way to destroy your bike and suffer a wealth of pain.

Why is that?

Crits are notorious for (a) requiring you to ride at 10/10ths from the off to the end; (b) crashes, of the pile-up variety.

Mind you, this is based on what I've read of crits, rather than personal experience. Perhaps they're genteel events after all.

bigmat

The one I did was just ruddy hard - I would have needed to keep up to be involved in a crash! Still, if you want to race (and lots on these pages seemingly do) then its where its at - will hopefully find the time to do a few this summer.

Robstar24

crits are quite dangerous in my experience, some people don't know how to ride in a group, and there is also the fact that they tend to end in sprint finishes, and some people sprint when they're not in a position to win, which can cause crashes.

I commute longish distance, and do racing. I'd like to see an improvement in cycle paths and lanes in general, esp on busy roads, some of them are pants!

also very much agree with poster who says revenue should leave C2W schemes alone.

cjcp

A general improvement in road conditions would be a major step forward, particularly in some of the country lanes.

Some educating of the public mightn't be a bad idea either e.g. have the "look before you turn" adverts for bikes that you have for motorbikes.

Hoping to ride a couple of races at Crystal Palace in the next couple of months. That should be "fun" if my previous race is anything to go by - treating it purely as interval training.

Drfabulous0

KnightOfTheLongTights wrote:

From a commuters' perspective, what would you like to see more of from the various cycling bodies, local authorities etc?

I really couldn't care less, there are roads and I can ride on them, that's enough.

What could be done to make your cycling safer and more enjoyable?

Bike mounted RPG launcher

If are 'just a commuter', do you intend to 'get more serious' about cycling and take it up as a sport? If you haven't already, is there anything in particular stopping you?

I used to race a lot, I've tried road, track, TT, XC and downhill, what puts me off is the way so many people take it far too seriously when I just want to do it for fun. Nowadays apart from SCR I only race cyclo-cross and the occasional alleycat.

If you have already, is there anything that would have made it an easier and swifter process? What was useful?

Joining a club is the first step, other members will help and encourage you, as well as keeping you up to date on local races.