Riding for ease, not for sport
Plenty of people only get on a bike a few times a year: on holiday, on a day out, or for a short hop across a city. Bike share is a good fit for that kind of casual city riding, and the goal is rather different from commuting or training. You want to arrive comfortably, enjoy the view and keep things simple. This article is aimed at that kind of rider, on bike paths and quiet streets.
Pick a calm route
If you are not used to riding, choose paths and quiet streets rather than main roads. Riverside paths, parks and waterfront promenades often work well. Check any signs for rules, such as whether cycling is allowed at certain times, whether you must dismount in busy areas and where the speed is limited. Local rules differ widely, and visitors are not exempt.
A route with a few stops for coffee, photos or a rest can turn a ride into an outing. Allow more time than the map suggests, because you will probably want to pause.
Everyday clothes on a bike
You do not need special kit for a short, slow ride, but a few small choices make it more comfortable.
- Trousers and skirts: loose hems can catch in the chain or pedals. Tucking in a trouser leg, rolling it up or using a clip or band can help. Long skirts and coats can flap into the wheel, so a bike with a chain guard and skirt guard helps, and many share bikes have them.
- Shoes: closed, flat shoes with a firm grip on the pedals are usually more secure than sandals or heels. Avoid flip-flops, which can slip off.
- Layers: you may warm up quickly even on a cool day. A removable layer that you can tie or put in a bag is useful.
- Sun and rain: sunglasses help with glare and bugs, and a light waterproof jacket is easier to carry than to regret.
Wearing a helmet is a sensible precaution, though not all visitors have one. Check the local law and consider whether you can bring a helmet with you or buy one.
Carrying bags
A heavy bag on your shoulder or back can upset your balance and make your back sweaty. Handlebar baskets are common on share bikes, but weight there can make steering feel heavy and wobbly, so keep the load small and light. A few ideas:
- Put heavier things low and, where a rack exists, over the rear wheel rather than far out front.
- Make sure straps, scarves and dangling cords cannot reach the wheels.
- Use a bag that closes securely so nothing falls out over bumps. A bungee or net across a basket can help.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a pocket or zipped section, rather than loose in the basket where they could be snatched or shaken out.
If you are carrying a lot, consider whether biking is the best way to travel for that stage, or spread the load across two bags. The topic of riding with a backpack deals with the effect on balance in more detail.
Stay relaxed
Tension tends to make riding harder. Keep your elbows soft, your shoulders loose and your grip light. Sit upright and look ahead rather than at your front wheel. If you wobble, slow down and breathe. Remember that being relaxed on the bike helps you react better than being rigid.
Take the first few minutes at a gentle pace to get used to the bike. A quiet stretch or empty path is a good place to try the brakes and test how the steering feels. If you have not ridden for a long time, remember that riding after a break is something many people do, and a gentle first ride is a fine way to begin.
Be visible and courteous
On a shared path, expect walkers, runners, dogs and other riders. Keep your speed low enough to stop easily, ride in a steady line, and ring the bell gently when you want to pass. Giving people plenty of room and a friendly word keeps paths pleasant. Stop off the path if you want to take photos or check the map, so that you do not block anyone.
Visibility matters even in daylight, and especially at dusk. Check that the bike’s lights work. Bright clothing helps, and a small clip-on light is a good extra. If you will be riding after dark, think about whether you are comfortable on unlit paths in an unfamiliar place.
Be aware of the unfamiliar
Visitors may find the rules differ from home. Traffic may keep to the other side of the road, junctions may work differently and local signals may be unfamiliar. Take your time, watch what local riders do, and walk your bike across anything that looks confusing. Use common sense with cobbles, tram tracks, wet surfaces and busy crossings, and dismount if you are unsure.
Locking and leaving the bike
When you stop to sightsee, check the operator’s rules for pausing a rental and for leaving the bike. Many systems let you lock the bike temporarily, while others keep charging while you are away. Do not leave a bike unattended unless you are sure it is properly secured and permitted.
Keep it fun
The best share-bike rides tend to be short, slow and unhurried. Stop when you are tired, drink water, wear sun protection on hot days and return the bike with time to spare. A ride that feels easy is usually a ride that goes well.