Cycle

'Woman crossing on bike' - Ross Sneddon

'You can do it!' Advice from our cyclists

• Believe- you honestly can do it- the hill can seem really daunting at first, but there's no shame in using lowest-gears or walking up for parts of your journey!

• Plan your best route from where you live -Bath is hilly, It may be quicker and easier to take longer routes that avoid climbing.

• Make sure your bike is roadworthy – check the tyres are pumped up and the brakes and gears work.

• Get a locker to store any heavy or bulky items you don’t want to carry up, or around campus every day. You might also want to store spare clothes

What to wear/pack :

• Hi-vis all the way!!

• Comfortable, light clothes on the way up, and an extra layer (and some gloves) on the way down! Bring a change of clothes and have a shower when you arrive on campus – it's a great way to start the day! 

• Make sure you are prepared for different weather conditions. You can buy small cycling raincoat/shower-proof coats which stuff easily into your bag.

• ALWAYS bring lights if there is a chance you will be caught in the dark or rain.

• It’s also a good idea to get a reflective rucksack cover. Not only do these help other people see you but you can get waterproof ones that keep your stuff dry if it rains. 

Cycling up the hill: 

• Avoid cycling up Bathwick hill- Instead, cycle up the less busy hills of North road and Widcombe

• Don’t be afraid to use your lowest gear!

• Take your time and pace yourself – don't worry about how long it takes to get to the top (you will get quicker with practice). Leave a little extra time for your first few trips! 

• If you want to walk up part of the hill that’s okay! try to cycle a little further each day.

• Set yourself little targets as you cycle up – I.e. aim to cycle to the next landmark such as a sign/parked car/post box 

• Here are some tips from British Cycling

Cycling down the hill:

• Cycle down Bathwick- It's the widest and most illuminated road down to town. Other roads are less safe!

• Take it easy- particularly in the rain!

• Enjoy it!

Remember that if you live in Combe Down, Odd Down, South Down etc, you really don’t have to cycle up the hill! Cycling along Claverton Down Road is mostly flat, and less busy than Widcombe/Bathwick/North Road.  

Miles, one of our cycling enthusiasts at Team Bath has done a podcast! Check it out!