One of the most important tips I can think of is to ride a bike that is well maintained. So many people I know say that they don't like cycling, whilst hurling a rusty chunk of metal around that is squeakier than my dog's toys. They usually look at my bikes and say something like "No wonder you like cycling so much, your bike looks like so much fun!" and I'm like "Yeah, really nothing special about them. I just keep 'em clean and well lubed." People vastly underestimate how much of a difference it makes to just have a decently maintained drive train.

47 years old I cycle commute 365 days a year do not own a car and never will again I think every young person should cycle commute they will save a lot of money

Im glad you did this video , I’m a bicycle commuter. Working in an amazon warehouse solves the showering problem for me. We need. More people cycle commuting. I save so much money not having the hassles of a car.

For my ADHD cyclists out there: make sure that everything is fastened to you bike as much as possible!
Use a hub dynamo with mounted lights, use a bikelock that's mounted on your frame ( Like Katies! ), get looks that integrate into your BB or headset, carry a spare tire in your saddlebag and so on!
Can't forget it if it's mounted!

The sweat problem: I don’t usually change my clothes after riding into work. In summer, I make a big glass of ice water, and I sit as still as possible for 20 minutes. If I’m still sweating when I arrive, I might wipe off, and the best thing for that is some liquid witch hazel which I get at the drug store (aka chemist). It does not dry the skin, but it stops my sweating quickly.

The rain problem: if it’s raining hard or likely to start raining before I arrive at work, I don’t ride. But if there is a risk on my commute home, why not? I can change easily once I’m home. I have gotten soaked on the way in. For that, I keep a complete change of clothes at work. It must be complete, with underwear, socks, belt, and shoes.

The general weather problem: I occasionally write down what I wore, what the conditions were, and how well it worked out. That way, I know what to wear for which conditions.

The traffic problem: skill makes a huge difference. It’s possible to build skill. One way to build it is to ride with an experienced friend who can show you stuff. I’ve taught people how to ride in traffic safely and comfortably. My two rules: 1. Predict others, and 2. Be predictable. I now have very good nerves and am willing to ride in a big variety of conditions, even though I don’t like all of them.

When I first started commuting, I rode my planned journey few times on Sunday morning just to be more comfortable with the traffic. I was new to cycling but this really helped me.

This brings me back to my first commute … riding my ten speed Torpado as a teen from home to my first summer job. That’s the same bicycle that recently celebrated its 50th birthday. I still can’t believe that I rode that bike through the summer heat and rush hour traffic. Glad I did because that summer job lead to a 37 year career with Rolls-Royce (aero engines not the cars). 🚴🙂

I see very few people with a rear view mirror on their handle bar. Maybe I got old but I would not ride a bike in traffic without knowing what's behind me at all time. Can get a rear view mirror for a few dollars these days, I much prefer ones that attach on the side of tube handle, bracket is very short so mirror is very stable (no vibrations) and view is not obstructed by body or hand. A tip for male riders, I much prefer a bike for females with low frame, much easier to step on. Just swap for a male seat.  As for the commuting part, it is so important to have good tire pressure - bicycle tires take a lot of pressure usually written on tire side wall, properly inflated tire does reduce significantly pedaling effort. Quality and properly greased wheel bearings also reduce pedaling effort.

I stared bike commuting this year. I got a peddle assist and it’s been really fun. So far it has boosted my conference on the road and with traffic.(was hit by a car on my road bike about 10 years ago which lead to me quitting cycling) I started road cycling again about 3 years ago but I have been very tentative. This has been my best year for biking since I have come back.

The Dutch never worry about the "Showering" issue. After visiting The Netherlands I cycle commute on my Brompton in smart shirt, and trousers, everyday shoes, quite a bit uphill, I don't ever have an issue with sweating, I just cycle steady. I'm not in a race. I do keep a set of waterproofs with me though.

I started commuting by bike in September last year to save money on fuel and parking. I come from the moors down into Manchester and then out to Salford. 15 miles each way, three times a week. I started on-road and it was hard for the first few weeks. I had never thought of using Strava or Komoot to plan my route until I saw one of your videos. Used it and discovered I can stay off-road for 12.5 of the 15 miles of my route. This led to me getting a gravel bike, getting much, much  fitter and I've now started entering gravel events and riding the longest distances I can.
The thing I love is at this time of year I can use the commute home as training. I leave everything in the office so it's just me and my bike vs the elevation on the way home.

Super points all around. Hacks I use, for Canadian winter: merino base layers/a wool sweater under waterproof jacket, studded snow tires, & downhill ski goggles, fenders for year round. Bike with internal hub. I also leave good shoes at work. No such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! Thanks for the helpful video! May more people take the plunge! What also helps others to get their heads around it is to go with a more experienced buddy.

London has been transformed by cyclists. I live bang in the centre and it is so great to see them dominate the roads here at rush hour, the idea of a car not noticing all the cyclists is unthinkable now. Always room for improvements, of course, but miles better than it used to be.

The only thing I'd argue against is having headphones at all!  I find being able to hear my environment makes me feel the most secure!  You can judge car speed, spacing, etc from tire noise or even the revving of the engine.  I used to bike all the time with phones/buds but I have embraced the noise of my environment on my rides!

If you haven't commuted before make sure you do the ride on a Sunday when you have loads of time. This let's you get the experience of the route and how long it will take you. Also If you don't want to ride in and out every day You might consider riding to work Monday morning, then train/bus home whatever that night and back in Tuesday morning before riding home Tuesday night. Find what works for you.

People don't run everywhere and expect to shower at the end, they just walk, so I do agree that showers aren't a deal breaker. Just ride a little more slowly.  I definitely prefer panniers to a rucksack, although they can make it harder to nip through gaps. Proviz Reflect360 jackets and 3M Scotchguard reflective tape on your bike are great in the winter. I've worked from home since March 2020, and the only thing I miss about the office is the 12km commute each way.

Back when I lived and worked in UK, I always biked in. I left 1 or 2 suits at the office plus a pair of work shoes, so all I needed esch day was fresh shirt, socks and underwear.  These I could carry in a backpack with my lunch and a waterproof. Defo payed not to give it full gas on the way in, but often took it out on the pedals if I'd had a bad day! When I worked in London rode 5 miles to our local station, put the cycle on the train and then rode from Waterloo Station to the City. All in all it was much quicker, less stressful and certainly cheaper to ride to work. You do need to ve a bit more organised but it's worth it

Like the Dutch, I wouldn't get sweaty either. I ride a granny bike through town (in Denmark), in winter in an oversize winter coat that no wind or rain can get through and loose lambs wool gloves with the seams on the outside. I of course have a huge basket and everything goes in there including groceries. No weight on my person except my bike helmet. My granny bike runs well but is low value. There is no lock on it and it hasn't been stolen yet (maybe 7 years). Biking is one of the things I enjoy most, gliding along while thinking and getting some fresh air and seeing the seasons change.

Katie you are spot on with lights! With many decades of urban commuting I used a flat bar bike with fenders and slightly larger tires. Flat bars gave me a more upright position to see and be seen better. The wider tires for soaking up uneven and cracked pavement. Fenders kept me so much cleaner in damp and wet conditions.

Youtube need to sort out there subtitles , check out 2.07 with the subtitles on 🤣 im not sure the information is correct or at least its a step im not prepared to take !