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Eight mistakes new bike commuters make that can be easily avoided

Shifter

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If, like me, you live in a city that is not very bike-friendly, bicycle commuting can sometimes be intimidating. But bike commuting is an amazing way to improve your life, so I thought I'd share a few tips I picked up over the years the hard way. Hopefully, this video will help you avoid some of the mistakes that I made.

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0:00 Introduction
0:36 Trying to do too much
1:38 Gear overload
2:19 Choosing the wrong route
3:13 Being impatient with the logistics
4:04 Going for speed, rather than efficiency
5:15 Dressing like a cyclist
6:21 Not recognizing the risks of a hybrid bike
7:35 Bragging about your commute

20 Comments

@Shifter_Cycling Creator 4 months ago Pinned

If this video made bike commuting feel doable, my course will give you confidence to get you started: https://shiftercourses.thinkific.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=commuter-mistakes

@davidfixitmcleod 4 years ago

A piece of advice I always give to folks who are nervous about starting to ride their bikes in urban traffic: don't forget that you always have the option to get off and walk your bike on the sidewalk for a bit! If you hit a stretch where the traffic is scaring you, or a hill that's uncomfortably steep, or especially a left turn at a busy intersection, you can always hop off the bike, become a pedestrian until you're past the problem area, and then start riding again. I've been bicycle commuting for over twenty years, and I still do this sometimes!

@RCPrepping 4 years ago (edited)

I am 62 years old. I live in a small city of 23,000 people. I began commuting to work recently, after putting $141.00 of gas in my truck, and am now hooked. I now ride all over town for work, all my shopping and personal appointments. Wish I would have started this forty years ago. 👍 for your video.

@sventice 4 years ago

One thing I would add: get fenders. They're not only good for keeping your backside clean on sloppy days; they're also really useful for keeping your entire bike cleaner and more functional throughout the winter. I would never even consider commuting on a bike without fenders.

@nwimpney 3 years ago

One of my biggest tips for newbies would be to learn to ride defensively, but not submissively.
On the first point, always try and leave yourself an out. If you have the right of way, but a car's creeping out from a side road, slow down if you have to, be ready to stop if they do suddenly pull out. Always assume that they don't see you.
On the second point, Don't be afraid to take a dominant position in your lane. If you try and stay out of the way at the side of the road, cars will attempt to squeeze by when there's not enough space to do it safely, and you'll often be trapped far too close to curbs or parked cars. Far too many cyclists die from getting stuck in the door zone, and knocked into traffic when someone opens their door without looking.
If there's not room for a car to safely pass you in the lane, or if that space disappears in the next 100m or so, you should ride far enough out that they have to pass you using the other lane (like they would pass a car). It may annoy some bad drivers, but you're better off getting honked/yelled at by some impatient jerk, than accidentally injured/killed when they think they have enough room to squeeze by.

@tamdaitu 1 year ago

Very important tip for bikers: wear a bike helmet! I worked in the ER and Rehab, and I've seen patients with part of their head/brain missing because of an accident, and these are the lucky ones who survived.

@rabomarc 4 years ago

I would add one more thing: avoid a backpack. Use a pannier rack or basket instead. Backpack = sweaty back. No matter how easy you go, no matter how great the ventilation of backpack the manufacturer claims to be. It took me way too long to understand it.

@rand8530 4 years ago

I bike commuted in fair weather for two years. Then I read your book and discovered your channel. I rode all year last year regardless of the weather. I have now ridden for 20 months five days a week and have not driven to work once. I gave up my $360 a year parking spot and then I sold my car. You are an inspiration.

@StewartMidwinter 4 years ago

Mistake number 9: putting the bike away for the winter at the first hint of cooler weather. Just cover up with a couple of thin layers for breaking the wind, and cover the extremities, and you'll find you stay quite warm cycling. I have to laugh when people won't cycle in the winter because they say it's too cold, and then they head to the ski slopes on the weekends!

@nwimpney 3 years ago

Another tip would be to leave lots of extra time the first times you commute by bike. If you're not already a regular cyclist, you'll probably be pretty slow at first, but don't worry. After a few weeks your speed will probably improve a fair bit, even if you're riding at a fairly relaxed pace.

@ASAMB12 4 years ago

I guess this depends on the bike infrastructure but I feel a lot safer since I installed a rear-view mirror on my bike. In my country cyclists have to ride on the road alongside car traffic for the most part and it just makes me feel better to be able to check on what's going on behind me.

@iMadrid11 4 years ago

When you're just starting out. Don't plan for the most direct route like a car. "Plan for the most flat road route with small hill inclines." Even if it takes you a few kilometers more to reach your destination. The easiest route is the one where you spend less effort when cycling. When you get more fit from cycling regularly. Massive hills won't even be a challenge for you.

@davem8165 4 years ago (edited)

I have commuted for over 40 years. A few things I've learned over the years: 1. It's rarely too cold to cycle- dress appropriately with layers that zip open when you warm up. A good windbreaker on top makes all the difference. I've found that what gets cold is my fingers and toes, so warm gloves and socks really help. Last, ALWAYS wear a helmet! For the first 20 years, I was lucky with no helmet until an old-timer told me "if you ride a lot, it's not IF you have an accident, it's WHEN you have an accident". I started wearing a helmet and it saved my life!

@acey850 4 years ago

Tip for newbies like me 😇: learn how to clean and maintain your bike, and do it regularly!

@kevinbaltazar9824 4 years ago (edited)

1st mistake of new bike commuters: riding with no helmet

@Bbing888 2 years ago

I've got a tip! Wear a helmet. Especially if you're biking around cars. I honestly think its irresponsible to make a video like this with no mention of helmets.

@stuarthirsch 4 years ago

I would encourage helmet use whenever you ride. There is no down side to it and it can save your life. Just as wearing a seat belt while driving. Starting commuters need more than just a bike to be safe. I would also encourage getting some kind of handlebar light and red tail light for safety. You also may need to ride after dark and have a good bell or horn. These are inexpensive today but really vital. Please do a video on bike lighting, bike bells and horns. A rain poncho in your backpack is also a good idea.

@jesseulmer9126 4 years ago

I found that E biking allows my wife who broke her hip a few years ago and myself who had a recent knee replacement to get out and enjoy the outdoors in a way we could not physically do either regular bikes. And we ride so much further with electric assist than we’d ever be able to on regular bikes. And the physical workout that we get actually is the best thing for our disabilities. Thanks for your no nonsense approach to cycling and encouragement to get out there and do it in a way that’s fun and beneficial to the rider’s needs! At age 64 we’re still riding ever chance we get!

@vegnewb 4 years ago

When Canadians are saying something positive about their community, they say 'here in Canada'. When they say something negative, they say 'in North America'.