There are a lot of reasons to take up cycling, but the major problem is that there are so many more reasons not to. If you want to take up cycling as a commuter or just for fun, knowing how to overcome common obstacles is crucial to keep doing it. If you hit one road bump, don’t give up, learn how to tackle it instead.
Challenges of Riding in Traffic
This is the major obstacle that bars people from ever trying to cycle in town. However, cars aren’t going away and if you really want to cycle, you need to learn to make nice. The key to overcoming the fear of riding with cars is to start small. Go around your neighborhood, plan trips with others in less crowded areas of town, and get plenty of tips on how to ride with traffic. There will always be risks, but the more comfortable you are, the more traffic you can deal with.
Flat Tires
This is the eternal worry for cyclists. They are riding around town and their tires get progressively flatter. In most cases, all your tire needs is a little air, and since they are so small, even a manual pump can do the job. Of course, if you run over something sharp, having a temporary patch kit on hand can be a lifesaver.
You Can’t Carry Stuff
If you think about the stuff you usually carry in your car – your lunch, a few papers for work, a water bottle – you realize you don’t really need the carrying capacity of a car except for the big stuff. Realize that most things can be carried in a backpack, or at most, a saddlebag.
Not Knowing How to Keep a Bike Safe
It is easier to steal a bike than a car, there is no doubt. However, if you get even a reasonably thick bike lock and know that you need to lock your bike up somewhere visible rather than secluded, you can be assured your bike probably isn’t going to get taken. The great thing about your bike is you can lock them up in some very public places and the public helps to guard them.
If you are ready to overcome these obstacles and go out on the road, know that accidents still might happen. However, if they do, contact us today to make sure you get the representation that you deserve.