Ultimate Cycling Commute Guide

As daily cyclists ourselves at Bikmo, we know the happiness that comes from riding a bike, whether for work or play.

However, there is some precautions that we all need to take to make our cycling commute as safe and stress-free as possible, including having the right insurance for your bike and gear.

1. What bike to use

Bikes with clearance for mudguards are invaluable to avoid getting a wet behind when walking into the office.

Advancements in design and tech have meant there’s some incredibly well made e-bikes and e-cargo bikes out there, if you need to transport more than just a backpack or want an extra boost to your ride.

Pro buying tip – there’s lots of “cycle to work” schemes out there, that can make all kinds of bicycles more affordable with big discounts and by paying them off monthly

2. Appropriate clothing

With 15% of accidents occurring in dark and low light conditions, it’s important that you invest in lights for your bike and some reflective clothing. Hi-vis jackets and gilets are good options, or you can get strips that can be worn around your ankles or arms.

3. Helmet and cameras

Although it’s not a legal requirement that you wear a helmet, it can save your life if you’re involved in an incident. Helmet cameras can also be fitted, and provide you with vital evidence in your defence if you ever needed it.

4. Know your route

Traffic is far heavier and more congested in rush hour. Get to know your commute time and practise your route, prior to the day you ride to work for the first time.

5. Invest in a Sold Secure rated lock

Theft accounted for 57% of our claims in the UK in 2022. A whopping 77% of those claims were while away from home. Therefore, investing in a decent lock is crucial.

We highly recommend “Sold Secure” accredited locks, as they are the premier testing and certification house for security products. Check out our Best D Lock guide here.

6. Where you are parking

We highly recommend locking your bike to an immovable object when not in use. Read more about how and where to lock your bike in our Top 3 tips for locking your bike guide.

7. Signal like you mean it

Signalling is imperative to commuting safely. Always remember to check over your shoulder early before changing position.

8. Consider cycle insurance

Not all home and even dedicated cycle insurance will cover you and your bike while “Commuting“, or even “away from home”. Even if they do, there’s often knowing there’s a low “maximum bike value” in the small print.

With Bikmo cycle insurance, we cover Commuting as standard, and have cover options for “Business Use” for those riding between meetings during the work day.

Our cover has options for theft, accidental damage, and much more.

Better yet, Cycling UK members benefit from an exclusive