Whether you're a daily commuter or setting off on a cycling holiday, a few good habits make every ride safer, smoother and more enjoyable — and a few bad ones are worth avoiding. Here are ten simple do's and don'ts for cycling with confidence.
The five do's
1. Do check your bike before you ride. A quick look at tyres, brakes and chain — the "ABC" check — takes a minute and prevents most roadside problems.
2. Do make yourself visible. Lights front and rear, plus bright or reflective clothing, dramatically reduce your risk, especially in low light.
3. Do signal your intentions. Clear hand signals before turning or moving out let drivers and other cyclists anticipate what you'll do.
4. Do stay hydrated and fuelled. On longer rides, drink before you're thirsty and eat before you're hungry to avoid running out of energy.
5. Do adjust your bike to fit you. Correct saddle height and reach protect your knees and back and make every kilometre more comfortable.
The five don'ts
6. Don't ride with headphones in both ears. Hearing the traffic around you is part of staying safe; keep at least one ear free.
7. Don't hug the kerb. Riding a sensible distance from the edge keeps you out of drains and debris and makes you more visible to traffic.
8. Don't ignore maintenance. A dry, squeaking chain or worn brake pads only get worse — small fixes prevent big failures.
9. Don't overload your handlebars. Heavy bags on the bars make steering unstable; use panniers or a rack to carry weight low and balanced.
10. Don't set off without a basic kit. A spare tube, tyre levers, a pump or CO2, and a multitool turn most mechanical hiccups into a five-minute stop.
Ride smart, ride far
None of this is complicated — it's just the difference between a ride that goes well and one that doesn't. Build these habits and you'll enjoy cycling more, wherever the road takes you. Ready for your next trip? Explore our cycling tours.
