Today Bangalore Mirror came up with the article – Techie ReSolution where it wrote about six techies cycling to work on a daily basis. I just wanted to summarize few things here.
For me the year 2009 is ending with great satisfaction since I could cycle to work throughout the year. I am leaving for my own version of ‘Tour of Nilgiris’ on 25th. The year started with the absolute beauty of cycling and will culminate in cycling.
Please remember:
- Adopting cycling as your primary means of transport is not easy but not impossible either.
- Start with short distances – cycle for about 3km a day. In the beginning, 3km can take as long as 20 min. But it soon comes down to 10min.
- Start cycling to grocery store and nearby places. Cycle during weekends and gradually increase the distance.
- 5km is a very comfortable distance and it gets a bit difficult after 15km (one way). I have seen many people doing 20km oneway, after sufficient practice.
- First few days your body will pain. You also need to adjust your saddle properly and emphasize on good cycling postures.
- Traffic in Bangalore is not very cycle friendly. But if you keep a low profile on the roads, maintain a reasonable speed and stick to extreme left, you will do good.
- Traffic police and other vehicles in Bangalore have been very understanding, so far.
- Pollution could be a great negative. Choose interior roads. It could be a bit longer, but you will love the fresh air
You can use masks, if needed. - Street dogs are a menace at night. So ride slow, don’t get into a race with them. If needed, get down the bicycle and walk.
- Always use lights – Note that light is not important to see the road but to be seen by fellow motorists. Majority of the cycle accidents involve bad lighting systems.
- I encourage people to use a good helmet.
- In a period of 1-1.5 months, cycling will soak into your blood
Wish you all a Happy New Year and a year filled with new discoveries such as cycling.