“Never too late.”

While these tips may be a little daunting to those who may have never ridden a bike before or are a little rusty, don’t fret! It’s never too late to start! In the city of Vancouver, you don’t even need to have your own bike. Easy-to-use bike rental services are available throughout the city and even on campus. Mobi by Shaw Go is an easy, convenient, and fun way to get around and explore Vancouver. You might have seen these bikes before. They’re bright blue and have stations in downtown Vancouver and from Kitsilano all the way to East Vancouver. They are great for anyone who doesn’t have a bike and is looking to start cycling or just ride around for an afternoon. If you’re interested in trying it out, visit https://www.mobibikes.ca/en/how-it-works for more information. Fun fact, members of the UBC community are eligible for a discount with Mobi. Unfortunately, there are no docking stations at UBC for Mobi. But there are plenty of alternative options!

UBC also has its own bike share system with Dropbike. There is also a Purple and Yellow bike share program operated by the AMS Bike Co-op. Visit https://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/transportation-planning/transportation-options/cycling/bike-share-programs for more information on the different bike share services available on campus.

“Keep a consistent pace.”

Cycling should be fun, so we’ve gone to expert cyclists for their tips on how to stay both safe and comfortable while riding. Set up your bike correctly to ensure an easier, more efficient ride. A comfortable setup also means less soreness during and after a ride. For example, most people’s seats are too low. The seat should be at hip height, and arms not rigid but slightly bent when holding the handlebars. When riding, try not to pedal in high gear for extended periods of time. It’s best to keep a consistent pace when riding, especially if you are travelling long distances. If you pedal in high gear, it puts added strain on your knees, and if you commute long distances on a daily basis, you will definitely start to feel that strain.

Use your gears! If you’re climbing a hill, shift into a gear that will keep you consistently at the same pace. A high gear slows you down, makes you lose momentum, and depletes your energy.

“Protect your head. Buy a helmet.”

The head is oftentimes referred to as a melon. Protect your melon; buy a helmet. The bike share services on campus don’t include helmets with their rentals and encourage riders to purchase their own. If you don’t have a helmet, you can rent one from the Bike Kitchen. While Mobi bikes include helmets with their service, the helmets are often stolen by previous riders, so it’s best to have your own. Remember, if you’re looking to cycle, make sure you protect your melon!

There are also other things you can do to keep yourself safe when out cycling. Your eyes, for example, might need a little extra protection. Wearing biking glasses are good for when you’re travelling on gravel or even on roads when traffic dust goes flying. A good pair of gloves can also help keep your hands safe from any gravel and debris that kicks up.

“Plan ahead.”

When you’re cycling in traffic, you might want to travel on roads that have been revamped with designated bike lanes. Motorists will be more aware of cyclists where there are paths laid specifically for you. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead. Make sure to bring a water bottle with you on your rides. Another avid cyclist in admissions also suggests that if you know you will be cycling on a more remote trail to text someone where you’re going. There’s also spare tire kits you can keep under a bike seat for emergencies. No one wants to end up in a forest remake of “127 Hours”.

“Have fun!”

Now that you know more about cycling, make sure to check out Bike to Work Week with the Hub! It’s a free event that runs from May 27 to June 2, so gear up and register at https://bikehub.ca/bike-events/bike-to-work-week. You can log your bike trips and enter to win various prizes, not to mention get some great exercise along the way!

Have some fun! Map out a bike route and go explore the city! There are lots of cycling lanes that take you through parks, beaches, up mountains, and beyond. As a bicycle once told me, “When you’re two-tired…ride on!”[i]

[i] Joke by Allison Yang