Cycling support

This page will provide you with every thing you need to get on your bike!

Choosing a bike

• Hybrid Bikes: Generally hybrid bikes are good for new cyclists, they are comfy and upright so that you can easily see traffic, and you are unlikely to get a puncture.  They also allow you to have a rack on the back or a basket on the front for your bag. This type of bike is good for cycling in your work clothes.
• Racing Bikes: Racing bikes are also popular for London commutes. They are lighter and so allow you to go faster. 
• Electric Bikes: Typically electric bikes are more expensive, but if you’ve got a hilly or long commute, you might find they are a good option. These bikes have batteries that last from 30 miles all the way up 100 miles, meaning they are a viable option for commutes over 15 miles. 
• Specialist Bikes: There are many bikes available for people with disabilities. Check out Cycling UK's guide on adapted cycles for inclusive cycling.
• A bike shop can advise you on the correct frame size and help you select a bike to suit your budget and the type of cycling clothes you may want to wear.  

Buying a bike

• Sustainable UCL Bike Sales: Check our event pages for second-hand bike sales throughout the academic year. 
• Bike to Work Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike at a discount through UCL’s cycle scheme. Staff can spend up to £5,000 on a bicycle/electric bicycle and benefit from a tax-free salary sacrifice in monthly payments resulting in 20-40% reduced costs.
• Buy Second-hand: Second-hand bike cost in the range of £70-£200. Your smaller independent bike shops are best; you’ll get to know your local maintenance team and they may even give a few discounts down the line. For tips on buying a second hand bike see Cycling Weekly or London Cycling Campaign.

Test before you buy

If you’d like to try out cycling before purchasing a bike, you can loan one from Camden Council or your local council. Camden Council offer a 4-week free bicycle loan, but you can also check with your local authority if they have a similar scheme, so that you can collect a bike nearer to your home. The greatest advantage of this scheme, is if you don’t like the bike you can take it back, and if you do like it, you can buy it from the council at a cheaper rate. 

Bike hire: Pay as you go

• Santander cycles: Operated by Transport for London, this bike loan scheme allows you to claim and return your bike from docking stations across London.
• Wheels for Wellbeing hire adaptive bikes to people living in South London.

• Jump, Lime and FreeBike offer electric dock-less bike loan schemes, and Beryl is a non-electric version. Like Santander cycles, users pay for distance/time used.  However, in most areas you do not need to dock them at a station - make sure you park them carefully on the pavement to avoid creating obstacles for pedestrians.

Get kitted out

Some cyclists may want to don the full racing gear, whilst others will not. However one things for certain, you will need some essential items such as a helmet, lights and lock.

Helmets 

Helmets cost as little as £20 and should always be worn as they are crucial for safey. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, purposes and features and can be gender specific. They also have the additional benefit of protecting you from the rain and sun, and are quite the urban assessory. However it is important you choose the right one for you, so that you are protected whilst riding.

• 'Wiggle's' 'How to choose the perfect cycling helmet guide', explains what to look for in a helmet and how to measure your head for sizing so you know what size to buy.  
• If you want to be better seen on the roads, you can choose a helmet that features fluorescent colouring and/or reflective tape details to improve visibility in dark conditions.
• For some of you looking good will be important, so ensure you get a helmet that you like otherwise you'll find you won't wear one!
• View female cycling helmets.

Lights 

If you are cycling after dark, legally you need front and rear lights. Lights are not something you want to scrimp on, they're essential for you to to see as well as be seen. Get some quality rechargeable lights, and charge them at your desk.  It’s also a good idea to keep a cheaper spare pair in your bag/pannier just in case you forget your main set. Read this guide to bike lights. 

Lock 

Get a quality bicycle lock, and spend at least 10% of the value of your bike on the lock. Buy a Sold Silver or Gold Secure rated lock. Sold Secure is an independent, non-profit organisation based in the UK. They test and certify locks to make it easier to compare the security levels between different types and brands. D locks are the most secure.  

As well as a quality D lock, buy a secondary lock to enable you to secure the frame and both wheels. Read this guide on how to correctly lock a bicycle.   

Mudguards 

Mudguards will protect you from being sprayed by standing water and muck. If you plan to get changed at work, simple small mudguards on the front and back may do. However, if you plan to cycle in your work clothes, then full mudguards will protect your clothes. 

Backpack / pannier 

If your commute isn’t too long or hilly, you can cycle to UCL in your normal clothes.  This is particularly useful if you are more on the forgetful side, and risk leaving your socks at home!  Purchasing panniers or a basket to hold your bag will help keep you feeling fresh along your commute. 

If you don't have a rack for a pannier or basket, a simple backpack can be fine for cycling to work. But ensure you have one that is compfortable for your back, especially if you are carrying a laptop. A waterproof backpack will protect you from the rain, and you can get one with flurocent detail so that you can be seen in the dark. 

Waterproofs 

A waterproof jacket is a must. There are many cycling specific jackets which are fitted, breatheable, hi-viz and allow movement for cycling without flapping in the wind. These jackets are useful on longer commutes, however on shorter rides you don’t need to get a cycling specific jacket, any waterproof layer will be fine. If you are committed to cycling throughout winter it might be worth considering waterproof over trousers too.  

Gloves 

If you want to commute in winter you will want to protect your hands. Again, you can get cycling specific gloves, which have grips and hi-vis details. However on dry days any gloves which are warm will be fine. If it rains, waterproof hiking or skiing gloves are suitable.  

Pump  

Every commuter should carry a small portable pump, which will be invaluable if you have a puncture. These are small enough to fit into your bag or strapped to your frame. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a pump, as long as it fits your valve type, it will be fine for an emergency. Read this guide on what to look for in a bicycle pump. However if you forget your pump and get a puncture, usually cyclists will stop to help.  You can also use the bicyle pump in Foster Court at UCL.

Multi-tool 

A bicycle multitool contains most of the tools needed to do basic repairs on your bicycle. They are compact, taking up far less weight and space than carrying around individual tools. They will be vital for any small adjustment or fixes. If this seems like too much there are many bike shops on route to UCL which you can pop in and ask for help. These small fixutres are usually free.

Innertube 

A spare innertube is useful if you get a puncture, but again you can pop into a bike shop.  

Fix your ride

If you're getting an old bike out of the garage, or just want to make sure your bike is in good shape, this page will provide you with the resources to fix your bike so you can start cycling.

Do the 'M' check

Getting your bike fixed at the shop

It can be intimidating to enter a bike shop, however it is important to note that every one was a beginner cyclist once, and that mechanics are bike enthusiasts keen to get more people cycling. 

Some bike shops are booked up in advance due to the recent increase in cyclists, however ringing in advance will allow you to find out when they can see you. If it is a small fixture such as tightening your break pads, popping in towards the end of the day might mean that you can be seen immediately. 

Open Bike Shop Finder is a registry for bike shops that have confirmed they are open. Please note others may be open, so it’s worth contacting other local shops. 

Free Bike Checks

Halfords offer free 32-point bike checks, including checking for wear, damage and ensuring your bike is safe to ride. Find out more here.

Free Bike Maintenance

Dr. Bike offer free bike maintenance throughout the year. They have been temporarily postponed/cancelled due to Covid-19, however this is a useful resource once it is up and running. View Dr Bike's upcoming sessions. 

Fixing your bike yourself

Fixing your bike can sound challenging, but with most things, there are lots of useful tips and tricks on YouTube. See out top resources below:

• Download simple maintenance guides from Cycling UK. 
• British Cycling have step by step video guides for maintenance and repairs on YouTube. 
• BikeRide list maintenance videos guides.

Cycle confidently

Cycling in London can be daunting if you haven’t done it before – however it’s much safer than you think! Here are a few tips and resources for improving your confidence before commuting to UCL. 

Practice makes perfect

If you're new to cycling, we reccomend testing out your bike on an empty road or in a local park; somewhere free of cars and other cyclists. 

If you want to practice your commute when the roads are less busy, why not go at the weekend? Asking a friend who is a confident cyclist to accompany you will help, as they will know the best cycle routes free from cars, and are usually keen to pass on their knowledge.

Learn your route

• New cycle lanes have been put in place since social distancing measures have been enforced, as well as in the last decade. View Sustran's webstite for changes made to cycle routes by local authorities. For Camden specific chances, view the proposed changes on Camden Safe Travel's website.
• View TFL's detailed cycle routes;
• Google maps;
• TfL Route Planner;
• Cycle Streets;
• Bike Citizens.

Get informed

Knowing the rules of the road and your rights will reassure you that you are cycling correctly – and help you to feel confident. For example, did you know that it is legal in the UK for two bikes to cycle side by side? Don’t be afraid to hold up the car behind you, go at your own pace and ensure you are seen, at the front of the traffic and indicate where you’re going.  Always make sure to cycle a car door’s width away from any parked car to avoid any opening doors - and always have lights with you in case it gets dark.  We recommend wearing a helmet but this isn't a legal requirement.

For more guidance, see our top recommended resources: 

• Bikeability, the UK's national cycle training programme provides you with cycling guides, detailing key considerations and behaviours when cycling. 
• Read the Highway Code for a full catalogue of traffic signs and road markings.
• Cycling UK have produced their top tips for cycling in traffic.  
• British cycling also have a useful top ten tips for cycling.
• TfL have information on how to cycle safely in London.

Training

• Bikeability is the UK's national cycle training programme. Normally, you can book free cycle training courses in your borough for free, by visiting the TfL website, or via your local authority, see here. However due to social distancing, this is currently not running. It is worth checking this for when it does reopen however, as it is a very useful resource. You can attend if you are a beginnger, intermediate or advanced cyclist and learn 1 on 1 how to enhance your cycling skills on London roads. The trainer will meet you near your house and take you on any roads you find tricky.
• Cycling UK offer a range of riding skills sessions for people with different levels of experience. 
• Wheels for Wellbeing and Wheels for All organise inclusive cycling sessions for disabled people. 
• Camden Council offers Camden Cycle Skills courses for one participant at a time, in accordance with current government guidance to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Camden can register on the following for free: Adult Cycle Skills, Children's Cycle Skills.