SO YOU WANT TO START CYCLING?

...or at least you're beginning to think about getting out on a bike, maybe for the first time in years. Whether you intend to cycle every day or maybe just at the weekends, there are some important things you should consider first, and some less important things that will probably cross your mind later on! This short guide will hopefully point you in the right direction - we don't have all the answers, but we've all been there before, so we've prepared a list of essentials to help you get it right.

THE RIGHT BIKE FOR YOU - maybe you already have one, most households own at least one, so lets check out that one in the garage first.

Is it suitable for your needs? Not all bikes are suitable for doing specific jobs, most bikes will do for a general run around - a few miles around town or out to a pub, but your son's lightweight full suspension mountain bike probably isn't the best thing for getting work on, any more than that old sit-up-and-beg clunker will do for a 100 mile day-trip in Wales!

You need to decide what kind of machine will best suit the rides you intend to make. You may even want to consider a trike, a recumbent or a trailer puller. There are many different machines - some designed for specific jobs, and budget permitting, you can even get a very personal custom made machine built.

Does it fit you? Size is important, and an ill fitting bike can do you lasting damage and may be difficult to ride. Some adjustment may be necessary, but be prepared to abandon it in favour of another machine. Most bike shops will be all too pleased to measure you up and advise you on size.

Is it in full working order? Check before you take off into the wild blue yonder - brakes, tyres, steering, gears, frame and seat all need to be in good working order. If you don't know how to do it yourself, take it to your local bike shop see Local Bike Shops, most will do it for you - but agree a price first - and then you wont end up paying more than a new bike might cost! See There are some good books available to help you through servicing if you want to do it yourself. Local colleges sometimes offer short courses in basic skills - including practical maintenance.

If you're going to be cycling to work, then you'll need mudguards and probably lights. If you are going to carry loads - even a change of clothing, then maybe you need panniers or a saddle bag, shoppers may prefer baskets, or even a trailer.

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BUYING A BIKE - it may turn out that you are going to have to buy a bike after all. It doesn't have to be a new one, there is a thriving secondhand market where you can pick up some good bargains. Merseyside Cycling Campaign offers members free ads to sell off surplus gear, and Pedal Press sometimes carries ads for bikes. The 'specialist' cycling mags also have pages for selling bikes of all shapes and sizes. Or why not visit your local bike shop see Local Bike Shops

Whether you buy new or used, buy as good as you afford. Many shops will sell you a hi-tech, hi-spec, super-duper mountain bike for £99.00 or even less, but you may find them heavy - with cheap equipment that won't last or may be difficult to adjust. Buy from a reputable cycle dealer and explain your requirements - so they can recommend a specification for you, to suit your pocket and your needs. Most also offer a servicing and advice package and will help with fixing wheels, mudguards, lights etc.

Merseyside Cycling Campaign members have a wide variety of cycles, and if you are uncertain of buying a particular brand or configuration, we may be able to offer an opinion - please get in touch if you need any help.

SAFETY FIRST! - buy a helmet, it's common sense! A helmet won't save you from being run down, but if you skid or get unseated by a pothole, it will probably save your brains from impacting the tarmac! A bell is a polite way of advising pedestrians of your imminent arrival - no good in traffic of course, but ideal for shared pathways where politeness is important. Wear something bright - motorists are often blind to cyclists, but are particulary attentive to bright yellow/green because Police Officers wear that colour!

WHAT NEXT? - now that you are equipped and ready to go. You'll want to get out and ride of course. There are lots of good cycle routes about, sometimes it's less obvious where they are, but your local Merseyside Cycling Campaign group will know where they are and may be able to provide maps.

If you are riding to work every day, try and find somebody to ride all or part of the same route with you - they may well know some quieter roads or shortcuts, its also good for morale to share the journey. In time, you may become aware of how your life as a cyclist could be improved. Maybe you need somewhere secure to park your bike at work or at the shops, maybe there's a pothole that you want filling in, or a dangerous junction that needs adjusting.

That's where Merseyside Cycling Campaign can really help. We make no promises of course, but joining us can help us to apply pressure where it counts and get the work done. You don't have to be cyclist to join! Local Councils are increasingly aware of how important cycling is becoming and we are beginning to get things done "on the ground". We can offer help and support in setting up Bike User Groups at work and if there's any incentives going, be sure we'll know about them!

Organised rides - for all levels of ability - are regularly run by various groups, again we can put you in touch with them, just email us for details or see our events page for our own series of Bike Time rides. These are a good way of learning the pleasure routes and meeting like minded people. Cyclists are generally friendly and helpful, especially to other cyclists!

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