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Every day is a good day to start riding to work. The hardest part is changing from one habit to another. Once you get a pattern established it's easy to motivate yourself to ride to work. Here are a few easy steps:
1. Think about it
"Hmmm, petrol is quite expensive, maybe I could save a few $$ by riding my bike to work, get some exercise and lose a couple of kilos at the same time".
"If I rode regularly we could sell the second family car and put the money saved towards an annual holiday"
2. Do some research and preparation
"It's been a while since I've exercised, maybe I should visit my GP for a checkup first."
"My bike has a flat tyre and the chain looks rusty, a service at a bike shop probably wouldn't hurt. I'll have to move the lawnmower out of the way first to reach the bike at the back of the shed."
"I better find out where I can park my bike at work so it won't get stolen and where I can leave a change of clothes. I wonder if I'll need to have a shower. If I don't ride fast I won't get sweaty. If I do ride quickly then a wash in the sink in the toilets and a change of clothes should do. "
"Perhaps I should talk to that guy who rides the yellow bike to work. He might have some tips and can recommend a good route".
3. Get everything ready for the first ride
"I've looked at the Hobart Bike map and I've picked a route. I might do a practice run on Sunday to see how long it takes." "I can leave a pair of shoes and a jacket at work so I won't have to carry them on the bike. I'll put the rest of my clothes into a backpack. Maybe I should check out those bags that clip onto a rack at the back of the bike. I think they're called panniers." "It's great that my boss will let me use the storage cupboard to store my bike. She reckons that they might consider installing a bike cage to encourage more staff to ride to work as studies show they are healthier, more productive and have less absenteeism."
4. Ride to work
"It didn't take as long as I expected and it wasn't too hard at all."
"I feel great and I'm looking forward to the ride home."
"A few more weeks of this and I'll be able to fit back into my favourite jeans".
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