I’d like to start commuting

How will you carry it? There are two, common options:

• Rucksacks are light, cheap and can carry a lot of stuff, they can be uncomfortable in hot weather, though
• Paniers lower your centre of gravity so you’re more stable, but they can be expensive

If you need to cycle in all weathers you’ll need a range of clothing to match.

If you haven’t done much cycling in the dark, consider:

• Buying a more powerful front light – especially if you have to use unlit roads or paths
• Using more than one rear light – batteries can run down quickly and you might not be able to tell if a rear light has failed
• Buying lights that use rechargeable batteries – if you keep them topped up, you’ll know there’s sufficient charge to get you there and back
• Alternatively, dynamos ensure you always have power for your lights and modern dynamo systems have a battery backup for when you’re waiting at traffic lights

You’ll need:

• Somewhere to leave your bike securely
• Somewhere to change clothes and – if you cycle in the wet – somewhere to dry your clothes for the cycle home
• Ideally, a place to take a shower

Especially if you need to store your bike in a public place. Is there somewhere to secure your bike to? – ‘D’ locks are the most secure but they can be heavy – perhaps you can keep one at work or at the station?

It’s a legal way to buy a new bike with a subsidy from the tax man. There are a number of schemes administered by national bike shop chains (like Halfords) as well as one administered on behalf of local bike shops. These schemes are free and HMRC-approved, so there’s little excuse for your company not to join one.

You household insurance might not cover you against theft while commuting.