Want to get into cycling? Start slow before shifting into high gear, experts say

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When people decide to start cycling to work, they sometimes go overboard. They think they need to buy excessive gear, specific clothes, the perfect bike — they commit to five days a week, no matter what.

“I mean, you don’t even have to buy a bike to get started,” said Yvonne Bambrick, author of The Urban Cycling Survival Guide.

“Depending on what city you’re in, there may be a bike share program. And the other option, of course, is to borrow a bike from someone. I definitely recommend starting (riding) off the streets. If it’s been a while, get your bike legs back before you try and be part of traffic.”

The barrier for entry can feel high — cycling culture can get extreme and serious bike shops might feel a little intimidating, said Tom Babin, creator of the YouTube channel Shifter, and author of Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling. But anyone can start, even at the lowest commitment level.

“I like to say the best bike for riding to work is the bike you have,” he said. “I ride a really simple bike to work. It’s a commuter bike. You know, not that many gears, not that expensive.”

There’s no requirement for pricey spandex outfits either, he added: “If you go to the great cycling cities of the world, or even Montreal, you see dozens of people riding their bikes and most of them are wearing regular clothes.”

Bikes and transit are best friends — you don’t have to commit to riding to work five days a week. If it’s cold or windy and you’re not in the mood, just hop on transit, Babin said. Or, combine biking and transit for your trip.

“There are some bike people who are kind of masochists about it,” Babin said. “They feel like they have to ride every single day. And that’s silly — just use the bike when you can.”

Cycling is also a great way to cut down on transportation costs. Car ownership, maintenance, insurance, gas and parking adds up to thousands over the year.

The City of Calgary developed a travel cost calculator, Babin pointed out, that lets you plug in a commute in kilometres to compare costs for all modes — walking, biking, public transit, and driving. The calculation even includes the costs on “society” via infrastructure, congestion and pollution, as well as subtracted costs from the health benefits of walking or cycling, such as fewer illnesses and sick days.

A 10-kilometre bike commute to work? $73 for the year, the calculator shows. Driving that distance? $8,468.

Another fun benefit: you’ll never have to text anyone to say you’re late.

“Predictable travel times — that’s worth its weight in gold,” Bambrick said. “You’re not subject to the whims of a transit schedule, or stuck in traffic or stuck looking for parking.”

Startup costs for biking may include the bike, helmet, lights, a basket up front or pannier bags in the back — and maintenance during the year is typically modest, most of which can be DIY.

Second-hand equipment is abundant at local shops, Bambrick pointed out, and you can also check out bike swaps, police auctions, cycling co-operatives and even Canadian Tire for affordable models. Join cycling clubs or associations for additional resources and social support, she added.

But don’t skimp on the lock, both Bambrick and Babin said. Buy a good one.

“There’s all this data about people who have their bikes stolen, and then they just never replace it. It just stops them from riding again,” Babin said. “It’s worth getting a good quality lock. Invest in the lock.”

Chris Eich, a 44-year-old Navy reservist, biked to work in his 30s — his job was at a financial institution in Prince George, B.C., and he could enjoy nature trails as part of his commute. He also saved $25,000 toward a home purchase, which he credits to cycling instead of driving. Today, he uses a bike to ride with friends, run errands, commute, and just for fun.

His tips for anyone starting out are to go slow, such as taking short trips to the store, or riding to work one day a week; stick to cycling paths or school zones where speed limits are lower; use Google Maps to find safe biking routes; and, if available, he suggested tapping your employer’s health spending accounts to cover related costs.

Safety is important when you’re starting out, of course.

“One (aspect) is just knowing your braking capacity and just being able to judge distance and speed, building your confidence, testing your skills out in different conditions as well,” Eich said.

“You’re always in the back of your head saying, ‘Could I stop on a dime here? If a little kid ran out, would I be able to stop immediately and dismount from my bicycle?’”

Set some financial goals for your saved money, Eich added. And to make sure your new habit lasts, find some cycling friends, and perhaps even commute to work together.

“If you’re riding together as a group, it can be safer and also hold you accountable to ride your bike as well,” Eich said. “Make it fun. Chances are, if it’s fun, you’re going to want to do it more often.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2025.

Nina Dragicevic, The Canadian Press