Switching to Cycling? Here are our 7 Top Tips

Are you planning to switch your usual car or public transport trips to cycling? Are you feeling a bit nervous about getting started? 

Here are some of our top tips to help make the switch feel easier, more achievable and, most importantly, enjoyable!

You don’t have to start with your longest or most complicated journey. Pick something short and manageable, like a trip to your local shop. Starting small can create a sense of accomplishment and, inshaAllah (God willing), this small win will give you confidence to try out another journey!

If you want to go a bit further, but are feeling nervous, why not break the journey up into sections?  You could try riding part of a journey like the stretch to and from the station, and take the train the rest of the way.   

Knowing where you’re going and what the route looks like beforehand can make you feel more confident. We recommend using a cycle specific app like Komoot, to plan your journey.  There are lots of cycle-friendly options including quiet roads, parks and cycle infrastructure like cycle lanes.  If you’re nervous about traffic, test your route at a quieter time when there are less cars on the road, or buddy up with someone else the first time. See our webinar with Komoot to learn how to use the app:

• Water and snacks  

Vehicles have engines and run on fuel. On the bike, you’re the engine and food and water is your fuel! If you forget your water and snacks, and you are feeling thirsty or have ran out of energy, you could always pop into a shop on your journey, which brings us on to our next point:

• A good lock  Invest in a good lock and learn how to lock your bike properly (stay tuned for tip 4 below for more info!)

• A lightweight waterproof 
  

Our Switch Your Journey challenge takes place in the summer, but just in case, take a waterproof jacket or cycling poncho out with you. Lightweight waterproofs are great because they’ll be less likely to make you overheat and they pack down small in your bag, so it won’t seem like a chore to take it with you. 

• Lights 
  

Lights are a legal requirement for after dark and are also useful on grey, dreary days. You can pick up a front and rear light for under ten pounds.

• Basic repair kit 
  

When you learn how to fix common issues on your bike, it will help you feel empowered and more confident to go out and ride.

Your basic repair kit could include: plastic gloves, tyre levers, a portable pump, a spare inner tube (or two) and a bicycle multitool.

When you are out and about, it's easier to replace the inner tube - you can fix the punctured inner tube when you get home and use that as a spare. You can always watch a YouTube video to help guide you through the steps or you will likely find a friendly cyclist will stop to help if you get stuck.

We recommend using a D-lock (sometimes called a U-lock) to secure the frame and back wheel to a bike rack. You can use a second cable lock for the front wheel. Avoid locking only the wheel because it's very easy to detach and for the rest of your bike to be stolen! Try to leave your bike in well-lit, busy areas where possible, and take anything valuable that will detach, like lights or bags, with you. See this video below demonstrating how to lock your bike: 

Note: locks come in different ratings (bronze, silver, gold and diamond). Bronze is the lowest rating and diamond is the highest. These ratings are based on the length of time it takes to cut through the lock - bronze takes the least amount of time and diamond takes the longest.

Locks are not a guarantee that your bike will not be stolen. They act as a deterrent. The stronger your lock and the better you lock the bike (using the methods above), the more it deters potential thieves.

You don’t need special cycling gear to cycle. Many women who are part of Cycle Sisters cycle in whatever they wear every day, including jilbaabs and hijabs - with some small adjustments. We have a blog post here, with tips on cycling in looser, modest clothing if you want to learn more. 

Some of our top tips include: 

• Wear layers so you can take things off as you get warm
  

• Make sure there is nothing dangling like a long hijab at the back, shoe laces, or rucksack straps that could get caught in the chain, brakes or wheels.
  

• Wear shoes which are firmly attached to your feet - most things will be fine, apart from flip flops!

  
  

• Use a hairband to gather excess fabric for a jilbaab or put around your ankle when wearing wide leg trousers.

  
  

Cycling with your children is a great way to make everyday journeys fun, and fit cycling into your life.  When cycling with children on their own bikes, cycle behind them so you can see what they are doing and give them instructions.  For younger children, you can use a child seat or a trailer.  In some areas, family cycling equipment is available to hire for trials to help you decide what will work best for you. Start with short rides and stick to quiet roads or paths while you build confidence. Many Cycle Sisters mums have made it work, so don’t be afraid to ask for their tips or support.

For more information, Cycling UK’s family cycling guide covers everything from transporting kids by bike, tips for the school run and guides to children's cycling kit (think bike seats, trailers and kids bikes).

Cycling can sometimes feel intimidating on your own,  but you don’t have to do it alone. Join a local group like Cycle Sisters, or ride with a friend. If you’re new to cycling or haven’t ridden in a long time, booking a cycle lesson is a great way to build your skills and confidence in a safe, supportive space. 

You can request a lesson with our instructors for certain boroughs  here and for other areas, check your local council website as many offer free lessons. 

Some people find a bit of accountability helpful, so why not let others know you’re switching? Their encouragement and support could help keep you motivated.

These tips are just a starting point. How you switch your journey is entirely up to you. Give yourself permission to go at your own pace and do what feels right for you. When we choose what’s better for our health and wellbeing, for other people and for the environment, there’s barakah (blessings) in that choice.

“And whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.” – Qur’an 99:7

Click here to sign up for Switch Your Journey from 7th-20th July 2025. 

When you sign up, you can choose to be added to our supportive WhatsApp group where you can find lots of tips and inspiration from women who are switching for the first time as well as more experienced cyclists.

We wish you all the best on your switching journey!