questionare, if you'd be so kind :)

[Arch]

How often do you ride a bike? Regularly

If Yes, what do you use a bike for? (delete those that don't apply) Leisure, Commuting (inc Uni), transport

Would you consider cycling to work / uni? Yes


If no, please explain why, If yes, what prevents you from doing so? Nothing (I think this question is problematic to us who do cycle - it's really only for people who don't)

If you were to start (or already do) cycle to work or for transport please
rate how useful the following information would be to you.
0 -does not apply to me. 1- not bothered 2- Might be useful
3- would be useful 4- would want to know 5- need to know

Getting started:

Choosing a bike 0 (but because I already have all the bikes I need)
Getting the correct size of bike 0 (as above)
Carrying Luggage 4
Getting comfortable on the bike 4
Route planning (to avoid busy roads etc) 3
Taking a bike on public transport 2


Using Roads:

Safe road positioning 5
Navigating junctions safely 5
Using lanes on multi lane roads 5


Hazards, what to look out for around...

Large vehicles 5
Busy roads and traffic 5
Road obstacles (speed humps, pinch points etc) 5


Weather:

Clothing 3
Surviving winter 3
Riding in bad weather 3


Safety and Security:

Locking up (choosing a lock, making sure bits don’t get stolen) 4
Being seen 4
Making the bike more secure 4
Insurance (theft) 3
Insurance (third party) 3


Maintenance:

Brakes (pad replacement and adjustment) 4
Puncture repair (replacing tyre and innertube) 4
Removing / replacing a wheel 4
Saddle adjustments 4
Bars and controls (getting things comfortable) 4
Lubrication (Where and what to use) 4

What other advice or questions would you look for when considering using a bike as transport or for commuting? (this is not really me, it's me opining on stuff I hear, if that makes sense) I'd like to see the issue of showers and stuff tackled - so many people seem to think you can't cycle in unless you have the full ability to shower and change, which is, for most people, not true. Riding the right way (IE, cooling down at the end) means most people don't need to arrive sweaty, and for most trips you don't even need to get sweaty, unless you want to make it a work out. You can cycle in normal clothes etc... Look at the Dutch! (I think some peope maybe use the lack of showers as just another excuse - like 'it'll rain', ;it's dangerous' when really, they just don't want to, but don't want to say that....) For a site concetrating on cycling as transport, I think it needs to make it look as normal as possible - not needing loads of special clothes, or anything. If people want to make it into sport, that's another issue...

Also, I assume this survey will be going to plenty of non-regular and non-cyclists as well - we are a self selecting bunch, and will skew the results a bit, since we have already overcome all the 'objections'...

 

[Black Sheep]

You can cycle in normal clothes etc... Look at the Dutch!

indeed, I cycle in jeans all the time, the site will point out that there is specialist clothing that helps keep you comfortable (base layers etc) but that you can use normal clothes but also explain what the 'specialist clothing' does and why people would use it.

Also, I assume this survey will be going to plenty of non-regular and non-cyclists as well - we are a self selecting bunch, and will skew the results a bit, since we have already overcome all the 'objections'...

yes, it is going out to many none cyclists, however people on here will be able to point out things that are important that none cyclists might not think of, trying to get as balanced view as I can

thanks

 

[Arch]

Cool - I wasn't being critical, just that I'm in a data wrangling frame of mind just now. (if only that meant I'd get some work done!)

Of course, even within the 'already cyclists' group you get a fair bit of variation - just mention mudguards....

oooh, just thought. It might be worth, in the roadcraft section (or however you structure it) to have a bit on the law as it applies to cyclists. I think with the increase in cycling (esp the annual influx of fairweather newbies), some people really don't know their rights and responsibilities on the road. So you can point out that they have as much right to be on the road as cars and so on, but also that they must stop at red lights, not ride on the pavement etc. I know a lot will know this, but disobey anyway, but I think some really don't have a clue, having not cycled since they were kids, when it was just playing about in the street. Also, some stuff on how to use shared paths safely - watching out for peds, keeping speed down, being prepared to stop etc. And KEEPING LEFT! Some people really don't seem to think it matters on a cyclepath....

hmm, I've just loked back through the thread and realised how many people have said they'd want to know about showers....