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Buying equipment - bikes, clothing and all the accessories

If you are new to cycling, just want to upgrade what you have or need a few bits and pieces to kit out you and your bike better, this information should help you on your way.

How do I choose a bike to buy?

This site will give you the low down on all sorts of bicycle types - from city and hybrid bikes to racing and cross-country bikes and everything in between. You should be able to find what type of bike suits your needs.

What accessories will I need?

From clothes to lights, repair kits and bells, Bike For ALL identify and discuss all you need to get you going.

Clothes and accessories

Lights

Where can I get all of this?

There are lots of cycling shops in and around Manchester. As part of the Love Your Bike campaign a number of shops are offering discounts on bikes and equipment to those people who mention 'Love Your Bike'. Check out the list at Deals on Wheels and what they are offering and see if there is a discounting shop near you!

Bicycle security

Bike security is an important part of your cycling kit, after all, you don't want all that lovely gear to disappear just when you have got the motivation to jump on your bike! Unfortunately, crimes against cycling are quite common.

What security measures make sense for my bike?

The following links provide some good advice on measures you can take to help ensure your bike stays where you left it and in one piece.

Cycling crime prevention advice from the BBC

London Cycling Campaign's (LCC) comprehensive article on security measures for your bike, including bicycle locks, security marking and cycle insurance.

What type of lock should I buy?

Some sites with the ins and out of locks. There are quite a few different types around and you want to make sure you get the right one. The following links provide some sound advice on bicycle locks.

Why Cycle offers some sound advice on the types of bike locks and some helpful security tips.

CTC's info on locks and links to a useful article about tubular locks.

Cycle Insurance Direct list of approved bike locks (very handy if you are looking to insure your bike.

How can I get my bike insured?

Many cyclists choose to have their bikes insured. It gives you that added peace of mind that you are covered in case the unthinkable happens. Many general insurance providers will cover bicycles and there is a range of cycling specific insurers. Below are links to just a few.

Cycle Insurance Direct accidental damage and theft cover for your bicycle.

Cycleguard offer insurance for cyclists and their bikes.

CTC can also help you out with insuring your bike.

Parking and storing your bike

How can I best store my bike at home and away?

Some useful information that runs through a range of parking and storage options for bicycles.

The technology - bike parts and what they do

It's always useful to know about the equipment you are using. Its particularly handy if you need to repair bits and need to get replacement bits from cycle shops. Its also pretty cool to sound like you know your stuff so read on to learn the basics.

A great diagram of a bike and all its parts provided by the Bicycle Doctor.

This site from the CTC has a great set of Frequently Asked Questions about all the different bicycle parts and accessories.

There are many sites with cycling and bike glossaries to give you the low down on the terminology. Bike For All has pulled a few together, even ones specifically designed for women.

Taking care of your bike

How can I look after my bike?

Once you have the gear and are out and about using it you should know how best to maintain and do basic repairs on your bicycle. Obviously many cycle shops offer repair and servicing of bicycles but you can easily do some basic maintenance and repairs yourself. Bike For All provide a very comprehensive list of maintenance and repairs advice links so have a read.

Bike Safety - Helmets

In discussions about safe cycling, helmets always get a mention. There is a lot of information around about helmets, their pros and cons and the technical side of them. The following links should provide some answers to your questions or point you to where you can get more information.

Should I wear a helmet?

Wearing a helmet is not compulsory in the UK. There is a diverse range of opinions out there on whether or not they should be. The following provide insight into some of that debate.

A range of information on bicycle helmets from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

The UK Department for Transport's review of the effectiveness of bicycle helmets

Bicycle Helmet Effectiveness - a broader perspective. A critique of the above report by John Franklin, Cycling Skills & Safety Consultant

A summary of research on cycle helmets complied by John Franklin

Cycle helmets, the case for and against - by Mayer Hillman 1993

A sound selection of bicycle helmet FAQ complied based on international research

CTC's information about helmets and their position on the issue.

How do I make sure my helmet fits properly?

If you have decided to opt for a helmet to protect your head then you should make sure it fits properly. Bike For All have pulled together a whole range of sources of information explaining how to fit helmets properly.

Riding your bike

Ok, so you have your bike and you're going to ride it. What next? The following provides some great information on what you need to know and how to do it safely.

How do I find out more about what road markings and signs mean?

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians as well as horse riders.

Information from the UK Department of Transport on traffic signals and signs.

How can I cycle in a way that is safer?

BikeRight! (based in Manchester) has been training cyclists - children and adults - since 2000 and was one of the first accredited Cycle Instructor Training Centres in England. They aim to ensure that all children and adults in Greater Manchester and the North West have access to cycle training.

Skilled Cycling Technique for Adults - Cyclecraft by John Franklin Cyclecraft, published by The Stationery Office, is the definitive guide to skilled cycling technique. Whether you are new to cycling, or looking to extend your skills, Cyclecraft offers practical advice on how to ride a bike confidently and safely in today's traffic conditions.

An article by David Martin about riding and being seen on the road - 'The Theory of BIG or, How to claim your space on the road'

Information from CTC about the National Cycle Training Helpline

Some tips from CTC about cycling to work and general safety tips.

John Franklins' views on cycling skill and promotion.

Regulations and standards links relevant to cycling

What do I do if I have a collision?

Unfortunately accidents do happen but there is advice out there to help if you do happen to have one. If you are involved in a collision, the following sources of information may help:

Road Peace has a helpline for those injured in crashes. Phone 020 8964 1021

If you are a member of the Cyclists' Touring Club, you are entitled to Legal Advice. Phone 01483 417217

Cycle Aid provides a national free 24-hour telephone help line on. Phone 0800 387815

Cars and Bikes

Cars and bikes need to get along in traffic. Unfortunately some motorists are inconsiderate of cyclists but it can also be the same in reverse. If you are conscientious motorist you might like to find out more below.

When I have to drive, how can I drive in a way that is more bike-friendly?

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents outlines some key measure you can take as a motorist.

A report describing the attitude and behaviour of drivers towards cycle users.

Cycling to work schemes and bike user groups

Cycling to work schemes have proven to be a great way of promoting cycling in local communities. There are lots of examples on schemes already in place. If you want to know more check out these links.

How can I create a cycle to work scheme?

Information from the Department of Transport about how to set up and implement a cycle to work scheme.

Department for Transport have also put together some resources for promoting cycling more generally as a sustainable means of transport. For local journeys.

How can I start a bicycle users' group in my work place?

A useful site running through the how to and benefits of bicycle user groups

Should I claim for cycle mileage?

If you are cycling to work you may be entitles to claim for cycle mileage with the Inland Revenue. This site outlines the rules and rates regarding bicycle mileage allowances.

How can I use the Love Your bike Campaign to help with a ride to work scheme or bicycle user group?

Love your Bike would really like to see organisations use the campaign to help kick start ride to work schemes around Manchester. Promotional material and information for you to put up around the work place can be downloaded and printed from here.

Where can I get more information about cycling in general?

CTC - the UK's national cyclists organisation

Bike For All - a fantastic general resource that covers EVERYHTING you need to know

LCC - London Cycling Campaign

I'm after specific facts and figures - where can I get some?

Transport 2000 provides an overview of cycling in Britain and facts and figures.

Department for Transport statistics - Cycling in Great Britain