Clothing
For everyday cycling over relatively short distances, no special clothing is required. For longer distances, and when cycling faster or on trails, purpose-designed cycling clothing can make you more comfortable.
Choosing appropriate clothing
Some types of clothing are obviously more appropriate for cycling than others. Common sense dictates that you’ll want to avoid clothes – such as long skirts and dresses – that that may become caught in the wheels or chain. With the best will in the world, gleaming white jeans are unlikely to stay gleaming for long. Beyond that, the choice of clothes is a matter of personal preference.
For short commutes or recreational rides, undertaken at a relaxed pace, many cyclists choose normal casual or business clothes. Those who prefer a faster pace often choose to change when they arrive at their destination, and may choose sportswear. Specialist cycle clothing (the full lycra) is ideal for cycling enthusiasts who spend several hours on the bile – but it will be a while before it catches on as fashion wear out of the saddle.
Waterproof gear
The chances of getting wet on any particular day whilst cycling are surprisingly low.
Based on analysis of 2 years of rainfall data, a study for Dublin City Council (a rather wet city) found that on a 22-minute commute there is a 5% chance of experiencing drizzle (rainfall rate >0.5 mm/hr) and a 0.6% chance of experiencing moderate rainfall (rainfall rate >2.7 mm/hr) (http://cyclingindublin.com/myths/). Nevertheless, most cyclists will want to carry a full set of full waterproofs for protection against the occasional deluge.
Waterproof tops designed for cycling are cut short at the front/long at the back and trousers are skinny to avoid flapping around the chain. They’re usually also in high-visibility fabric with reflective panels. A decent breathable waterproof jacket can be bought for around £50.
Helmet or not?
It’s amazing how quickly an argument can start when a cyclist says they don’t wear a helmet. To most people it is obvious that wearing a helmet is a sensible thing to do. Some would argue that not wearing a helmet is irresponsible. The facts are rather more complex.
A growing research literature on the effectiveness of cycle helmets on reducing injuries has failed to produce any clear consensus. The arguments are summarised by the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation.
Whether or not helmets are useful in the event of an accident, cycling advocacy groups emphasise that pressure to wear helmets can lead to victim blaming, when other actions are much more effective at reducing injuries. These arguments have been summarised clearly by Cycling UK.
Whether or not you choose to wear a helmet, the evidence is clear that the health benefits of cycling greatly outweigh any risks. In fact, a review of the literature by Cycling UK found that regular cycling is around 20-times more likely to extend your life than shorten it.