Cycling saves you money, is great for the environment and has a positive effect on your health and fitness. Commuting by bicycle is also a lot easier than you might think. Perth has an excellent climate, plenty of cycling paths, quiet streets, and is relatively flat. There is also an efficient public transport system, which allows cyclists to shorten their journey to work.

Riding to Curtin can be fun. The mornings and evenings are the coldest parts of the day in summer. Just choose a bicycle that is good for commuting, set it up properly, and keep it in good order.

WHY RIDE?
Feel Better
Many people who cycle to work say they feel much happier, more refreshed and ready for the work day ahead.

More Efficient
A bike can be an efficient way to commute outside the city centre, or where public transport is irregular or unavailable. Cycling trips are often faster than cars especially in peak hour traffic.

Keep Fit
You can increase your fitness without expensive equipment or club memberships. You will have a lower risk of heart disease and be able to deal with stress easier if you exercise regularly. A survey of 10, 000 British public servants showed that those who cycled at least one hour a week had a 50 percent lower incidence of heart attack. So you'll not only work better, you'll have the energy to enjoy yourself after work.

Good for the Environment
Cycling reduces pollution and the use of fossil fuels. Substantial savings in fuel, car repairs and maintenance can also be made over a year by choosing to commute by bike.

TWO QUICK RULES
Choose your route carefully and take your time. Take a test ride to work on the weekend. Use the safest, if not necessarily the shortest route. This probably will be a combination of quiet streets and dual-use paths. Obtain one of the maps produced by Bikewest which shows you the dual-use paths and quiet streets around Perth - and start exploring.

WHAT TO CARRY
It's a good idea to carry a change of clothes, tool kit, pump, a puncture repair kit and a lightweight rain jacket in your bag. Fit a carry rack or use a light back pack.

YOUR RIGHTS
Always ride with courtesy towards other road users. You have the same right to use the road as others, and you must follow the same rules. Ride defensively; be aware of what is happening around you, be noticed and be predictable. Make sure you ride with the flow of traffic and give clear hand signals. Don't rush!

WHAT TO WEAR
Dress to be seen. Bright fluoro colours such as orange and yellow work best in daylight, while white clothes together with lights and reflectors maximise your chance of being seen at night. Be especially careful at intersections. Make eye contact with drivers so you know they have seen you.

Be comfortable. Loose-fitting shorts without a large seam in the seat can be a cheaper (and a more modest) alternative to Lycra cycling knicks.

Perth's temperate climate means a T-shirt or light, long-sleeved shirt can be worn almost year round. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended for summer riding. A light sweater protects against the cold, and a light plastic or water resistant cotton top should be kept handy for wet days. Resign yourself to getting wet sometimes, and compensate by cycling with the utmost care and having dry clothes and shoes at your destination.

PARKING YOUR BIKE
Lock your bike securely with a quality lock. Take off easily removable accessories - before someone else does it in your absence. Park in secure Areas, such as your place of work, suburban railway station lockers, or as close as possible to Areas frequented by the public.

ARRIVING AT WORK
Cycling is not always sweaty work. Taking it easy will give you a leisurely ride, and you should arrive fresh without needing to change clothes or have a shower. If you need to change you can do so at these Changeroom locations on campus.

Remember, the idea is to enjoy cycling to work. After just a few weeks, you will notice a major improvement in your fitness. It won't take long before you start to look forward to the ride to work and the ride home in the evening.

-Adapted from the Department of Transport brochure - "Cycling to Work"
You can get more information about Cycling at Curtin from the Curtin Bicycle Users Group (BUG)