Strike: 5 steps to switch from metro to bike

RTT? Telework? No, you, on December 5th, have no choice but to go to the office. And this time you're determined: you're going to take your bike! And you're right. However, a bike tour requires a bit of preparation. So, for you, a novice, we've prepared a little guide for beginners

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Find a bike

Don't have a bike? Are you considering Velib, Velov or JUMP? Frankly, we love it, but December 5, wrong idea. They'll be taken over. Buy a bike? Yes, but not so fast, it's an investment that you have to think about carefully. What's best? Your great aunt's old bike, your grandfather's old bike, the bike your brother bought four years ago and never used... all these bikes are sitting in cellars, just waiting to be used again. Thank God you're here. Review it

Okay, you're all set. Depending on how long your mount has been in the cellar or attic, it's in more or less good shape... First of all, it's time to give it a once-over. The easiest way? The bike room in your building. A generous neighbour will surely have left his pump there. Then you also have self-service pumps in the city:
In Paris (click here)
In Nantes (click here)
For other cities, there are a few, but we couldn't find any maps (we're waiting for your insights!)

As a last resort, pop into your nearest bike shop, they'll sort it out for you.

Get equipped

• Tire, all good? Okay, now the lights. Essential, even more so in winter. At the front, and at the back, it's compulsory, and above all indispensable to be well visible. Of course, we offer you our products, they are the best. To start, this kit is top (click here)

• The lock: to prevent the dream from turning into a nightmare and disgusting you once and for all with the bike, you have to avoid theft. And for that, there is only one solution, we will not stop repeating it, a GOOD lock! We recommend it, the top quality/price level (click here). Plus Kryptonite insures your bike for free with your lock. Nice, isn't it ?

• The helmet is not compulsory, but it will give you a crazy look a feeling of security necessary for a serene take-off. We love this one (click here) !

Plan your route and bike parking

Essential! Plan your route carefully. Use the cycle routes (it's never fun to share your lane with cars - or worse, two-wheelers). The best way to do this is to use Géovélo, the Google Maps of cycling. You can find it online here, or better still, as an app on your phone.

Think about parking your bike too! At the office, spot colleagues who come by bike and ask them where they tie up. You'll see, it's a great atmosphere among cyclists. Find out if there are bicycle parking spaces in the building (for some years now, this has been compulsory!). It's best to park your bike inside, but with a good lock, it's largely possible to leave it outside on a tie-down.

Friendly advice. Take a bike share for the first time. By the way, if you live in the Ile-de-France region, the MDB association offers co-biking: the aim is to be accompanied and guided by someone who makes the journey every day and who will take the time to guide you through your first pedal strokes. At least look at this map to see which way the others are going!

And one last thing. Your commute burns a bunch of calories, so increase the size of your snack a bit!

Turn it around

Biking is like... tennis. Your first match wasn't the best, your first bike ride won't be either. But hang in there: as you go along, you'll gain confidence on your bike and have more and more fun. Every day, you'll find ways to optimise your ride, know where to position yourself so you don't get stuck at that damned crossroads, and find the best cycle paths...We believe in you!"