How to start cycling in the UK

Cycling has to be the most joyful way to get around most UK urban areas. It can also be terrifying, especially in the big cities. Luckily, there are free training classes all around the country where you can learn road safety skills for cycling, no matter your age. Find a local one here.

Can I tell you a somewhat embarrassing secret? I only learned to ride a bicycle when I was 27! And now it's my favourite way to commute. No matter how old you are, it's not too late to get comfortable with cycling around town.

Do be careful when cycling a route for the first time, and use a cycle journey planner (like Bikemap or Cyclestreets) to help you stick to quiet roads until you’re more confident. It can be helpful to buy a phone holder for your bicycle when you move to a new place, so you can get directions as you go (see below for recommendations).

If you want to explore the countryside on two wheels, look into National Cycle Network routes. The Komoot app is great for inspiration.

What you need to get started as a bike commuter:

• A bicycle. Do not overthink this, and don't splash a lot of money on your first bike because you don't know what you like yet. My suggestion is that you literally just walk into your closest well-rated second-hand bike shop, tell them your budget, and ask them what they'd recommend for a "city commuter bike". Don't go over £200 for your first bike, unless you're buying an e-bike. The bike I'm using now to commute to work, 3 years into living in the UK, cost £75 and goes like a dream. If you do want a new bike, look into the cycle-to-work-scheme, where you can buy a bike through your employer, pay it off monthly and get 25–39% off the price. Freelancers, you can also get a tax write-off if you buy a bike through a registered company you own – talk to your accountant about this.

• A helmet. Buy a new one. Make sure it fits your head. Pick a bright colour to help with your road visibility. Buy one at any bike or sporting shop, or online. Expect to spend about £20-50.

• A good bike lock. Expect to spend another £30-50. Popular choices are the OnGuard 8005, the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 and the Sigtuna. If you have a more expensive bike, you should get a more expensive lock (the rule-of-thumb is to spend 10% of the value of the bike on the lock).

• Bike lights. Front and rear. Buy them with your bike.

• *A phone holder (nice to have)

• *Panniers or a basket to carry shopping in (nice to have)

It's not worth buying bike repair kits until you learn how to use them (look out for free classes at your local bike shop) but you might also want to buy a tyre pump.

Or you could just rent a Buzzbike, which comes with a lock (and you can buy a discounted helmet and lights on signup). London and Manchester only.

Urban bike rentals like Lime and Volt are mega-fun but get expensive very quickly; they're more aimed at tourists or occasional riders. Still, if you've never cycled in a city before, they can be a great way to test the waters before committing to getting your own bike.

That's it! You really don't need fancy bike shorts, sweat-wicking lycra vests or hardcore bike repair kits when you're starting out, especially if you're just toodling around a city.

A lot of bicycles get stolen, so register your bike in the national database.