Safe Cycling in the City: How to choose a bike, maintain it, cycle safely, get fit and stay healthy

This inspiring, practical handbook is for anyone who wants to cycle in the city with more confidence, comfort, and enjoyment — while getting fitter and cutting their environmental impact. Drawing on years of experience and his bestselling cycling guides, Chris Sidwells opens with a look at why bikes are becoming essential to the future of urban transport. As car‑dependent cities struggle with congestion and pollution, he shows how cycling offers a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable way to move through daily life.
Sidwells explains how urban riding can be safe and accessible for everyone, including families, and highlights the growing support from local authorities through new infrastructure, incentives, and financial schemes. He also explores the personal and societal benefits of commuting by bike, from saving money to improving wellbeing.
You’ll find clear guidance on choosing the right bike — electric or traditional — and setting it up properly for your body. Clothing, accessories, and safety gear are covered in detail, along with practical advice for riding in bad weather and carrying your belongings with ease.
A dedicated maintenance section teaches essential skills like fixing punctures, tuning brakes, and adjusting gears, while the technique chapters cover bike control, braking, efficient gear use, and getting the most from an e‑bike’s extra power. Road safety receives an in‑depth treatment, helping you navigate traffic, read hazards, understand the rules, and perform key manoeuvres with confidence. You’ll also learn how to pick the safest, smoothest commuting routes and where to find insurance and support schemes.
Celebrating cycling as a powerful tool for fitness, mental wellbeing, and everyday independence, this handbook equips riders of all levels to enjoy healthier, happier, and more sustainable journeys.