But what kind of bicycle to buy? A bike that’s comfy for you while riding, and has plenty of gears to enable you to tackle slopes with relative comfort – not everybody lives in Amsterdam! One should also be able to pick up your cycle with comparative comfort as you will find yourself needing to do so from time to time, for example up some stairs.

Further more, ensure you purchase enough accessories for your cycle : bicycle clothing, front and back light, a pump, reflector lights, reflective jacket, mudguards, helmet and strong lock. These will assist you in keeping safe in bad light, and the bike out of reach from robbery. Make sure you lockup your bike in a moderately public place.

Last of all, it’s a great move to commit some time into studying bicycle repairs. You don’t need to be an expert, but it’s handy if you can learn how to adjust the brake pads and brake cables as these often demand fine-tuning after use. And ensure you keep the cycle well lubricated with oil and the tyres pumped hard to make biking less effort. And of course, take great care on the streets – indicate with your arms while turning, and stay to the left-handside at all times.