Commuting by cycle is easy and healthy.
1. Take it easy in the beginning:
When you start commuting, 10kms may sound like a very far distance. Start off by cycling every alternate day to work. Do not suddenly start cycling around like you need to race in a Tour when you buy a cycle. This is essential, else you'll just hate doing it.
2. What type of cycle do I get?
Truthfully speaking, any cycle is good enough to get you started on commutes less than 10km, each way. The simpler the cycle, the less the chances of breakdown or problems.
Most of the cycles available here are on par with each other and it would be difficult to point a finger towards one. One thing you need to remember however, is spend that little extra and get one with gears. It will really make a difference. Cycles nowadays cost from about 2.5k to 4k. The Aluminum range starts from about 5.5k, which includes my favorite Indian built cycle, the Hero Thunder.
How ever depending on your budget and what suits your fancy, you could get a cycle all way costing a multiple lakhs. If you want something better than the Hero Thunder, I would ask you to look at getting something along the lines of a Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Merida or Trek. Firefox I feel is a bit overrated and I've heard a lot of complaints about the build quality. Merida and Trek are available in India now, take a look at the Cycle Dealers List.
3. One way rides to work and back home:
If your company provides transport, here is something you could try out. Go cycling to office in the morning and take the office transport back after work. The next day, take the office transport to work and cycle back in the evening. This way you'll need to cycle only one way and you can get your body adjusted to cycling the distance.
This would work even if your company does not provide transport and you have good public transport connectivity.
4.Time of travel:
Change the time at which you go to work and return to avoid heavy traffic. You will find that you need not spend as much time stuck in traffic when you pick a better time to commute. Moreover on the cycle you will take just as much time or lesser than you would in a car most of the time.
5. Try out new routes:
There are a lot of short routes which are like streets which have low traffic. These are mainly residential areas, where you can go without having to breathe the dust and pollution which the motorcyclists and cars have to go through. Take the small roads that would be impractical for vehicles to take.
What you can do while trying out new routes, is that you can use a Sunday or a Saturday to test out this route. You will get an idea of the time required and other problems of this route. Advantage: If you get seen at office on a weekend by your boss, it may be useful.
6. Inspire others in office to ride:
Especially those who would travel the same route. This would be useful inspiration for those days when you feel like using other means of transport. It would also take the boredom off from cycling alone, if you're someone who likes company.
7. Don't get into ego hassles with other vehicles:
Often you can get into situations that would make other vehicle drivers act crazy towards cyclists. They are just too jealous to watch us keep fit while saving the commute time and money. Avoid getting into arguments in such situations. (But hey, sometimes you need to fight it out, in such situations give it to them)
8. Parking the cycles at work:
You'll be surprised at the number of people who would like to check out your cycle when you leave it in the parking lot. Some of these people are highly undesirable unfortunately. If your office has a dedicated cycling stand then its ok. Else you will need to figure out a place to keep it. If you have basement parking, you may find an unsed spot near some water pipelines or if outdoors near a post or a pole. Even a tree is good enough. Get a long cable lock and tie it down to something which is ok. If you're office will let you park it inside near your desk, nothing beats that, but don't expect them to. Even if you have a Colnago.
9. Cleanup!
If you can take a shower on the premises, thats great. If not, you can use sink in the restroom and wipe yourself down. Its not really difficult and will take a few minutes. Don't dirty the whole restroom when you clean yourself. You'll just give cyclists and cycling a bad name.
10. What if I have a puncture or something??
Heh? What would you do if your car or motorcycle got punctured? Fix it and carry on. In Bangalore you need not worry since there are a lot of small cycle shops which will quickly patch it for you. Its not too difficult either ways to patch it yourself. Most often if your tyres and tubes are in good shape you'll not have a puncture for ages. Check your tyre pressure regularly.
Learn small simple stuff like how to put your chain back on, adjusting seat height, tightening brakes etc. Its useful.
11. Maintain your cycle properly:
Somethings you can do are clean your bike, oil the chain lightly, correct tyre pressure, or give it in for a service regularly.
Service for a cycle ??
Tyres become bald. Chains get stretched and need replacement. Brakes wear out. Vibrations can make stuff come loose which you do not know how to fix. Often you need to service it only when it starts giving problems or between once and twice a year. Depends on how much you use it (and also how much you do not use it).
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Watch this video, it explains some useful stuff. Though its been made for an American audience, there is quite a bit of stuff that you can learn from it.
