​Top tips from Anna Katarina, Marketing Director at Hövding

Now that summer is here many of us are lying in our hammocks enjoying our time off, as well as some good food and probably a drink or two. However, when the holidays are over it will be time to get back into everyday life again. Many of us live within cycling distance of our jobs. Despite this, we travel by car, bus or other means of transport rather than by bike.

- Cycling to work saves money as well as our planet, and helps you to stay in shape, says Anna Katarina Skogh, Marketing Director at Hövding.

Anna Katarina cycles to work every day and gives her top tips here on the best ways to use your bike to get to work.

Time your journey

Do some research so that you know the best route to cycle to work, and time it so that you know how long it takes. It's a good idea to have a few alternative routes so that you don't get bored.

Comfortable clothes but not lycra

Find the style of clothes that suits you for cycling. You don't need to be dressed in lycra to cycle to work. It's not a competition.

Dress for the occasion, not for the journey. And find the style of clothes that suits you for cycling. Now that it's summer it can be nice to wear a skirt to work. Hitch it up if you are afraid that it will get caught in the bike. Put on a comfortable pair of trousers underneath if you think it's going to blow up.

Dress in layers so that you can regulate how warm you are during the trip.

Choose the right bicycle

Choose a bike that suits you and your style. It doesn't need to be a racing bike and you don't need to cycle particularly fast if you are cycling to work. Choose a model where you sit comfortably, that allows you to sit upright, and which has a chain guard that will keep your business outfit clean. Make sure that the handlebars and saddle are at the correct height.

Don't let rain put you off

A bit of rain never hurt anybody! Always have some comfortable rain gear with you. You can then always arrive dry at work.

Bling your bike

You don't need to paint your bike in garish colours or bedeck it with flowers and flags, but it is always more enjoyable to cycle when you have equipped your bike so that it fits your needs and personality. Perhaps a nice or practical basket.

Think about safety

Bear in mind that you are less visible on a bike than you are in a car and that moreover you are more unprotected. Avoid dark clothes, use reflectors, and ensure to have working lights on your bike. And protect your head with a helmet or preferably Hövding's airbag for cyclists. Also be aware of your fellow road users.

There are numerous reasons for choosing to cycle to work or school. It is wonderful, you get some fresh air and it is simultaneously effective daily exercise. Exercise which might even enable you to enjoy a few more good things in your leisure time.

And don't forget to enjoy the experience of riding your bike.