As we move into the summer many are considering cycling to work  or simply getting out on a bike we have some tips for the newbie cyclist writes Ruth O’Connor I’m like an excited child, squealing with excitement as we pass each other. I try to communicate my delight and solidarity with an enthusiastic nod and smile, whilst also trying not to come across as a total oddball. But every single time, my gleeful grin is been mirrored by the women passing me. See, us ‘women on bikes’ aren’t as common as we’d hope. CSO figures show that only 1 in 4 cyclists are female and fewer than 1 in 250 girls cycle to school. These are pretty stark statistics. As for a group of women out together – a total rarity in my locality. So, this new sight in recent weeks took me by surprise. To see a group of women out for a jaunt on their bikes in their shorts or summer dresses – it was a revelation. But to pass a group of teenage girls cycling around town. This is a real sign of something changing. The quieter roads and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis resulted in something unprecedented – the 2020 Bike Boom. Shops continue to sell out of bikes and manufacturers can’t keep up with demand as people turned to cycling for fun, exercise and transport. For this to continue and for people to stick with cycling, we need big actions from the top. Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. But in the meantime, there are few things you can do for yourself to make your transition to cycling as enjoyable as possible. So, if you’re new to cycling, here are a few tips to keep you happy, comfortable and safe in the saddle: Bike fit Getting a bike that fits correctly will ensure you’re comfortable and avoid injury. Ensuring your saddle is at the right height and that your handlebars are within comfortable reach are the two big things you need to look out for. If you’re unsure, ask your local bike shop about getting your bike set up properly but here are a few links to get you started at home: Cycling Weekly – Setting Saddle Height GCN Basic Bike Fit Stay Local Speaking of your local bike shop, try to shop local if you’re getting a new bike or kit. These past few months have been tough on everyone and we need to support our locality as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about your budget and what you need. There are some really great shops and the staff generally have a wealth of knowledge that will save you hours of internet scrolling. Learn the basics Learn some basic bike maintenance and it’ll give you the confidence to set off without fear of being stranded with a puncture or some botched brakes. The main things I’d recommend you learn are: How to check the air pressure of your tyres and pump them up How to repair a puncture How to clean your bike How to keep your bike lubricated How to check your brakes and change brake pads Know when to ask a professional! The best way to learn is just to tinker away at your bike, watch some YouTube videos and learn what does what. It’s far less daunting once you have a go. And why not ask your bike shop about bike maintenance classes if you’re keen to learn more. Some useful links: London Bike Kitchen Maintenance Videos GCN How to Repair a Puncture Bike Shop Girl – Basic Bicycle Repair Tips Confidence is key Take up...