Keep Cool - Keep Cycling!

It’s funny how many people who don’t cycle in London assume that utility cycling is a sweaty activity. Perhaps they still are only able to consider cycling as a sport not as the fastest means of getting from A to B. Perhaps their only experience of pedalling is on an exercise bike in a desperate attempt to knock off some calories at the gym before wasting their evening stuck in motor traffic jams.

Air cooling comes as standard

In a city such as London that is relatively flat you can cycle using as little energy as walking while benefiting from a steady breeze. Certainly much more pleasant than experiencing being crushed into bus or tube with temperatures rising as much as 38C whilst in your work clothes. Even if you are fortunate to have showers at work many of the following tips are useful.

Find a light sunscreen/moisturiser that is absorbed easily and apply it at least 30 mins before you ride.
Don't run late so that you have to rush your journey: allow extra time so you can enjoy the good weather even more!
Use panniers and a rack rather than a rucksack to carry things with you.
Wear light clothes and keep work clothes either at work or with you in your panniers. If you need to carry a suit with you consider a travel suit that does not crease easily.
Adopt a gentle riding style: anticipate potential stops and if you see a traffic signal changing, slow down early so that you coast towards it to minimise time stopped. That way you won't lose the cooling effect of the breeze.
Use smaller roads with more shade, fewer traffic signals, stops and buses belching out heat.
Always carry a bottle of water with you: drink from it frequently and refill often so that the water is cool.
Slow down five minutes before you reach your destination and ride more gently.
Five minutes before your destination, splash some water on your face, wrists, neck and down the back and front of your top to trick your body into thinking it is sweating. Repeat when you stop.
If you don't have access to a shower, wipe yourself down in a toilet with a flannel then change into your work clothes. See if you can use a disabled toilet where there will be more privacy. Deodorant wipes are handy but less eco-friendly.
Remember the key to preventing sweating is to avoid sharp changes in activity levels and temperature.