Showers expected across the country

If your New Year’s resolution is to cycle more, but the absence of a shower at work threatens to stop you commuting by bike, why not build your own workplace shower?

Our own take on the idea transforms a standard loo into a fully-functioning hot water shower. The design combines an upcycled plasterer’s bucket, chair, chin-up bar and plastic curtain to create a functioning shower that can be assembled in minutes. Once finished with, the shower can be packed away just as quickly.

Our idea is tongue in cheek, but the DIY shower illustrates how creativity can overcome a reliance on facilities – in reality, you don’t need a workplace shower at all if you follow a few simple guidelines.

• The number one rule when cycling to a workplace without washing facilities of its own, is don’t skip a shower before you leave home. When you arrive at work, find a discreet spot and wipe yourself down with disposable baby wipes a flannel (see advice posted in comments below)
• Cyclists in continental Europe tend to ride their bikes slower when they commute to work – it doesn’t add much to the journey time and you don’t sweat
• The easiest way to get access to a shower if there are no washing facilities at your place of work is to join local gym
• It doesn’t solve the problem of getting clean, but keep a supply of shirts at work. Wool stays clean the longest.

Cycle to work

ETA cycle insurance covers thousands of commuter cyclists – including many who are part of the Cycle to Work scheme. At no extra cost, it includes new-for-old replacement, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike. Find out more

Ethical cycle insurance

On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it.

With ETA cycle insurance, however old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model.

For over 29 years we have been providing this kind of straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Little wonder The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be Britain's most ethical insurance company.

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