A hybrid bicycle is a bicycle designed for general-purpose utility or commuter cycling on paved and unpaved roads, paths, and trails. Also known under such names as City bike, Cross bike, or Commuter,[1] the hybrid takes design features from both the road bike and mountain bike, with the goal of making a bike for general commuting and transportation.

In general, hybrids use the mountain bike's triple crank, together with the latter's handlebars giving a more upright posture than road bicycles. They also usually use one of the kinds of brakes used on mountain bikes, namely linear pull, or disc. From the road bicycle they take the 700C (larger) wheel diameter for higher speeds, but use a wider rim and tire for increased strength.

A downhill bike (also known as a downhill mountain bike) is a full suspension bicycle designed for downhill cycling on particularly steep, rocky trails. Unlike a typical mountain bike, durability and stability are the most important design features, compared to lighter, more versatile cross-country bikes. Downhill bikes are primarily intended for high speed descent, and downhill riders will usually push, or shuttle via chairlifts or motorized vehicles, to the trailhead.

Downhill bikes are typically made of aluminum or steel, will have 7-10 inches (180-250mm) of rear suspension travel, and be designed around a 7-8 inch (180-203mm) suspension fork. The suspension sag is also much higher than cross-country bikes (25%-50% of total travel vs. 10%-20%) for a more supple ride at higher speeds.

Cycling is prohibited on most footways. However, in certain areas, the legal status of the footway has been changed to allow cycling.  Where this has occurred you will either see a blue, shared use sign, or there will be cycle markings on the footway itself to show that cycling is allowed.

The government has set up a tax-free bike purchase scheme to encourage more people to cycle to work.  Your employer will buy the bike, and then you will repay the cost of the bike through salary deductions before tax over the course of a year.  If you are a higher rate tax payer this will save you around 50% on the cost of a new bike.  For further information please see the information on the Department for Transport website.

The National Cycle Network, is a nationwide network of cycle routes on a combination of quieter roads and off road cycle routes.  It is managed by the charity Sustrans.  Find out about National Cycle Network routes that pass through Worcestershire or  visit  www.sustrans.org.uk for more details.

Most trains will take bikes, although on some services you may have to book in advance. For further information please see  www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Generally pedal cycles are not allowed on buses and it is at the discretion of the bus company whether folding bicycles are accepted.

However the Malvern Hills Hopper, which operates in the Malvern area on weekends and bank holidays, has a bike rack on the rear of the bus.

The Snell Memorial Foundation - a non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, testing and development of helmet safety standards over the last 40-odd years - recommend you change your helmet about every 5 years.

'The 5 year replacement recommendation is a consensus position from both the helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, plus general deterioration as a function of hair oils, body fluids, cosmetics, and normal 'wear and tear' all contribute to helmet degradation.

Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and standards.'