The joy of cycling to work. This photo says it all.
Whilst in York, a cycling city, I saw an advert encouraging people to cycle to work. – ‘It only takes 15 minutes to cycle to work – give it a try.’
So inspired by York’s cycling campaign here are 10 good reasons to commute by bike.
1. Save Money.
A good bike may cost £200-£400. But, it can last for years. You will save petrol, car parking / bus fares. It can easily add up. see: Cost of cycling. Maintenance is likely to be nothing more than a few inner tubes, and new chain and cassette every 3,000 miles. When you take your bike for a service, generally you don’t have to worry about spending hundreds of pounds like for a car.
2. Health.
Cycling is an excellent way to get low impact exercise. If you do very little exercise, cycling will improve your aerobic fitness and help to avoid heart related health problems. If you don’t have time (or the money) to go to a gym, why not try cycling to work / shops.
3. Save Time.
For many short distance commutes through town, cycling can be quicker than driving or getting the bus. Many of our car journeys are less than 3 miles. If you try cycling, the time is often much quicker, especially in city centres.
4. Lose Weight.
You don’t see that many very fat cyclists. Cycling will help you burn calories. – either you can lose weight or eat more, whichever you prefer.
5. Mental Alertness.
If you feel sleepy in the morning after a tiring commute in the car, try cycling at a gentle pace. You will find that the cycle helps the circulation and gets you prepared for work. If you spend all day in an office its good to have less time seated immobile and more balance in the day.
6. It’s Fun Cycling.
Cycling at a good pace, can release endorphins which help to improve your mood. Cycling is good fun, it’s not all road rage and getting wet.
7. Flexibility.
The bike is the most flexible form of transport, it can squeeze down small alleys and paths inaccessible to cars. It enables you to take a picturesque cycle path to work. You can probably park nearer to the shops / place of work, and you don’t have to worry about avoiding the traffic wardens.
8. Cool.
If Boris Johnson can do it, it must be good. Cycling is the new ‘fancy second car’ or whatever. However, If you don’t like the idea of being cool; instead you can just enjoy the fraternity of sharing your mode of transport with the bearded wonders who discuss campag vs Shimano and Presta vs Shreader valves.- Cycling open to all.
9. Social Benefit.
The main reason to commute by bike is for personal reasons. But, if you need altruistic reasons, there are quite a few. You will help reduce pollution, congestion, risk of causing death by motor car. All these help.
10. Different Perspective.
Even if you go back to driving, it’s good to give cycling a try. You may be pleasantly surprised, you will definitely have a different perspective on your commute. You will probably find yourself giving more space / time to cyclists – if nothing else…
Less serious reasons to commute by bike
Related
All of this is bang on and it is true to say that once you get into it you are hooked for all the reasons stated. However, I know a lot of people are put off due to the lack of showers and bike storage once you get into work (especially in London) – anyone else find this is a problem?