Bikes vs Buses

Bike and Oxford Tube

Two things about Oxford:

  • There are a lot of bicycles
  • There are a lot of buses.

Which is Best Form of Transport for Commute Bike vs Bus?

Bikes are quicker than buses. To take a bus into town takes me 25 minutes. 7 min walk to bus stop. average of 5 minute wait and 15-20 minute journey, problem is they stop every 400 metres to pick up passengers.

Cycling takes between 11 minutes and 16 minutes depending on how quick I want to cycle. If I go on the bike path by the river ( more civilised but a few minutes slower)

Cost – the cost of a bike Journey is very low. Bus is £1,40 single. Bike is 5p… see cost of bike

  • Although, if you get the bus everyday, weekly passes are relatively cheaper.

Safety. If a bus collides with a bike; there’s only going to be one serious casualty. I think the dangers of cycling are overrated, see – how dangerous is cycling? But, cycling is more dangerous

Health. Cycling to work helps keep you fit and in shape. The health benefits of moderate exercise outweigh the increased risk of accident.

Freedom. I never feel comfortable on a bus. Everyone’s packed in. You have to squeeze your way through.  On a bike you can whistle and sing and only get slightly strange looks. If you whistle and sing on a bus you’ll probably get thrown off.

Wet. Cycling leaves you exposed to the elements. But, rain never hurt no-one.

Sweat. A slight disadvantage of cycling is that you can arrive hot and sweaty. But, it’s not a problem if you don’t wear too many clothes, don’t cycle too fast.

If Bikes are better than Buses, why don’t more people cycle?

  • Perceived dangers.
  • Reluctance to give cycling a go.
  • Worries over fitness?


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