On average I cycle 7,000 miles a year; I also probably drive on average 7,000 miles a year. – Which is the best form of transport – in my opinion?
Cost – Bike is the clear winner. Bikes are cheaper to buy and cheaper to run (cost per mile cycling)
Tax. – Bikes only have VAT. Cars need to pay road licence and petrol tax (50p a litre). Also with the cycle to work scheme, buying a bike can lead to big tax savings.
Parking. – Bikes can be parked almost anywhere (within reason) It will be free to park and there’s no risk of receiving a parking ticket. With the car, you may be forced to park along way from the shops and pay significantly for the privilege.
Versatility. - In city centres, the bike can go places a car can’t – down canal paths, small streets, streets closed to traffic. In Oxford, the one way system gives a big time advantage to bikes. On the other hand there are roads and junctions which are just not practical for cyclists, unless you fancy riding against 3 lanes of speeding traffic.
Speed. In city centres, many commuting journeys are quicker than car / bus. It depends on your journey and speed. But, for anything over 3 miles, the car will be quicker.
Comfort of Journey. Cycling can leave you wet from sweat or rain. It’s pretty tough cycling in cold rain or freezing conditions. There are things you can do to reduce sweat, and good waterproofs will keep you reasonably dry. But, the car has a clear advantage.
Fitness. With many people leading physically inactive lives, cycling is an excellent way to get a minimum level of aerobic exercise. Most people in the west are unfit and as a result levels of heart disease have been increasing. Cycling everyday enables you to reduce the risk of serious diseases such as heart disease.
Obesity. Driving will do nothing to burn extra calories. As part of careful diet, cycling can definitely help you lose weight and reduce the health risks of obesity.
Definitely cooler than going to school in a 4WD
Image. Cycling is cool. You don’t have to dress like a ‘lycra lout’ and arrive for work with helmet hair. In these eco conscious days it is far more fashionable to turn up on 2 wheels than a gas guzzling 4WD.
Luggage. A bike can carry more than people may imagine, if you invest in panniers, you will be able to carry most of your small shops. you can even carry 2 children tax free. Of course, for big shops and carting large loads, the car is the clear winner.
Security. One of the great bugs of many cyclists is the frequency of bike theft. If you report a stolen bike to the police, they will probably display little interest. Then on the other hand, if your car gets stolen it’s an awful lot more to replace it with.
State of Mind. I cycle for pleasure. If you tell work colleagues you cycled 100 miles because – it was something to do, many will shake their heads and smile knowingly. But, generally, I enjoy cycling more than driving. With cycling there is a sense of freedom. Driving and being stuck in traffic jams is little fun. Also, exercise releases serontin into the body which is said to make us happier. – What better reason to cycle the three miles into work?
I’m both a motorist and a cyclist. I cycle for pleasure, I drive because I have to. Both have their role; but, I think, in my biased opinion, that many people underestimate the benefits of cycling. If they tried it, they would be pleasantly surprised.
PS. Love the photos (as always).
Please keep this blog going in 2009. Have a great new year and good luck with the hill climbs!
David
“Luggage – … you can even carry 2 children tax free.”
What tax is levied beyond that threshold?
(Only kidding
Yes!
cycling has to win hands down. the joy and satisfaction gained from riding, especially long rides such as centuries far out weighs just jumping in a car. sell that car now!