Commute less than 8km? Why don't you cycle?

monument

As per the thread title: Commute less than 8km? Why don't you cycle?

BendiBus

Honest answer - Scared of the traffic!

L1011

My 'commute' these days is from my house to where I've parked my van and I have skateboarded it once... (I've absolutely no extra parking spaces near my house)

Tech3

monument wrote: »

As per the thread title: Commute less than 8km? Why don't you cycle?

Im about a 1km from work. I drive because I dont particulary like walking and I work 12 hour shifts.

Amtmann

I walk to work usually, only driving about 10% of the time. I'd imagine a lot of people don't cycle because of rain, cold, traffic, sweat and discomfort. After a hard day's work I'd say a lot of people would resent having to cycle home in horrid conditions too.

monument

Poll added.

January

I'm on maternity leave at the moment, but when I go back to work in June, I'll have to walk to the childminders with the baby and then get the bus to work... it just wouldn't be convenient for me. My childminder wouldn't let me keep a bike out her back everynight!!

jank

How about an option "I do!"

Alun

tech2 wrote: »

Im about a 1km from work. I drive because I dont particulary like walking and I work 12 hour shifts.

You drive 1km to work ??? :eek:

skywalker_208

monument wrote: »

As per the thread title: Commute less than 8km? Why don't you cycle?

I am alot more that 8km from work but if I was I would still probably drive or get the bus...
Irish weather, turning up for work sweating and no shower facilities in most workplaces yada yada take your pick

Colm R

I use to cycle, byt now my job moved too far to even consider it.

I use to love the cycle home in the evening, espeicially if I had a tough day.

lukasbasic

I do 30% of the time.
This is the 30% where the weather allows it.

doolox

I wouldn't contemplate cycling in Dublin as the roads are far too dangerous and it rains half the time and is too hilly and dangerous and bosses won't tolerate long absenses due to cycle related injuries, much more likely than cars....
I know one or two cyclists who broke wrists falling off their bikes on the Luas rail tracks and a few others hit by car doors etc.
Where such injuries might be tolerated in the boom times I don't see them being tolerated now. Who wants to put themselves to the head of the queue for a P45 just to keep the Greens happy????

helimachoptor

Colm R wrote: »

I use to love the cycle home in the evening, espeicially if I had a tough day.

That did it for me, after a hard day nothing beat hoping on the bike for a nice 20k cycle back home.

I miss cycling

Cookie_Monster

I do cycle to work. Dalkey to Dun Laoghaire, only 2-3km.

But I voted other because if i were cycling 8km I'd be all sweaty and horrible when i get to work and there are no changing or shower facilities. Can't really be sitting in a shirt with swaet stains all over it everyday:o

That and when it rains it's even worse then you're sweaty and wet:pac:

EDIT: Those who say it is unsafe, can you explain why? I can't see how it is tbh...

Tech3

Alun wrote: »

You drive 1km to work ??? :eek:

Yeah the last thing I want to be doing after a 12 hour shift is walking down the road. Plus I pay taxes to drive a car so why wouldnt I. Carbon Emissions is the least of my worries. We could be hit with an ice age in a few years time so it doesnt really matter. Its actually well overdue.

Capt'n Midnight

Poll should be multi choice since people may have more than one reason and you may want to add Too Lazy

bk

I agree I took most people are just too lazy.

All these excuses of it being too wet or too dangerous (or Dublin too hilly!!!!!) are just that, excuses by lazy people.

I cycle almost every day, for the past 10 years, never once had an accident.

Also Ireland isn't as wet as people think, I only get wet a few times a year.

Alun

tech2 wrote: »

Yeah the last thing I want to be doing after a 12 hour shift is walking down the road.

You poor thing, walking a whole 1 km, I mean, that'd take you what, all of 10 minutes. Jeez :rolleyes:

markpb

doolox wrote: »

I wouldn't contemplate cycling in Dublin as the roads are far too dangerous and it rains half the time and is too hilly and dangerous and bosses won't tolerate long absenses due to cycle related injuries, much more likely than cars.... I know one or two cyclists who broke wrists falling off their bikes on the Luas rail tracks and a few others hit by car doors etc.

I've been cycling around Dublin for five years and I've never had an accident. For half that time I cycled 20km a day between suburbs from Santry to Clontarf, now I cycle 26km a day from Santry to Stephens Green. Occasionally I cycle from Santry to Sandyford via the city centre. I cycle cautiously and legally, I stop at red lights and I give way to buses and HGVs. Even considering that, I do my current commute in 25-30 minutes each way which gives an average speed of 25kph. I know plenty of other people who cycle-commute too and never had an accident. If you're careful and know what you're doing, you would be extremely unlucky to have an accident.

btw cycling along the luas tracks is fine as long as you stay away from the grooves - anyone with half a brain would know to stay in the centre and cross the groves at right angles.

helimachoptor

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

EDIT: Those who say it is unsafe, can you explain why? I can't see how it is tbh...

I've ended up under the wheels of a truck... thankfully I did a james bond and rolled out of the way but could have easily died.

Cycling around town is incredibly dangerous. The amout of cars doors that i've had to avoid at the last second is unrealy, the amount of cars that don't indicate when turning is unreal.

cycling is dangerous.

markpb

helimachoptor wrote: »

I've ended up under the wheels of a truck... thankfully I did a james bond and rolled out of the way but could have easily died.

Cycling around town is incredibly dangerous. The amout of cars doors that i've had to avoid at the last second is unrealy, the amount of cars that don't indicate when turning is unreal.

cycling is dangerous.

Initially yes but as you get more experience and more confidence, you learn how to avoid most of those situations. There are times when, as a cyclists, you have to inconvenience yourself (not staying to the left of HGVs) or inconvenience others (slowing down the traffic flow as you pass parked cars) but if you do it, you'll make yourself a lot safer.

Not passing too close to parked cars will stop you being t-boned by a door. It may put you further into traffic than you'd like but your safety comes before the speed of people behind you.

Likewise if you're going straight through a junction with a left turn, you need to inject yourself into the flow of traffic so there's no-one to your right that can drive into you.

helimachoptor

markpb wrote: »

Initially yes but as you get more experience and more confidence, you learn how to avoid most of those situations. Never passing too close will stop you being t-boned by a door. It may put you further into traffic than you'd like but your safety comes before the speed of people behind you.

Likewise if you're going straight through a junction with a left turn, you need to inject yourself into the flow of traffic so there's no-one to your right that can drive into you.

There are times when, as a cyclists, you have to inconvenience yourself (not staying to the left of HGVs) or inconvenience others (slowing down the traffic flow as you pass parked cars) but if you do it, you'll make yourself a lot safer.

I would agree with you to a certain extent. My first time cycling into town I was sure I was going to get mangled. But as time goes on you learn to expect the unexpected but sometimes you just get unlucky.

thewools

If there was a shower here at work I would love to cycle every day... Would be a 10km cycle too which would be nice

I dont think I could manage been sweaty and stinky all day at work!!

Gran Hermano

Commute less than 8km, why should I cycle?

That's how I see it.

It's not feasible in a suit, no changing/shower facilities in work, safety,
commute involves M50 which you can't cycyle on, need car for work,
poor security for bikes near office... I could go on and on.

If I spend €40k+ on a car plus tax/insurance now way I'm going
to leave it sitting outside the house and cycle past it each morn.

MOH

bk wrote: »

All these excuses of it being too wet or too dangerous (or Dublin too hilly!!!!!) are just that, excuses by lazy people.

I know a number of people who have been knocked off bikes and one who was seriously injured and lucky not to be killed, through no fault of their own.

After working and cycling in Holland where they have proper, segregated cycle lanes, coupled with motorists who actually respect cyclists, I wouldn't last long on Dublin roads.

bladespin

I used to but gave up, got soaked too many times I'm afraid that and got a bit tired of cars trying to kill me every day lol

TBH I couldn't see cycling as a practical alternative for me, carrying bits and pieces for work etc. I switched to a motor bike and then a car, the motorbike probably made the most sense economically and practically.

I do applaud anyone who does tough it out, lecturing others about being lazy or scared serves no purpose other than to self promote.

RobAMerc

I can see why people would not be able to cycle as not alot of places in Ireland have showers and I believe the Green party should get some incentive together for companies who wish to put showers in to accommodate cyclist.

As for the weather being an excuse: I cycle all year round and can honestly say I have not got wet more than a handful of times - and if there is a shower in work it doesn't bother me anyway. - too wet my a*se !

Malari

bladespin wrote: »

I used to but gave up, got soaked too many times I'm afraid that and got a bit tired of cars trying to kill me every day lol

TBH I couldn't see cycling as a practical alternative for me, carrying bits and pieces for work etc. I switched to a motor bike and then a car, the motorbike probably made the most sense economically and practically.

I do applaud anyone who does tough it out, lecturing others about being lazy or scared serves no purpose other than to self promote.

I cycle, and I love doing it, but then again...

- I have only 4km to commute and it's actually faster than driving
- I don't have to wear a suit or uniform for work
- It's not far enough to really get sweaty
- I'm not in the "dangerous" Dublin traffic
- I don't have anything to bring to work (files, etc)
- I don't have kids to bring to schools

If the weather is REALLY bad, I do have a car, which I fall back on, but then I see the other cyclists toughing the rain and hail!

I try to coincide the day I bring the car with doing the grocery shopping and if the weather improves in the afternoon I feel guilty If the weather is bad on the way home it doesn't bother me, cause I'm just gonna change when I get home. But hate sitting in wet clothes in work.

I have a friend who is genuinely nervous of traffic though. She won't cycle anywhere on her own. Some people are just not confident on a bike. Some people don't enjoy it. I don't think it's laziness, apart from the person who won't walk 1km!!!!:eek:

ednwireland

i'd love to cycle to work BUT have nowhere safe to leave the bike (not even a cycle rack in the town) and dont like walking upstairs in cleats carrying a bike quite often carry a laptop or two in and out of work (which can be overcome) no showers but i dont mind stinking.
i'd love to cycle out of work in the evening and do a training ride like i used to when i was less fat ( hmm think theres a correlation here)

Tech3

Alun wrote: »

You poor thing, walking a whole 1 km, I mean, that'd take you what, all of 10 minutes. Jeez :rolleyes:

Yes 10 minutes and yes Im extremely lazy. So what there is other workmates who live next door from me and also drive. A car is a luxury i own get over yourself.

Cookie_Monster

tech2 wrote: »

Yes 10 minutes and yes Im extremely lazy. So what there is other workmates who live next door from me and also drive. A car is a luxury i own get over yourself.

Thats disgraceful TBH.

You're also doing more damage to your car since on such a short journey it'll always be running cold.

veryangryman

tech2 wrote: »

Yes 10 minutes and yes Im extremely lazy. So what there is other workmates who live next door from me and also drive. A car is a luxury i own get over yourself.

You deserve whats coming in these posts (and indeed, later in life) for that attitude.

A luxury is a weekend break every few months, not a 2 minute "sit" when a 10 minute walk would be far better for all concerned. Even i occasionally cycle the 5km to where i work. Especially now that its summer.

Calling yourself lazy is a very lazy thing to do. Change your ways man, do us all a favour.

I mean this in the nicest way possible btw. Im all for people striving to improve themselves

skywalker_208

I am curious - all you people that are cycling up to 20k to work.. I presume you do not work in an office/need to wear a suit? Because suits and bikes do not go to well together.. not to mention the sweat you would have to sit in all day...

Stark

tech2 wrote: »

Yes 10 minutes and yes Im extremely lazy. So what there is other workmates who live next door from me and also drive. A car is a luxury i own get over yourself.

Let us know when yourself and your workmates start suffering from heart disease so we can gloat.

Stark

skywalker_208 wrote: »

I am curious - all you people that are cycling up to 20k to work.. I presume you do not work in an office/need to wear a suit? Because suits and bikes do not go to well together.. not to mention the sweat you would have to sit in all day...

I'd usually bring a change of clothes if I was cycling that distance. Pannier bags are handy for storing clothes that you don't want getting crumpled as well.

veryangryman

Stark wrote: »

Let us know when yourself and your workmates start suffering from heart disease so we can gloat.

Wanted to say that myself without getting banned but +1 is definitely in order here

monument

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

I do cycle to work. Dalkey to Dun Laoghaire, only 2-3km.

But I voted other because if i were cycling 8km I'd be all sweaty and horrible when i get to work and there are no changing or shower facilities. Can't really be sitting in a shirt with swaet stains all over it everyday:o

I was going to put it down to around 6km -- but I do 6.5km each way without sweating at all most days now I've gotten a bit fitter, and 8km is doable since I know there are a lot of people over in the cycling board doing a good bit more.

But I did mean anywhere in between 8km and 1km, so your commute would be included.

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

Poll should be multi choice since people may have more than one reason and you may want to add Too Lazy

Thought of multi-choice after I put the poll in, and too much effort / too lazy are interchangeable.

monument

helimachoptor wrote: »

I've ended up under the wheels of a truck... thankfully I did a james bond and rolled out of the way but could have easily died.

Cycling around town is incredibly dangerous. The amout of cars doors that i've had to avoid at the last second is unrealy, the amount of cars that don't indicate when turning is unreal.

cycling is dangerous.

Were these car doors of parked cars?

If so, it sounds like you were cycling dangerously, there's a big difference. Cycling close to doors of parked cars is dangerous, not cycling in general.

Even if the car doors were of cars in slow traffic, then you should have adjusted your speed in such traffic.

Quint

Lack of showers seems to be the most common problem. I have showers at work, but there's no way I'd cycle if we didn't.

seamus

skywalker_208 wrote: »

I am curious - all you people that are cycling up to 20k to work.. I presume you do not work in an office/need to wear a suit? Because suits and bikes do not go to well together.. not to mention the sweat you would have to sit in all day...

Shower FTW. Mine commute is 12.5k. Most of the sweat is on my back, where my bag is, so even if for whatever reason I couldn't shower, a whore's bath would work just as well. I far prefer being able to roll out of bed, pack up a bag and straight onto the bike, than having to drag yourself out of bed to get showered and hopefully make a bus which might leave early but which will be jammed.

There is undoubtably a bedding-in period, where the prospect of a cold morning cycling into work makes you want to cry, but pretty quickly the prospect of getting a poxy bus to work and back home again becomes the more horrifying one. I only do it now when I know I'm going to be half drunk going home so the bus won't bother me quite so much

Very much looking forward to the cycle home this evening, lovely evening in it.

Tech3

Stark wrote: »

Let us know when yourself and your workmates start suffering from heart disease so we can gloat.

I would regard that as a personal attack and quite an untasteful comment. Im actually fit and healthy. I play all kinds of sports and keep active. I can never respect a poster for directly an attack on another.

Chris_533976

Irish weather, too dangerous and no shower/changing facilities at work.

Two bus routes pass by my door, they're ok for getting to work but getting home I could be waiting an hour in the pouring rain as they're so bloody unreliable.

A Dub in Glasgo

Lack of showering facilities in our place

Photojoe

Too dangerous, too sweaty, too slow, too much effort in the morning, impractical.

Photojoe

Stark wrote: »

Let us know when yourself and your workmates start suffering from heart disease so we can gloat.

Hey tosser, people do all kinds of exercise and don't need to turn their commute into an extra session. I hope your first born gets cancer.

Tech3

Photojoe wrote: »

Hey tosser, people do all kinds of exercise and don't need to turn their commute into an extra session. I hope your first born gets cancer.

A bit extreme but fair. Stark, I guess for you being a mod a disgraceful comment like that can be left through the system. However I wouldnt steep that low to wish you any troubles now or the future.

Buffman

I did cycle 8km to and from work for 2 years on North Kildare roads. After a few near death experiences (as in another 5 seconds up the road and I'd be dead) I've decide I'd rather have a ton of metal on my side!:D
Having cycled on both county roads and city streets, I reckon the city is a lot safer. Slower traffic speeds, more visibility, more cycle lanes, all make it safer.

taram

I used to cycle the 5km to college through town in rain or shine, but the 5km to work through suburbs would kill me, boy racers going at 50km, cars pulling in and out of estates without looking, kids throwing rocks :mad: City was fine once you kept an eye out for people crossing randomly.

Yakuza

I cycle to work 3-4 days a week, 15km round trip, takes 20-25 minutes each way. I commute from Clontarf to the city centre so luckily there's a decent cycle path for over half the way (not just a strip of road painted pink). Here's my approach to some of the reasons cited here for not cycling:

"no changing facilties where I work" - your work doesn't have a toilet???
"I get too sweaty" - load the bike, not yourself, so you don't get a sweaty back, that should help.
"no showers where I work" - baby wipes for the win
"not practical with a suit" - leave your suit / good shoes in work, bring in a fresh shirt in your panniers, or drive in on Monday with 4 pressed shirts on hangars.

I work in IT, so the dress code borders on casual / smart casual most of the time, barring when I've external client meetings (when out comes the tin of fruit and I do take the bus / car depending on where the meeting is).

I realise cycling isn't an option for everyone, but I'd encourage more folks to give it a try. IMHO the benefits to fitness, weight, and overall time saved outweigh a few minutes' extra ablutions when you arrive to the office.

On the safety front, you just need to keep your wits about you, treat every driver coming from a side street like they can't see you and/or want to kill you and you should be fine.:D

A Dub in Glasgo

Yakuza wrote: »

"no changing facilties where I work" - your work doesn't have a toilet???
"I get too sweaty" - load the bike, not yourself, so you don't get a sweaty back, that should help.
"no showers where I work" - baby wipes for the win

I am afraid that is not going to cut it at all. There is no way I will cycle to work to squeeze myself into a work toilet cubicle and wipe myself down with baby wipes!!

If society wants people to cycling more, they will have to start providing some facilities.