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

jank · 13-05-2009 06:48AM

I cycle to work most days. Its about 11Km return so 5.5 one way.
Its grand, the winter is here now but most days are still dry and crisp! Kinda cold though so I wear gloves. Bike lanes in loads of places and lots of people cycle to work. Id say maybe 15% of people here cycle or run to work and this is out of 140 ish so thats a high enough number. The number would be closer to 50% if there were no school runs involved.

I suppose people are more pro active about it here. Every February the NZ government run a bikewise month encouraging workers to ditch the car and bike to work. You get a league table on how your company is doing and so on..

http://www.bikewise.co.nz/

13-05-2009 09:53AM

This post has been deleted.

seamus · 13-05-2009 10:18AM

Another less tangible benefit is time saved, I worked this out before, but I thought I'd post it up here for ****s and giggles. It's basically a comparison for me (12.5km) between bike and bus.

Morning
Bus: Get up at 7.15am for bus @ 7.45, in work at 8.55
Cycle: Get up at 7.45am, leave @ 8am, in work at 8.30am, showered and at desk : 8.50am.
Total time saved: 35 mins.

Evening:
Bus: Leave @ 5.30, bus @ 5.45, home @ 7pm.
Cycle: Leave @ 5.40 (have to change into bike stuff), home @ 6.20, showered and watching tv by 6.45.
Time saved: 15 mins

Total time saved per day: 50 mins.
Total time saved per week (5 days): 250 mins (4hrs 10 mins).
Total time saved per working year (48 weeks): 12,000 mins. (8 days, 8hrs).

So that's more than a *week* every year which I'm not spending sitting on a bus. Imagine the difference in a car commute.

Taltos · 13-05-2009 10:37AM

I have been toying with doing a 32k round trip to work and have been talking to one or two here who do and who used to cycle.

Keep in mind my wife it totally opposed to this - her fear of the motorists out there - incl me and her... Our discussions have been fun...

So just yest I spoke with a guy who used to cycle most days and a similar distance to me, just opposite direction - but a few years ago on his way home a car turned in front of him without indicating - his leg ended up going under the wheel rim and around the wheel. Recovery took ages and he still limps. Nothing ever happened to that driver - and he was always a careful cyclist with years of experience.

Knowing the roads I am on and seeing how other motorists treat cyclists on those roads this story has pretty made up my mind for me. Shame as I used to really love to cycle - but my journey would have me cutting across main junctions - Naas road etc - and up secondary roads and estates - Knockmaroon hill, Carpenter's Town.
Only this morning I passed a cyclist going the opposite way to me - felt envious as hell, but only seconds later passed a "moronist" racing on this road heading right for the corner I passed the cyclist, just hope he had moved far enough away and there was no traffic as this driver really left himself with no time to slow down and no space to avoid if there was traffic.

Wishing all those cycling the best - who knows, someday I might grow a spine and this government might grow a brain.

Rawr · 13-05-2009 11:01AM

I love cycling to work, which I feel is the best way to commute if you are not too far from work.

At the moment, I'm fairly close to work, so the commute is fairly easy. But before, I did have a ~14km trek into Blanch via Leixlip and the Royal Canal.

It wasn't a bad old commute and would feel great in the fresh morning air. It was a guilty pleasure to pass the packed Leixlip and Clonsilla train stations on my way in, knowing that I wouldn't be boarding an air-less Calcutta carriage for my journey (which is what I had used for years before switching to the bike).

The canal tow-path is rough in parts between Confey and Clonsilla, and I had always hoped that a tarmac path would be installed. My MTB wheels coped, but only just.

What I loved most about a cycle-commute is the total freedom it offers, especially when it's time to go home. There are no busses or trains to wait on, you go by your own timetable and the time you take to get home is largely up to yourself and how fast you can cycle.

Even when it is nasty out, and raining heavy, I still go for the bike. I'll often drift past entire queues of cars during those heavy downpours, making it seem like the faster option.

And finally, with a long enough commute, it's feels like a good workout.
If you can, you really should cycle to work in my opinion, it takes a lot of stress out of the commute.

gurramok · 13-05-2009 01:24PM

I cycled for 10 years including cross city from aged 18 to 28 years. I was nearly killed 3 times and it frightened the life out of me so i took up driving.

There needs to be cycle lanes everywhere. Not a bloody paint job on an existing road but actually physical barriers from the traffic for cyclists(Dutch style or on path) so there is no competition for road space between cyclists and other road users, like in Clontarf or some parts of the new roads in Blanch i know.

Most routes still are not safe enough to cycle, especially the ones going out to certain suburban business parks in the wilderness. The question was less than 8km, my journey is 16km cross city so i would not take up cycling again primarily due to safety factor on the present route.(less than one third of it has a real safe cycle lane)

And yeh, the weather is a factor as well, cycling against a gale force wind is not for the unfit!!

SteM · 13-05-2009 01:38PM

16 km trip each way for me so it's either....

Bus
Get up at 6:15am.
Shower and out the door by 6:50am.
Onto the 7am bus that arrives in town between 7:55 and 8am.
Start work at 8am.

Leave work at 4:30pm
Bus at 4:40pm
In the door by 6:15pm (sometimes later)

Positives
– I can listen to music on the way in and home.
- I stay dry.

Negatives
- Getting home is so SLOW.
- Annual ticket is fairly expensive

Bike
Get up at 6:30
Have a coffee, feed the cats and out the door at 7am
40 minutes to work, in work by 7:40am
Shower (luckily our new offices have one) and change
Start work at 8am.

Leave work at 4:30pm
50 minutes home - up hill, always against the wind

In the door by 5:20pm

I'm constantly getting punctures though, Dubliners seem to love throwing bottles around the place!

Positives
– I get a lie in in the morning.
- I get in and am home much quicker.
- My arms are getting a bit of a tan

- No gym membership needed anymore.

Negatives
- Can’t listen to music.
- Sometimes get wet.
- Sometimes almost get killed.
- It can be a bit of a messy business sometimes.
- Rarely go for pints after work anymore (although that could be seen as a positive).

Rawr · 13-05-2009 02:01PM

SteM wrote: »

I'm constantly getting punctures though, Dubliners seem to love throwing bottles around the place!

I feel that's probably the biggest drawback to cycle commuting, at least to me :pac:

I got a hell of a lot of punctures, most of them due to the amount of debris at the edge of the roadways, in the industrial estates I used to travel to. Plenty of sharp rocks, loose tarmac, potholes, glass, etc...

The worst is then you get that puncture on your way in, nearly at work. Unless you have a repair kit there, you'll either have to leave the bike at work until the next day, or somehow get it transported home (since DB/IE only carry folding bikes)

Stark · 13-05-2009 02:20PM

Get a pair of Specialized Armadillos (bomb proof) and make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. That should seriously cut down on your puncture woes.

SteM · 13-05-2009 02:23PM

I've gotten used to carrying around a spare inner tube and mini pump now just in case.

Specialized Armadillos - are they available for hybrids do you know? I remember someone telling me that they're not very good in wet conditions though.

DES440 · 13-05-2009 04:17PM

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

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

Have you ever actually seen rush hour traffic in Dublin?

markpb · 13-05-2009 04:17PM

Like I said before, I've been cycling for years and never had a problem. As a cyclist, I have no problem saying that most problems cyclists face are brought on themselves. I'm not talking about running red lights but about not expecting accidents and working to prevent them.

Rush hour Dublin is a doddle to cycle around, no-one else is making any speed at all. I find cycling in the evenings much more challenging because of the higher speeds achieved by cars.

monument · 13-05-2009 08:26PM

Here’s my response to many of the concerns, plus other benefits… most of these benefits are directly for you, even if you forget or don't care about the environment and climate change stuff...

“Too dangerous”
The British Medical Association says health benefits of regular cycling (more on that below) significantly outweigh any increased risk of injury, some research says the benefits outweigh the risks by as much as 20 to 1. As a number of people who have posted here have said, many people cycle safely in traffic every day. Experienced urban cyclists know what to look our for, but you can find out how to “integrate with traffic, not fear it” by reading books such as Cyclecraft which teaches how to cycle in traffic (knowing how to cycle and how to cycle in urban areas are two vastly different things), as the intro chapter of the book says:

“If you learn to cycle skilfully you will enhance your ability to use the roads in safety. Although you may encounter much bad driving, most bof it can be anticipated and its effects avoided. Surveys suggest that competent cyclists are much less likely to be involved in a conflict, and vulnerability generally decreases as a rider’s skill and experience increase”.

Irish roads have become safer in recent years, not more dangerous, and, speaking Dublin centred: the HGV ban, and a growing amount of cycling has helped this even more (the safety in numbers theory applies to cycling, so as there are more cyclists on the road it is safer).

Health
Getting exercise has physical and mental health benefits for the user – you end up feeling better, with stress. For the State, there is also the knock-on effect of having a healthier population that lowers health care investment costs – ie the benefits of cycling shouldn’t be restricted to the issue of traffic / transport.

“Irish weather”
While it differs in different parts of the country, you’d be very surprised how little it actually rains. This backed up by a Dublin City Council report, ‘Weather and Cycling in Dublin : Perceptions and Reality.’ (where I got the idea to ask the poll questions to see what people here think, and to get more than just the stats). It said:

“The survey results indicate that the perception of poor/unpleasant weather conditions is an important factor in influencing the decision of car commuters who live within cycling distance of work (i.e. up to 8 miles) not to cycle. It is also an important factor in influencing the decision of occasional cyclists not to cycle more frequently in the Winter. There is a significant difference in the Winter/Summer cycling frequency of cyclists.

“The survey results also show that car commuters and cyclists alike have a pessimistic view of the probability of getting wet in Dublin which is very inaccurate when viewed against actual data. There is a case for measures to address the misperception of occasional cyclists and car commuters alike regarding the true incidence of rainfall in Dublin and the probability of getting wet. This might form part of any new policy to promote cycling in Dublin”

So, next time you hear a cyclist rant about the weather, trust them a little less. Of course there’s some abnormally wet weeks, and for those rain gear works a treat, or a temporal switch back to public transport or your car.

Sweating / no showers
For longer journeys by bicycle, sure, showers would be a plus. But, as another poster has said, for many journeys all it takes is a slowing down a bit. On my commute, I used to sweat a more until I got a bit fitter and also switched to panniers (or as my friend says: “So, in English, it’s a bike bag, which attaches to your bike?!”), now I do my commute faster and rarely end up sweating (unless I sleep in a bit too much).

Reliability
As cycling is generally not affected by slow moving or gridlocked traffic and finding parking is not a major problem, and there is no waiting for a bus, train or tram. When cycling you can know exactly how long you journeys will take.

Speed
Distances are often overestimated by car and public transport users, cycling is far faster than many people think it is. For many journeys, it is the fastest method. Almost all short journeys are faster, and some longer journeys are faster due to traffic or other reasons such as the need to switch on some public transport trips. And here I’m talking about cycling at regular speeds, you often don’t need to be acting as if you’re in a race to get this advantage.

Climate change
If you care about such things: Cycling is the most efficient form of transport, bar none. It is more efficient than walking – less energy is required to cycle. While there are extra carbon emissions in the construction and delivery of bicycles, this is minimal compared to private and public transport vehicles.

Living environment
A reduction of motor traffic can also improve the quality of life in cities, towns and suburbs. Compared to both private car and public transport use, using a bicycle emits no air pollution, and minimal noise pollution.

Cost
A good commuting bicycle can be pick up between €350 to €450. A second hand bike can be bought for cheaper. For commuters, the cost of a bicycle can be recouped in a matter of months, saving on fuel or ticket costs. After that, the savings continue. Cycling is cheaper than public transport or driving.

Carrying files / books/ laptops etc
You can get modern panniers -- or mentioned above: a bike bag, which attaches to your bike – which are designed to carry laptops. They are designed with springs and have laptop pouches. There are also various panniers that look like office bags. Panniers are a far better option then putting a bag on your back as they put all the weight on the bike rather then you, which also helps with preventing sweat.

Freedom
This links into a lot of what is said above... from getting air in your face rather the been stuck in a car going nowhere fast, not having much of a problem parking while being freer than where the bus/train/tram goes, not having to wait in near grid locked traffic or having to wait for a bus etc.

doolox wrote: »

bosses won't tolerate long absenses due to cycle related injuries

Quite the opposite.

There are very strong arguments that cycling decreases absence from work, as cycling increases the physical and mental health of the workforce and there is also less time lost from traffic / public transport delays.

In addition, public transport strikes have little affect on cyclists, motorists however are affected by the increase in road traffic as bus/rail users use their cars instead.

Furthermore, employers do not have to provide space for car parking (if the employee pay for such, they save).

seamus wrote: »

Most of the sweat is on my back, where my bag is,

Get panniers. I was putting it off for a good while, but since getting one my commute has become less sweaty and even more enjoyable. It really helps me when my asmtha flairs up / when I have a chest cold, and taking the weight off my back has been a great general improvement.

Rawr · 13-05-2009 09:24PM

+1 Monument
Agreed totally.

Yakuza · 13-05-2009 11:40PM

Excellent post, Monument.

Zebra3 · 14-05-2009 09:13AM

I cycle into work all the time regardless of weather. For those complaining about the rain, haven't people ever heard of wet gear?

Luckily my employer provides showers/changing facilities and I'm the freshest person in the job when I sit down to start the day in work.

seamus · 14-05-2009 09:29AM

monument wrote: »

There are very strong arguments that cycling decreases absence from work, as cycling increases the physical and mental health of the workforce and there is also less time lost from traffic / public transport delays.

Indeed. I've said it numerous times, but since cycling into work, the number of illnesses I've contracted has plummetted and the time taken to recover from colds and the like has more than halved. When everyone else is dying and coughing, I get a day or two of a sniffle and some aches, and then I'm back to myself again.

Get panniers. I was putting it off for a good while, but since getting one my commute has become less sweaty and even more enjoyable. It really helps me when my asmtha flairs up / when I have a chest cold, and taking the weight off my back has been a great general improvement.

I've looked at it, but panniers for a full sus are ridiculously expensive, and it actually doesn't bother me all that much. Though it's nice when I go out for a leisure ride without the bag, much freer. I'm looking at getting a road bike, so I'll investigate panniers then.

Quint · 14-05-2009 09:34AM

Good post monument, but disagree with some of it. Getting fit doesn't mean you won't sweat. Lots of fit people sweat a lot with light exercise and need a shower. I do a 20km round trip and no matter what the weather, I sweat a lot and just couldn't do it without a shower at work.
And for the danger element to cycling, it should be compared to different modes of transport. Is cycling more dangerous than taking the car or bus?
It's good for health reasons if you don't do any exercise. If you visit the gym, jog, play football etc it's not going to make much of a difference. In my office of 20, about 6 cycle, but they all play sports and go the gym anyway.
Agree with the rest, but after the greens were in, the carbon emissions thing makes me want to drive a 6 litre car that does 6mpg

Nomad81 · 14-05-2009 10:00AM

I only started cycling to work recently and I am enjoying it quite a bit. Home is in Sandyford and work is just past the IFSC.

It used to take me 55 minutes to get to work riding the Luas to St. Stephen's then walking or taking the bus across town, and that's on a good day! Worst time I did was something like 1h 20m because the buses were nowhere to be seen. Once in a while, I'd take a taxi from St. Stephen's which costs me 7-8 euro.

It's an 11 km cycle to work and it takes me roughly 30 minutes in the morning, and 40 minutes going home after work. The cycle lanes are good all the way into town and back via ranelagh except of course, in some parts of the city centre.

I haven't been cycling long enough to make a qualified statement about near-death experiences, but I've found that motorists along the dundrum-ranelagh area tend to be aware of cyclists MOST of the time.

Cycling M-W-F at the moment as Tuesdays and Thursdays are spared for time in the gym.

Bottom line is, given the savings in time spent on the road, transport fares and cardio benefits (I hate any form of cardio), I wouldn't go back to taking public transport 5 days a week! Let's hope that doesn't change.

Quint · 14-05-2009 11:25AM

If it was a option of public transport and crawling on my hands and knees the 11km, i'd choose the latter. As soon as 2 forms of public transport are involved, it's a disaster.
It's suprising the small amount of cyclists in dublin considering the gridlock and poor and expensive public transport.

Zebra3 · 14-05-2009 12:29PM

Quint wrote: »

If it was a option of public transport and crawling on my hands and knees the 11km, i'd choose the latter. As soon as 2 forms of public transport are involved, it's a disaster.
It's suprising the small amount of cyclists in dublin considering the gridlock and poor and expensive public transport.

I actually think the number of cyclists is high considering how poor the cycle lanes are. They are an absolute disgrace compared to other countries. :mad:

Quint · 14-05-2009 01:39PM

Zebra3 wrote: »

I actually think the number of cyclists is high considering how poor the cycle lanes are. They are an absolute disgrace compared to other countries. :mad:

Good point. You have to plan each route out to where the decent lanes are.

Cookie_Monster · 14-05-2009 02:06PM

DES440 wrote: »

Have you ever actually seen rush hour traffic in Dublin?

Suprisingly yes!!!

Rush hour traffic is even easier and less dangerous than normal traffic to cycle through since it's moving so slow.

The only way i see cycling as dangerous to me is because i do silly things; break some lights, cycle up the inside of truck/ busses or overtake cars at lights frequently. Then again I don't see any of that as overly risky and am willing to take that risk.

Gavin · 14-05-2009 11:33PM

Cycle lanes are not some amazing cyclist protecting shield and are not necessary to cycle safely in Dublin. You just need to cycle with confidence and anticipation as the others have all said. Much the same as driving a car.

My commute was 15k each way, southside to northside right through the city center. Never crashed/fell off the bike (4 years of doing it) and had very few actually scary encounters.

Without a doubt, the best way to get around Dublin. Maybe mopeds/motorbikes are as good but cost more. It's also good fun!

rain on · 14-05-2009 11:59PM

I cycled for years in Dublin when I couldn't afford anything else, now that I have a car in Galway I've still considered cycling but the 3 roundabouts and dual carriageway between here and work put me off. Rain I can handle but it's those cross-winds that push you out in front of traffic that scare the life out of me, and the dual carriageway is mad windy.

Colm R · 15-05-2009 08:59AM

Gavin wrote: »

Without a doubt, the best way to get around Dublin. Maybe mopeds/motorbikes are as good but cost more. It's also good fun!

It is great fun, and I have to say absolutely the best way to put a days work behind you.

MOH · 15-05-2009 10:43AM

Gavin wrote: »

Cycle lanes are not some amazing cyclist protecting shield

They are to some extent if they're properly segregated from the road, rather than sharing a bus lane, or painting a line in the middle of an existing lane and saying 'there you go'

veryangryman · 15-05-2009 11:10AM

MOH wrote: »

They are to some extent if they're properly segregated from the road, rather than sharing a bus lane, or painting a line in the middle of an existing lane and saying 'there you go'

Sallins Road, Naas anyone?

Naas in general is awful for these cycle lanes. Barely enough room for 2 cars, no footpath etc and then they propose putting bike lanes in middle of road.

Madness

Quint · 15-05-2009 11:21AM

Gavin wrote: »

Without a doubt, the best way to get around Dublin. Maybe mopeds/motorbikes are as good but cost more. It's also good fun!

Having done both, motorcycles are the best way by a mile to get around town. And dublin has probably the smallest amount of motorcycles of any city I've ever been in!

seamus · 15-05-2009 11:23AM

I have to agree with Quint. From speed/comfort point of view, you absolutely cannot beat a motorcycle for commuting. It also has the same "head clearing" effect that cycling has.

But you don't get any exercise and you can sometimes feel a little insulated from the world.

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

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