Yesterday was National Cycle to Work Day.
Not that long ago I thought cycling was something other people did – reserved for Lycra-clad men wearing odd shoes, and people who liked to hug trees and wear clothes made of hemp. Oh foolish me! Inspired by a couple of friends who cycle to work, and fed up of waiting in the Manchester rain for a slower-than-slow tram, I decided I'd give it a go. As well as hopefully cutting commuting time, cycling might also be a good thing to help my running. Mostly though, I'd seen my pretty Bobbins bike and really wanted her to be mine...
Here are some things I previously thought about cycling to work, which I was totally wrong about.
1) Riding on the road? So scary. What about all the traffic? Wrong! I thought all drivers would hate me and I'd be slow and in the way. How do I make a right turn? Where do I sit on the road? All these questions and worries were really what was putting me off getting on a bike. Someone told me that Manchester Council ran cycling sessions for free, including one all about road sense, so I gave it a go. A nice lady met me at home and after a bit of theory we went off on a route of my choosing. We worked out the best journey for my commute to work and then we cycled it. She led on the way there and then we switched on the way back. It's not a long way but there are a couple of major junctions involved so having someone take me through safe cycling proficiency was really good for my confidence. If you're worried, check out your local council's website and see what they offer.
2) What a faff! All that changing must take ages in the morning! Wrong! It's really not a faff at all. Get ready for work. Get on bike. Get to work. DONE.
3) I'd be so sweaty and gross all day. Wrong! My commute is only three miles, so unless I'm running late for work, I'm not sweaty enough to warrant a shower when I arrive. Sometimes I take a change of clothes, sometimes not, depending on what I'm wearing that day and how easy it is to cycle in. None of my colleagues seem to think I stink (not that they've mentioned anyway). Obviously if you live further away and cycle faster than I do then a bit of a spruce up pre-work might be required, but most workplaces have showers these days. You just need to change the morning routine to incorporate a wash at work rather than at home.
4) It must be so tiring! Wrong! It's actually a really nice way to wake up and the best is the cycle home. After a long stressful day cooped up in the office, a ride home in the fresh air helps me unwind and forget about work.
5) Sunshine is fine but I surely I wouldn't cycle in the rain?! No thanks! Wrong! Granted, rain is not my favourite cycling weather (and in Manchester there's a lot), but with some sexy waterproof trousers and jacket, it's really fine. A 15 minute ride in the rain is much more appealing than a 10 minute schlep to the tram with a walk at the other end. You'll get wet either way. Just keep in mind how much quicker you'll be home. The wind is a whole other issue. Urgh. Just be sensible and don't cycle in a cyclone.
6) A bike is so expensive!
Check if your employer has a Cycle to Work scheme – savings are around 25% on new bikes. Even if they don't, you'll soon save the price of a bike by not using public transport (see below)
Me – cycle commuting!
So there we are! I love my cycle commute now, and it definitely contributed to the groundwork and confidence to give my recent triathlon a go. Not only that, cycling to and from work saves me at least £50 a month and an hour a day travelling (over a year, that's £600 and 300 hours saved)! No more waiting at the tram stop in the wind and rain for me – I'm already at home, de-stressed with a nice warm cuppa.