blog: Cycle to work day!
Wednesday 2nd August 2023
It's national cycle to work day so we took the chance to speak to some of our regular cycle commuters to learn what inspired them to cycle, and how they'd improve their journey if they could.
How far do you cycle to get to work and what type of bike do you use?
Ben: 6km on a road bike I've had since I was around 16/17 years old - I'm probably due an upgrade!
Ian: 2 miles which is about 15 minutes. I ride an all purpose / touring bike with drop handlebars with chunky tires for comfort. I'll occasionally take the bus if the weather is really bad though.
Tom: About 20 minutes depending on what I've had for breakfast on my city bike. I cycle in every day I'm in the office unless it's raining when I'll take the bus. If I'm feeling a bit more adventurous (and it's nice weather) I sometimes hire an e-scooter or skateboard in for a change.
Geoff: About 2 miles from home (on a road bike) or 4 miles if I’m dropping the kid off via nursery, when I use an electric cargo bike.
Phoebe: It was about 2 miles but since moving it's about 15, and especially with the "summer" weather my cycling frequency has declined somewhat! I used to use a road bike but now I'm using a gravel bike which is friendlier on rough terrain and potholed roads.
Why do you cycle?
Tom: Mainly for the reliability & flexibility – normally it means I can leave when I want and it’ll take pretty much the same time to get to work every time. But also for environmental and financial reasons.
Ian: It is fast, cheap, fun and very flexible.
Phoebe: I like the freedom if you change your plans, as well as the exercise which I miss in a desk based job - but mostly because it’s free.
What do you enjoy most about cycling in?
Geoff: How quick it is! I’ve just moved from London where it took an hour to get to work, I’m really enjoying how easy it is move around Nottingham – life logistics are so much easier. Also, drivers seem much more considerate here.
Tom: Cycling by the river & clearing my head a bit before & after work, and getting a moderate amount of exercise regularly.
Ben: The best bit about cycling in London is how many other people also cycle, makes you feel a lot safer and quicker. You also get to know your area a lot better instead of being on a tube underground everyday and can actually put together where things are in London (a struggle as it is so big).
If you could change one thing about your cycling route what would it be?
Ian: There is no cycling provision over the river Trent, both my bridge options are heavily trafficked. This should be resolved with the new walking and cycling bridge in development.
Phoebe: I’d have a comprehensive and more direct cycle lane network rather than lanes that randomly end halfway down the road throwing you into traffic, or making you cycle on the pavement then cross the road then disappear down a side street for a while.
Geoff: I would fill in the potholes and provide more priority for bikes on the main roads, especially at junctions.
Tom: There’s a really rubbish junction crossing which is very busy, polluted and unsafe. At the very least it would be nice to have an island big enough for a bike and made into a toucan crossing (at the moment there isn’t even a red/green person and you can’t see the traffic lights for one of the lanes). Ideally, I’d like to avoid this road/junction altogether but that’s probably not feasible.
Ben: As you get further out of London and towards Brixton the cycling provision on road are much worse and make it quite dangerous and slow.
What advice would you give others looking to start cycling?
Ben: Start small and work your way up, use an electric bike first to build up your confidence or cycle on weekends when it is quieter to build up the knowledge of the roads and cycle routes in your local area.
Phoebe: Panniers are a godsend to avoid a rucksack induced sweaty back.
Tom: Ask someone who already walks/cycles near you how they get to work – you might find out a route you hadn’t heard/thought of before.
Ian: It isn’t a race and you don’t need to get sweaty, take your time and enjoy it.
Geoff: If you’re nervous about cycling and know anyone who cycles, ask them if they’d take you out for some short trips in your local neighbourhood (people who cycle are generally very keen to spread the love) – it really is easier and safer than you might think. Nottingham City Council also offer free guided rides and training (including bike maintenance). Finally, you don’t need to worry about any special equipment just hop on and give it a go!
