Cycling To Work

Having previously used public transport to travel to work, my employers offered me the opportunity to join the ‘Cycle to Work' scheme. This is a scheme where my employer would pay for the bike and, over the course of a year, I would pay the cost back. The amount I could spend was up to £999.99 on the bike and accessories.

Having spent an afternoon at a reputable cycling shop, I made my choice and left, taking the paperwork for my employer to approve. Two weeks later I collected my purchase.

My route to work on the bike is approximately four miles. The first two are following a public foot/cycle path along the Exeter canal, a rather beautiful and, if you time it right, tranquil ride. The remaining two miles are along another cycle path which runs next to a busy main road and is, unfortunately, uphill. This obviously is not such a pleasant part of the journey.

Having used the bike as my main transport to work now for four months, both the benefits to my health and my little contribution to the environment are clear.

This also has a positive effect on my performance at work as, when I arrive, I generally feel energised and awake. The flip-side of this is more noticeable - when the weather brings out my inner cowardice (ie it's raining) and I resort to catching the bus. The journey takes approximately the same time as the cycle ride, on board a crowded bus with the other passengers seemingly lost in their own thoughts or listening to iPods. Occasionally I meet a friend and enjoy a good catch up. As they haven't really been used, my muscles tend to arrive in an almost sleepy state and the working day seems a lot longer than when I cycle in.

So far the only drawback to my cycling to work is that, although my employer promotes this scheme, there are no shower facilities available and, after a hot cycle ride, I have to make do with rinsing myself with tap water.

Matt

photo (c) Freephotosbank 2008