With fuel prices on the rise and train fares constantly following suit, most of us will have wondered at some point whether there is a cheaper and better way to get to work. Something that, I don't know, increases fitness and health would be a bonus too, and…
OK. You know where we're going with this. That bicycle in your garage or shed can very often be the answer. Anything up to around an hour's cycling (and for some, even more than that) is doable at least a few times a week. All the while your fitness and your bank balance will be going upwards in tandem.
These are two obvious plus points, but there are more besides. Plenty more. They range from things as diverse as convenience to connection with your environment, and it's no stretch to suggest they could be life-transforming. Let's take a look at them in more detail.
1. You get fitter without trying
How is it that everyone seems to have such busy lives these days? Whatever the reason, it can certainly make setting aside time to ride the bike a challenge, especially if you have specific fitness goals in mind.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you... cycle commuting. It often takes barely any more time than the car or train, but you get time in the saddle and increased fitness built into your day. Depending on what your journey looks like, you could even add in some efforts, or throw in a loop – what a great way to enjoy a summer evening post-work.
If you're looking for some easily completable efforts to mix up your commute, try this 'big gear minutes' cycling workout which improves your fitness by specifically working to increase your pedalling force.
2. You don't need to own a bike, or even cycle the whole way
If you live near a cycle hire scheme such as London's Boris bikes or Reading's ReadyBikes then there are bikes available for commuters and tourists alike.
What's more, thanks to the proliferation of docking stations you don't need to ride the whole way from home to work: a combination of a train journey and a pedal in the sun can give you the benefits of cycling without the need for a change of clothes or arriving sweaty.
If your place of work doesn't have any hire schemes nearby, no problem. You can stash the bike in the car and ride part of the journey, or, buy a folding bike like a Brompton and take it on the train. What a great excuse to buy a new bike – and it should pay for itself over time thanks to the reduced train journey (and fare).
3. Your bike won't go on strike
In the UK we've seen our fair share of transport strikes in recent years, leaving many commuters scrabbling for alternative ways to get to work. When London Underground staff take part in industrial action, for example, the use of London's hire bikes spikes as people turn to two wheels.
But if cycle commuting is already your first choice, you're all set. A well maintained bike won't go on strike, and with the right equipment and clothes you can keep commuting throughout the year. Even on those days when it feels your legs are tempted to go on strike, it rarely takes more than five minutes on the bike to get your mojo back or, at the very least, find the energy to complete the journey.
Oh, and you always get a seat.
4. Everyone gets around quicker when more people cycle
Some motorists complain that cyclists get in the way and cause delays. But in truth, if everyone doing short journeys by car switched to more sustainable forms of transport – bicycle, bus, or even a car share – then the volume of traffic would decrease.
As a result of the decrease, trades people in vans, taxi drivers and others whose use of a motor vehicle is essential would be able to get to where they need to be much quicker.
5. Get a tax break (and a much cheaper bike) with the Cycle to Work scheme
If you're concerned that you have no suitable bike to ride to work on, you might find that a new machine is more affordable than you thought.
The various cycle to work schemes offer a tax break on buying a bike to commute on. This can represent major savings – up to nearly half, with no upper limit on spend, as long as it's approved by your employer. It can even be paid off throughout the year direct from your gross monthly salary.
6. When you're on a bike, you're not checking your phone
Look around you on the non-cycling commute – everyone is on their phones. But studies demonstrating the deleterious effects of mindless scrolling are plentiful and convincing. Your attention span, critical thinking – not to mention your enjoyment of the IRL world around you – are all at stake.
Given you won't be scrolling while riding (unless competing for a Darwin award) cycling can not only save you from phone-induced brain rot – as a form of exercise researchers have found it can actually promote cognitive function. And don't imagine this only applies to oldies – it works if you're young too.
For many of us, the working day is one long stint on a screen, and then there's the personal phone use in-between. Why not give your brain a break and saddle up?
7. Cycling has a predictable commute time
If you rely on motorised transport to get to work – whether that's a car, bus or train – there are plenty of factors beyond your control that can affect how long it will take.
A major traffic jam or a cancelled train are the most obvious ones, but there are plenty of others.
Riding the bike does away with those unknowns, as there is very little that will significantly impact your journey time. The caveat here is ensuring your machine is well maintained and being able to deal with minor mechanicals such as a puncture or – much less likely – a broken chain. Neither is likely, but both can be fixed inside five or 10 minutes if you know how, as opposed to walking for potentially a long time to a bike shop or train station if you don't.
Make sure you include enough time to safely store your bike and take a shower too.
8. Get to know your city better
If you go to work by car, bus or train, you've probably seen many of the places along the way, but the chances are you haven't really experienced them. Riding through a town or village, smelling the blossom or the coffee or the bakery and taking in the quirky sights, is a feast for the senses compared to rushing past in a train or on a dual carriageway.
There's no better way to learn about your neighbourhood - and beyond its limits - than cycling. Exploring peaceful woodland lanes or quiet side streets and discovering new places to visit is part and parcel of cycle commuting. You may even discover a new café that you didn't know existed, right around the corner from where you live. Strap one of the best bike and helmet cameras to you or your bike and you can document your adventures.
9. It's warmer than standing around on a draughty platform
Although the perception of cycling into work might be that you have to brave the elements, it's actually one of the warmer ways of getting into work on a winter's day. No standing around on a windswept platform or bus stop. And even a car can be an inhospitable place until the heating kicks in.
Wear the right clothes, including the best commuter cycling jacket and the best waterproof cycling trousers, and a bit of rain and cold will not worry you in the slightest. Good quality waterproof and windproof clothing can be bought relatively cheaply now, so there's no excuse not to be properly equipped and to keep warm as your working muscles provide natural heating.
In the summer, there's no better way to start the day than a ride in the warm and sun – the only problem might be having to stop cycling and start working.
And if you're out in the fresh air, your fellow commuter won't be sneezing or coughing all over you, so there's less chance of catching something nasty too.
