Pushing Pedals: Explore Your Route To A Better Commute

Published on: 16 Jul, 2022
Updated on: 16 Jul, 2022

This is the regular column on local cycling by the Guildford Bicycle User Group (G-BUG). Its vision is to make cycling in Guildford safer, more convenient and fun. Members share a passion for making the borough more accessible through increased cycling.

By Bridie Sullivan

The pandemic has had an impact on us all in many different ways. Some changes, such as the reduction in commuting, are more welcome than others to life as we knew it.

Image by Gonzalo Facello, Unsplash.

In the UK we spend just under an hour a day on average travelling to work. Many find it the bane of our day and welcomed the opportunity to work from home.

Studies had long shown that stressful, time-wasting commutes contributed to decreased job satisfaction, which can have an impact on mental health.

Employees are not the only ones who have reaped the benefits in a better life balance.

Many businesses have welcomed the savings from not having to seat every employee, heat and light large buildings or provide parking.

Image by Lauren Kay, Unsplash.

For those who are not on a front line, the new surge in home working may continue long after the pandemic passes. Hybrid working, the new term for two days in the office and three days working from home, has become the new model for many office workers.

It’s also given rise to a growing band of super commuters, those who have a commute of 90 minutes or more. They set up home where they have always wanted to and only visit the office when absolutely neccssary.

Another way to improve that commute is to cycle and Thursday, August 4 marks the tenth anniversary of Cycleschemes’ Cycle to Work Day. It’s an opportunity to take part in one of the UK’s largest cycle commuting events.

The Cyclescheme programme allows employees to save up to 40% on the purchase of a new bicycle and accessories. The employee pays nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from their salary by the employer.

Image by Murillo De Paula, Unsplash.

But before you invest in a bike, try before you buy. Join many other colleagues across the country on August 4 and start plotting and planning how you might make your commute by bicycle that day.

Borrow or hire, the options are endless and the benefits could be too.

Another is to join G-BUG in campaigning for the infrastructure to make more sustainable alternatives to commuting possible by having a say in the future plans of our neighbourhoods.