Many
journeys to work are ideal for cycling. If you live a reasonable distance
from work (up to about five miles), you might find it possible to cycle -
even just once a week.
Why cycle to
work?
Cycling is a great way of getting exercise - the British Medical Association
says the health benefits far outweight any risks. And you don't have to go
anywhere special to do it -you can get fit as part of your everyday routine.
Cycling
can be fun -
you can enjoy being outdoors without the stresses of driving - and less
stress helps you work more effectively. If the
weather changes,
good waterproofs will prevent you getting soaked on the way home.
Cycling saves money - no petrol costs, no need for a second family
car, no worries about parking charges. For employers and government, more
cyclists mean less congestion to hold up public transport and commercial
traffic.
Cycling
is good for the environment
- by cycling occasionally,
you can reduce your contribution to local pollution, to global warming, and
to the traffic-related health problems that affect
more and more people.
Overcoming
problems - Cycling is not always a suitable commuter option, but some
problems can be overcome. Could you combine journeys when you have the car
so you are free to cycle once a week? What about trying the school run by
bike?
Employers can help by installing high quality facilities such as cycle racks,
showers and lockers. They can support training for novice cyclists, promote
a weekly 'casual' day for those who don't want to crease their best clothes,
and reassure parents by guaranteeing to cover taxi fares in an emergency.
Appointing a 'cycle co-ordinator' in the workplace is a good way to start
discussions about what facilities are needed.
The above
contribution is from Dr Paul Rosen, Science & Technology Studies Unit, University
of York pjr8@york.ac.uk Author of Framing Production: Technology, Culture
and Change in the British Bicycle Industry (MIT Press, 2002).
