In my first ‘proper job’ I used to walk 45 mins to and from work come rain or shine. The job also involved standing on my feet all day. A few years later, when I could afford a car, I very slowly became... well... lazy! The convenience of driving to work was far too appealing - in one of my jobs I drove less than 2 miles to work, just so I could drive home at lunch time - shameful!
It’s taken a few years but I have at last seen the error of my ways. All the excuses I previously spouted - I haven’t got the time, it’s too hot or too cold, I’ll be too tired blah blah blah - have finally been put to bed!
These days I cycle to work at least a couple of times a week. It takes me 30 mins - no different to my drive time!
Yes it’s cold some days, and no, I can’t sit back with my iPod blasting out, protected from the elements - but there are huge benefits, apart from the obvious health ones:
- Out on my bike I pay attention to my surroundings.
- I smile or wave to other cyclists - when was the last time you waved to someone just because they were driving a car?
- I save around a third of my weekly petrol bill.
- Plus... did you know hum-drum lames your brain? - varying your journey to work is said to be a good brain trainer!
Hopefully I’ll be smiling or waving at you as we pass each other on our bikes - just don’t overtake me I don’t like that!
Paul.
Here are some interesting links for anyone who needs a little more convincing...
http://www.independent.co.uk/money/invest-save/thrifty-living-get-on-your-bike-to-make-big-savings-1634138.html
http://www.bikebelles.org.uk/
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article5839358.ece
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