Bike Beats Car: A Commuting Video

[middleagecyclist]

I have been making the point, well trying to anyway, to some at work that cycling at rush hour is generally going to be faster than using a car for the same journey. I've made a short video to demonstrate this. I thought some of you might find it interesting.

Cheers

 

[DCLane]

My morning commute (28-35 mins mostly downhill) by bike into work beats the car at rush hour (30-50 mins) and nearly outside rush hour (25-35 mins).

Going home (36-45 mins as it's mostly uphill) gets close to the car (30-45 mins).

Factor in that if I use this method I have to pay £25 to park at work for the day. The alternative is £3 but takes 15 minutes longer to walk in and the bike wins every time.

It's a 10-mile commute btw. The downside is that I'm on a dual-carriageway for most of it (A653 Leeds to Dewsbury).

 

[gaz]

Why filter in front of the skip lorry near the start? He is the only vehicle in front of you at the lights, you put your self in a position of danger and the vehicle has to overtake you again. You are better off not filtering to the front and stopping behind the vehicle.

I had similar the other day. I passed over 500 vehicles on Park Lane.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Why filter in front of the skip lorry near the start?

Sorry Gaz. At least I didn't go down the LH side!

I know the light sequence and the amount of space in front. I prefer not to sit behind big diesel vehicles in the exhaust fumes. Your point is valid though and I will wait behind if needed. I don't have to get to the front.

 

[Bicycle]

When I studied, my commute (Mile End to russell Square) was done by tube, bicycle or motorcycle.

To my horror, bicycle was as fast as motorcycle.

I suspect there was some RLJ and kerb-mounting behaviour going on with the bicycle, but I was young and keen.

As I was a motorcycle courier while studying, my pride was hurt that I wasn't even faster than myself on a bicycle....

 

[cloggsy]

Great vid'! Loved it

 

[MontyVeda]

FAKE! that's so obviously been speeded up to make the commute appear quicker.

sorry i thought i was posting on youtube

 

[middleagecyclist]

FAKE! that's so obviously been speeded up to make the commute appear quicker.

No! Really? What gave it away? the bit in my blog post where I said:

In the event I covered the distance in a quarter of an hour or so which is faster than the vehicles I passed (but I've sped the video up by x 4 so as not to bore you).

Or was it the >>(x4) overlayed on the video?

Pray do tell.

 

[benborp]

I believe MontyVeda may have been making a humorous allusion to the quality of comment normally posted on YouTube clips.

 

[XmisterIS]

Trouble is, no matter how much evidence you give many motons, they remain stubbornly stuck in their views. In fact, I've discovered that the more evidence you give them that their view is wrong, the more they seem to dig their heels in an insist that they are right, on the grounds of their opinion alone ...

 

[classic33]

I made the 18 mile trip into Leeds city centre, when working there, in around 65-70 minutes. This without the need to run red lights.

The nature of the roads used meant that traffic had to slow down/stop because of the lights. Other traffic caught up with because of the lights.

The only point along the route that could cause concern was Chain Bar roundabout & the approaches/exits from it.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I believe MontyVeda may have been making a humorous allusion to the quality of comment normally posted on YouTube clips.

Eh? If this is true Monty Veda I heartily apologise for any upset and distress I may have caused you by my robust rebuttal of your libelous slur.

<cue winky face>

 

[Titan yer tummy]

I commute through S London daily. So I reckon I know a little about commuting and believe me when I say there is no way I would cycle in those traffic conditions.

You sir are a god of cycling!

 

[middleagecyclist]

You sir are a god of cycling!

I don't quite know what to say. I'm an atheist but I really appreciate the sentiment.

'God of cycling'. Should I put this on my profile?

 

[classic33]

I don't quite know what to say. I'm an atheist but I really appreciate the sentiment.

'God of cycling'. Should I put this on my profile?

Why not.