Increasing petrol prices and cycling inspiration can create new cyclists.

[BSRU]

I would expect to see lots of cyclists in Swindon as it is not very big and has a fairly extensive, apart from the town centre, shared path network yet still people drive at most five/six miles, more likely two or three rather than cycle.

 

[benb]

I dont go over 60, well rarely unless I need to, as this is the optimum fuel saving speed for me. It saves me about a fiver each week. To make my job not worth it for me it would need to double my fuel bill, Im hoping that is some time away yet.

You are different from most people.

 

[col]

You are different from most people.

Not really, just as skint as the next underpaid overworked person, who has to travel.

 

[marshmella]

I would expect to see lots of cyclists in Swindon as it is not very big and has a fairly extensive, apart from the town centre, shared path network yet still people drive at most five/six miles, more likely two or three rather than cycle.

I was one of those types who drove to and from work everyday until in 2008 when petrol hit a ridiculous £1.20 a litre. seems daft now looking back that i never used to cycle a mere 5 and -a- half miles.

 

[col]

I have a 44 mile round trip on the motorway, no idea how many more by B roads. Even if I was up to it daily, the 6 or 7 start and 7 or 8 finish would make it impractical, if I wanted to see my family.

 

[Edwards80]

I think everyone has a tipping point, my main motivation to cycle was the cost of getting into Manchester and back, that was about 6-7 years ago - With the bike to work scheme it was costing me less per month to buy a bike that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise, than it was to use public transport.

That said, some people just won't do it. There are people here that drive from 2-3 miles away and then complain about the cost of gym memberships when they are only going once a week. Madness!

 

[benb]

Not really, just as skint as the next underpaid overworked person, who has to travel.

And yet the majority of people I see on the road make no attempt to drive economically, and a lot of them drive as though they're in a grand prix.

People moan a lot about petrol prices rising, yet do nothing to use less of it.

 

[col]

And yet the majority of people I see on the road make no attempt to drive economically, and a lot of them drive as though they're in a grand prix.

People moan a lot about petrol prices rising, yet do nothing to use less of it.

I must just be as tight as a gnats chuff then, I would go 55 but find I hold larger vehicles up so upped to 60.

 

[Fab Foodie]

My wife and two children might not approve I'm afraid.

They rarely do, but hey

 

[Col5632]

Soaring petrol prices were a key factor in me cycling more, i used to cycle purely for fun but around late 2010 i decided there is no reason why i cant cycle to my work, started doing 2/3 days a week and now i try my hardest to do all 4 days, sadly i still need my car for my 2nd job and im still paying it off otherwise i would consider getting rid of it altogether, hoping once i move in with the gf then i can just get rid of the car altogether cause all in it costs me around £400 a month

 

[marshmella]

Soaring petrol prices were a key factor in me cycling more, i used to cycle purely for fun but around late 2010 i decided there is no reason why i cant cycle to my work, started doing 2/3 days a week and now i try my hardest to do all 4 days, sadly i still need my car for my 2nd job and im still paying it off otherwise i would consider getting rid of it altogether, hoping once i move in with the gf then i can just get rid of the car altogether cause all in it costs me around £400 a month

A couple of months at 400 quid a throw and you're moving into the really decent bike territory, best of luck Col.

 

[marshmella]

I think everyone has a tipping point, my main motivation to cycle was the cost of getting into Manchester and back, that was about 6-7 years ago - With the bike to work scheme it was costing me less per month to buy a bike that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise, than it was to use public transport.

That said, some people just won't do it. There are people here that drive from 2-3 miles away and then complain about the cost of gym memberships when they are only going once a week. Madness!

Gotta love those people who drive to the gym then do the things you do in a gym for an hour then drive home.

 

[Sobrique]

I was thinking about it - not just petrol prices, but general cost of running two cars was really starting to hurt, following two 'painful' repair bills.
Having moved, and quit gym (which I did drive to, but 'on the way home' and anyway - going to the gym to work out means shower and changing room proximity) - I've not really had time or spare money to sign up again.

So bike saves the two - work out on the way to work, and maybe just save a few quid (less fuel, and if I can insure/MOT/service one less car, that'd be a bonus too).

Cycle to work scheme with it's - effective - payment plan and discount was just the final prod.

 

[sabian92]

I cycle because I can't afford a car before fuel, never mind after it!

When I get to the stage of going to university depending on where I go I might bike there. Save me a fortune in rail fares!

I know later in life when I've got a job etc, I won't be using a car to get to it if I can - it's too expensive. That and a car doesn't make you healthier either!

 

[cyberknight]

Just don't tell them that they'll likely spend more than the gym membership on cycling gear

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