Is cycle commuting about to go MASSIVE?

[I like Skol]

I don't know for sure if perhaps I am just more conscious of fellow cycle commuters now I class myself as one, but there does seem to be an awful lot of cycle commuters on the roads recently. Even at work the bike shed appears to be packed with around 50% more bikes than normal and another collueage (sp?) turned up tonight on a new Carrera MTB from Halfords after mentioning last week that he was looking for a bike as using the car to do the 1-2 miles to work was just silly!

Perhaps the perceived increaseing costs of motoring are the reason? With fuel at an all time high, especially with the VAT increase, and household budgets being stretched in many other areas, maybe people are aiming to save money while improving health and lifestyle by reducing car use (although reducing car ownership is clearly the big saver!). If this continues perhaps we will end up with scenes reminiscant of China where rush hour consists of hundreds and hundreds of cycles swarming along the roads?

Are we heading for cycling critical mass?

 

[barongreenback]

I've certainly seen more in Brum over the past couple of weeks but I don't know if this is the New Year's Resolution crowd, much the same as you see during January every year. Come 1st Feb, the gym is back to normal and they're stuck paying their subs for another 11 months.

 

[cyberknight]

Certainly more in the sheds than last winter, for some odd reason i am seen as one of the hard core commuters now , probably because i am a full MAMIL and one of the few roadies along with panniers rather than the usual mtb/hybrid with a backpack.
It gives you a warm feeling giving a bit of encouragement and a bit of advice.

 

[mcshroom]

I got the title hard core when I arrived at work in 3" snow to find out that they'd shut the place because no-one could get in

There are definitely more bikes in the shed at work now, and I think it's down to people realising how much fuel costs. My mate who goes to the gym says they didn't get the same rise in numbers this January either, so maybe the bikes are replacing them.

Either way, it's great to see more cyclists, and as cyclists tend to drive better around other cyclists as well, hopefully the roads are slowly getting a little safer.

 

[rualexander]

If this continues perhaps we will end up with scenes reminiscant of China where rush hour consists of hundreds and hundreds of cycles swarming along the roads?

Maybe China 20 years ago, but not any more, its motorised transport that has gone massive over there, although largely motorbikes and scooters (many of them electric). There are still a lot of bikes too of course.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

just added a second shed at work
(I'm drunk on the power being in charge of the premises brings)

 

[jig-sore]

with the cost of petrol how it is, i couldn't afford to use the car again, even if i wanted too !!!!!

 

[downfader]

Past two winters there has been an increase at my place too. November to Febuary tends to be dead at work usually. Our site has over 300 spaces (student access, academic and worker access as its used for all kinds of things), including a 50 space secure parking area.

Every stand has been full this year. Last summer I went around and did some checking to see how popular the site was at "peak" times of the year and it was full then, with some sheffields having 3 bikes on (I kid you not, two normally, plus some were pushing a wheel between and in-line with the stand and securing that way). Friends had secured their bike on-top of another and jointly, also, in cases.

This winter its been very close to the summer. I presume this is because of several factors: economic, ease of use, and parking having been withdrawn to build new premises. There are cars parked everywhere too, not just in usual bays, but on pavements, over double yellows and double reds, near and next to fire exits... You cant get any more cars in, so I presume this has spurred some to turn to two wheels.

I also know many are sick of public transport and car costs as they have said as much to me. I and other cyclists have been approached for advice along the lines of "..if I WERE to ride a bike how/where/what?" I think we've become better at sharing that info in the past couple of years, too.

I dont think we're near CM yet, but we're closer to safety in numbers in some places.

 

[Mike!]

I've noticed more cycling since the new year that's for sure. Still only about 4 at my work place though.

I suspect if they fitted the shower they mentioned 18 months ago that would increase though.

 

[downfader]

I've noticed more cycling since the new year that's for sure. Still only about 4 at my work place though.

I suspect if they fitted the shower they mentioned 18 months ago that would increase though.

The point I've got across to others is that you dont need a shower - "army wash" in the basin is fine. If its 10 miles of less I get away with this WITHOUT soap. Splash around some water with a flannel or by hand, rub some water into your face and just towel off. If you do it straight away you wont stink any. Change of clothes from cycle to "work" is usually fine, though I find if its under 4 miles I dont even need to change.

 

[TVC]

I'm another one who's just started commuting by bike, and the main driver for the decision was the cost of petrol. A couple of other guys at work who were occasional sunny day bike commuters have started to do it more regularly too for the same reason.

 

[cyberknight]

with the cost of petrol how it is, i couldn't afford to use the car again, even if i wanted too !!!!!

+1 till pay day i didn't have a choice , no cash as we had a £350 bill for car repair this month( not bad last bill was 2 years ago ) , pity as my ribs are still tender from last weeks fall on ice.

 

[addictfreak]

I certainly wish there were more around here, I would love a few commuter races.

I never see anyone on my commute

 

[gaz]

It's still too cold imo for there to be an increase. give it a few months when it's lighter and warmer and then there will be an increase.

 

[Skyfoil]

I've noticed more cycling since the new year that's for sure. Still only about 4 at my work place though.

I suspect if they fitted the shower they mentioned 18 months ago that would increase though.

Exactly the same problem as at my place. An "army wash" is fine for me, but the lack of 'facilities' does stop a few others commuting by bike, i'm sure of it. And I must admit, a warm shower would be nicer than the gents toilets at our place!