Is cycle commuting about to go MASSIVE?

[summerdays]

I counted up the usage today at the office and the secure stands (well behind a gate requiring a pass), were about 70% full - 25 bikes (I think there were a further 5 out the front). However I don't know what a similar figure for last year at this time would be ... they were at over capacity at times in the summer with 3 to a stand.

 

[downfader]

Do you ever cycle to the shops, pubs, etc., or just to work? I wouldn't even think of changing if I was going less than ten miles, maybe because I go slow. I use my bike to get everywhere, taking a change of clothes to a restaurant would be a bit awkward.

P.S. Yeah, I'm just being nosey.

Mostly to work, but now and again to shops. If I cant get changed I just go slower. Most shops here are about 2 miles from me in all directions... not really sweaty riding.

 

[Browser]

There was a big take-up when Cyclescheme was introduced to our place in '09, not by yours truly as I was suspicious of the whole thing but took the plunge last year, but many of them either have 'punctures', or it's 'too cold' etc etc. I think the rising fuel prices will force some of them back on their bikes again, and if I can spread the word that cyclocross bikes are the new fast commuter of choice we might see a few more.

 

[mgarl10024]

As many have said on here, I think that fuel prices will be the reason that pushes a few more over.
Fuel prices are once again becoming a big political issue as the public feels squeezed and petrol is rapidly approaching the £7 gallon. I remember the anger caused when it went over a £1/litre in about 2000, with lorries protesting by blocking motorways etc.
I'd only need to use a £650 bike for about a year for it to pay for itself £650/(£7(gallon) / 40mpg * 12 miles/day = £2.10) = 309.5 commutes. This estimate also only takes into account petrol costs - cars can take a lot of maintaining that probably halves that figure! (Of course, I probably spend it all on cycling accessories, but that's not important....)

 

[mgarl10024]

just added a second shed at work

We've been trying (and have succeeded) to convince Facilities at work that the existing shed isn't going to be large enough for this Summer. Last Summer there were bikes stacked up against the side. The plans to put an extra shed in the existing car park, taking up 5-8 spaces wont go down too well with the motorists though, even if it does mean that people take the bike instead leaving to a net increase in spaces.
Looking at the sped yesterday (which to be fair was very cold) I reckon there were 20-30 bikes in there already which for our building is a fair few.

 

[mgarl10024]

i am seen as one of the hard core commuters now

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

I've only been cycle commuting for under a year, and am probably not a "hard core" cyclist, but I did set the following as my work computer background to fire-up the other commuters.

Dedication

 

[aembleton]

I'm one of these new cyclists that have just appeared!

I used to do quite a bit of cycling, but haven't done any for 7 years. I'm now commuting 100 miles a week from Beckenham to central London. Thought I'd register after lurking on here for a while especially when I saw posts from those living in Hither Green and Lewisham. I lived in Hither Green until 3 months ago.

I was motivated to join partially to improve fitness, but thats something I've been thinking I should do for a while now. But, what really spurred me on was seeing the hike in rail fairs and trying to decide if I should buy a £1000 annual season ticket for the trains before the price jumped up. Glad I didn't now!

Cycle racks here are full by about 9.15. I've no idea what it'll be like in the summer.

 

[I like Skol]

Thinking about this I reckon we could be in the over-subscribed bike shed situation when summer arrives. Already finding a spot is difficult because due to the design of the bike shed the slots are too close together so using every position isn't possible, especially when you consider that it is necessary to squeeze between the bikes to lock them to the framework in front of the bike. Perhaps I should sow the seed with facilities that additional or improved bike parking is going to be needed?

 

[darthpaul]

Wish we could get a new shed at the school I work in. We have one of those metal garden sheds with plastic handles on. Both doors falling off to, needed replacing 2 years ago but apparently its not priority

 

[mgarl10024]

Wish we could get a new shed at the school I work in. We have one of those metal garden sheds with plastic handles on. Both doors falling off to, needed replacing 2 years ago but apparently its not priority

A story at work is that around 10 years ago, there were no cycle facilities. So the cyclists at the time said "well, I'm not leaving my bike outside unprotected", so they would wheel them in, park them next to their desk, and the bikes would stand there dripping on the carpet. The management would go nuts, but they'd say "it's my only way to get to work, find me a solution" and that provided the pressure to get the cycling facilities installed.
(Obviously, I'm not advising you to do this - it's just a (slightly) funny story).

 

[darthpaul]

1 Teacher who rides a single speed has started doing that this week. Fed up with leaving his bike unsecured in a delapadated shed with nothing to lock you bike to, so is now in his office.

 

[subaqua]

I'm one of these new cyclists that have just appeared!

I used to do quite a bit of cycling, but haven't done any for 7 years. I'm now commuting 100 miles a week from Beckenham to central London. Thought I'd register after lurking on here for a while especially when I saw posts from those living in Hither Green and Lewisham. I lived in Hither Green until 3 months ago.

I was motivated to join partially to improve fitness, but thats something I've been thinking I should do for a while now. But, what really spurred me on was seeing the hike in rail fairs and trying to decide if I should buy a £1000 annual season ticket for the trains before the price jumped up. Glad I didn't now!

Cycle racks here are full by about 9.15. I've no idea what it'll be like in the summer.

welcome.

mines a bit similar to you but more on the time saving. the railcard was a legitimate expense so work reimbursed me , but its nice to not have to wait around for the expenses claim to be processed.

I have now started to look at roadbikes for the summer evening and weekends.

 

[pshore]

Wish we could get a new shed at the school I work in. We have one of those metal garden sheds with plastic handles on. Both doors falling off to, needed replacing 2 years ago but apparently its not priority

There is a chance your employers might change their minds (see story below). If they convert a parking space to cycle parking space, it'll be cheaper than paying a tax every year.



Motorists face £250 a year tax to park at work 22 Aug 2010
It had been thought plans for workplace parking levies would be abandoned after ministers declared an end to the "war on motorists" within days of the Coalition's formation.

But The Daily Telegraph has learned that a number of local authorities are actively examining introducing the charge in an attempt to raise funds. They include councils in Bristol, York, Devon, Hampshire, Leeds, Bournemouth, South Somerset and Wiltshire.


[continues]

 

[pshore]

and the bikes would stand there dripping on the carpet

A bin bag underneath your bike works a treat !

 

[asterix]

My last employer was very good about cycling. At head office a huge basement swallowed up every bicycle that turned up.

When they rented an overflow office they specified a bike shed with sheffield stands, but unfortunately someone failed to understand the ergonomics of such complicated installations and put them all in at 90 degrees to the exit. Latecomers had to lift their bikes out over everyone elses!