The 'getting people into cycling' challenge

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But what does amuse me is the reaction I get at work from some people.. It's only about 6 miles each way. I arrived the other day to be greated with the words
"Have ridden all the way here?" said in a very shocked tone, My immediate response in my mind was "No I flew halfway then rode the rest" but kept it in my head,

I find it more productive to say "Yes, its quite easy really, you should give it a try. If I can do it I'm sure you'd have no trouble"

I constantly get asked similar questions, and they all seem surprised & the general reply from most is i'm a bit mad to ride that far every day!!
Since i've been riding in, another lady has also started, she said what put her off was the whole getting sweaty & changed idea, but having seen it done she realised it wasn't a probelm

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The thing I've found helps get over that is to offer to ride with them the first few times. I remember when I first came back to cycling and the anxiety of the first day I set off to ride in - would I make it, what would happen if I had a problem with the bike etc. It can quite easily lead to mañana. Whereas having an experienced bike buddy with you to help with traffic, give encouragement, help sort any problems and even reducing the perceived stigma of being seen on a bike can make it so much less stressful.

You can even cajole a bit "Looks like the weather's going to be really good Wednesday. Why don't I come round and we can ride in together?" I think Bike Buddying for people just getting started has a lot going for it.

 

[funnymummy]

I find it more productive to say "Yes, its quite easy really, you should give it a try. If I can do it I'm sure you'd have no trouble"



The thing I've found helps get over that is to offer to ride with them the first few times. I remember when I first came back to cycling and the anxiety of the first day I set off to ride in - would I make it, what would happen if I had a problem with the bike etc. It can quite easily lead to mañana. Whereas having an experienced bike buddy with you to help with traffic, give encouragement, help sort any problems and even reducing the perceived stigma of being seen on a bike can make it so much less stressful.

[/size]You can even cajole a bit "Looks like the weather's going to be really good Wednesday. Why don't I come round and we can ride in together?" I think Bike Buddying for people just getting started has a lot going for it.

I have tried..I have offered, at my previous job it worked, we created a cycling explosion, but just can't see the folks I work with now taking to it...

 

[ACS]

Last Thursday I helped out with the local scout group cycle ride. 34 scouts split into 3 age related groups completed 1 of 3 circuits around local roads. It was the first time that some of them had shared the road with traffic.

Senior group 14 miles, 1000 feet of climbing creditable 1 hour 20 mins and everyone of them rode a MTB with knobbly tyres.

Planning a slightly longer event for them in conjunction with some local riders and the LBS.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

several work colleagues, and two close friends. total fail with members of my family though.

 

[postman]

This coming friday .I have four punctures to mend for a local family .Who were going to take both bikes to local bike shop .Now i know i have done lbs out of work .But said family have no dad .And mum works nights and i recon it would have cost a few quid out of her wages .

 

[ComedyPilot]

7 work colleagues (on and off) but more on than never.

1 mate and Mrs CP/Miss CP

I make that 10