Riding your bike to work will make a big difference. Your health will benefit from the regular exercise, your budget will benefit from reduced transport costs and the community will benefit from reduced transport emissions.
If you are in the habit of driving to work, switching to cycling can seem quite tricky. These tips will help you switch from four wheels to two.
- Plan your route. Perth bike maps are available from the Department of Transport. Google maps also offer a cycling option. Get involved in your local Bicycle User Group to familiarise yourself with local bike paths and quiet streets or just talk to the people you work with that already ride.
- Keep it simple. The best bike to ride to work is the one you already have. Don’t make a big deal out of special clothes and gear. Start with what you have and if cycling becomes a serious habit, you can upgrade your gear in the future.
- Refresh. A lot of work places now offer end-of-trip facilities, including showers and lockers. Shift your shower routine until after your ride, saving you time and leaving you refreshed and ready to take on the work day.
- Don’t want to ride the whole way? Ride to the train or bus station and use a Transperth Bike Shelter
- Arrive happy. Research out of the University of Sydney demonstrates cycling commuters are twice as happy as people who drive, walk or use public transport to get to work.