So commuting by bike

[timwilky]

I now have a commute. Thank you very much boss.

It is 6 miles from home to the office and takes about 20 mins in the car there and 45 back.

Today I did it by bike, 15 mins, but add another 5 to put on gear, get bike out of garage etc. So no real saving. Obviously the potential for improvement is tonight.

My question though is simple. I have a company car, parking is not an issue. Should I use the bike as a permanent mode of transport or for the occasional stress relief when I get P'eed off with the commute

EDIT and why did every roundabout stink of diesel? just adds to the paranoia that somebody is just going to try and kill me

[Bluepete]

It's the going home that really makes it a no brainer for me. When I'm on earlies, it can be well over an hour to get back in the car, but only 30 minutes on the SV.

Having said that, as winter draws in, drying your kit becomes an issue. Is there a drying room at work? Can you guarentee to be able to get the kit dry at home for the next morning?

I take each day as it comes. I'm lucky too that parking is not an issue, and I have a car as well as the SV.

Play it by ear Tim, if it's shocking weather, 4 wheels, crisp and bright, 2 wheels.

Pete

[timwilky]

Facilities here are non existant. We even have to fill the kettle from the toilets 200 yard away. There are radiators in the little office I share, but I bet it goes down like a lead balloon if I try to dry off damp clothing.

I parked the bike in a hatched off area of the car park that has a steel barrier behind it, so in theory an ideal point to attach a chain. I guess I need to find out who the estate manager is and get his permission to leave a permanent chain padlocked to the barrier to save me carrying one.

I am going to use mine for the 27 mile commute I have. Wont be doing it every day but will try and do it, think it will be good to build up a bit of experience in wet/bad weather.

[Dave20046]

If they're paying for a car, they won't be happy.
Enjoy it though

[timwilky]

Originally Posted by Dave20046

If they're paying for a car, they won't be happy.
Enjoy it though

I cannot see why not. It is a status thing not a job requirement. My cars have spent the last 6 years parked outside my house unless I actually have to travel to a company site. I don't get expenses to travel to/from work so it should be my choice how I do it. IE only use the car for business.

I left my laptop last night in my desk instead of taking it home to take back in the morning, I have now brought in a pair of shoes to leave in my desk and that should be it. textile overtrousers/jacket over jeans/T shirt. If I am not in contact with customers why wear a shirt/suit etc.

[jambo]

You could cycle? 6 miles isn't impossible, if you wake up and it looks awful outside you have the motorbike or car anyway.

Jambo

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by timwilky

I cannot see why not. It is a status thing not a job requirement. My cars have spent the last 6 years parked outside my house unless I actually have to travel to a company site. I don't get expenses to travel to/from work so it should be my choice how I do it. IE only use the car for business.

I left my laptop last night in my desk instead of taking it home to take back in the morning, I have now brought in a pair of shoes to leave in my desk and that should be it. textile overtrousers/jacket over jeans/T shirt. If I am not in contact with customers why wear a shirt/suit etc.

Fair point actually, I've always refrained from doing it as they'd go nuts if I had an off or needed to go out and see a customer at random.

For 6 miles I would cycle.

I wish my commute was only 6 miles, mine may only be 30 miles but its up the M4 and into the city, no fun roads and idiots everywhere.

[keith_d]

I've got a 30 minute commute which is entirely on the break-even point. The time I gain by cutting through traffic is balanced by the time spent kitting up. So my rule is when if the weather's dry I take the bike when it's wet I take the car

There are a couple of additional benefits to taking the bike. It uses less petrol and if there's an accident I'm not left sitting in a queue. However they don't outweigh arriving at the office warm and dry when it's p***ing down.

Just my opinions,

Keith.