A common problem is the daily commute, with only 30% of workers avoiding it. The rest of us spend a total of almost 200 hours a year travelling to and from work. So what are your options? Read on for a review of the traditional and not so traditional methods of getting to work.
Cycle
It’s eco-friendly, healthy and faster than walking. There are a few things to remember, like a helmet and reflective wear but once you have that sorted cycling could be for you. Let’s copy the Dutch and make biking cool. Let’s make your journey into work part of your daily exercise instead of a potentially stressful event. Let’s go on two wheels! If you want to know more about the ups and downs of cycling to work here are a few blogs to have a read of:
Driving:
Traffic, the cost of fuel, parking – there is a lot of stress associated with traveling by car. Are there any pros? Well if you use your car like I do, then yes! My car is my giant handbag, in it lie spare shoes, a jacket, an umbrella and a lot of other stuff that I’m not sure when I’ll need but you never know when they could come in handy. The radio is always interesting and who cares about the traffic at least you re not getting rained on! So is it all positive? Well it will cost you a lot around £2000 annually and an extra £1000 if you don’t car share.
Train/Bus
The benefit of trains and buses is that you don’t have to do much other than sit there. It also means that instead of panicking about the rules of the road, weather or how fast you are driving/cycling you can do something cooler with your time. Most of the commuting populace now use smart phones/tablets or laptops to entertain themselves. Instead of hiding behind technology though you could spend your time reading – the news or a book. You could play travel games (eye spy?) or you could do this:
https://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/october-jones-commuting-doodles
Now you have your amusement taken care of you can sit back and feel smug after-all you are saving the planet and any walking you have to do between your buses or trains can legitimately count as exercise. Never mind over crowding – standing burns calories.
Walking
Simple, easy, healthy. You don’t need any specialist equipment (other than some comfy shoes) and another eco friendly way to get to work. There is the risk of rain ruining your day with walking but an umbrella and a waterproof or even wellington boots are all options to keep you dry on your walk to work.
Alternative Methods:
Space Hopper/Pogo
Be different. Enjoy your journey. Arrive at work literally with a bounce in your step. While not much use for long distance commuting if you only live a short walk from work why not invest in a bouncy alternative to your feet. Life is short so let’s make it fun!
Horse
Once upon a time it was the way to travel. Let’s revamp it. Good enough for the police force now its time to reclaim the horse as a mode of travel. Only a few problems exist. A lack of stables for your horse to stay while you work is a major one.