Anyone who lives three or so miles from their workplace or shops or pub (or any other destination), will find their trip much more quick, cheap and cheerful if they do it by bike, we reckon.
Years ago a ‘commuter challenge' in Sheffield showed a standard rush hour bike commute was always quicker than any other way of getting into town, up to a distance of about four miles. But we’ve been thinking about the costs of that journey, as well as the speed. And we think cycling is cheaper too.
We did the maths for people who live around Ecclesfield, Chapeltown or Shiregreen, travelling to town or Meadowhall, for example.
The Blackburn Valley cycle route
Ecclesfield to Meadowhall and back by bus will cost just over £5 for a day ticket, and a fraction more by car when all running costs are considered (but not parking). It’ll take you about 15-20 minutes one way by car (including parking but excluding any traffic jams) and around 40-50 minutes by bus. Cycling there and back along the off-road Sustrans Blackburn Valley cycling route will cost you a pound or so in wear and tear, we reckon, and take you about 15 minutes, or a couple of minutes longer if you include parking at our new cycle hub.
Given the Hub is right next to the train line to Sheffield, you can add an extra 5-10 minutes for the train trip to Sheffield, and around £3.60 for the return cost, slightly less than the cost of car travel (excluding parking).
But the real question is: how will you feel during and after your journey? The evidence shows that cycling, especially on an off road and rather beautiful tree lined cycle route like the Blackburn Valley, makes you happier, never mind fitter and healthier, especially if you consider the alternative stress of traffic and car parking, or the anxiety of hoping two separate bus services arrive and connect.
The Meadowhall High Security Cycle Hub
And before long, after discussions between us and other cycling groups with Sustrans and the city council, most of the A frames that still exclude larger bikes from much of the Blackburn Valley route will disappear, so even more folk can ride happy.
Autumn is often a big time for cycling, when people are inspired to get out more after their summer holidays. Often that means they head out at the weekend, or take the family for a few more warm weather spins on some kind of Peak District cycle path.
But a few folk think about translating those thoughts into their everyday trips, so do try and tell your driving or bus travelling workmates this month that it’ll be quick, cheap and cheerful. Especially if you have a route like the Blackburn Valley to use.