Cutting down the cost of the commute

Silver_Lining_3

I've been trying to motivate myself to cycle the 5.2 mile round journey to work and back. Presently I catch the bus in, and then normally walk back, meaning on the cheapest week I spend over £10.

Has anyone managed to get the motivation to get themselves up and out early to save busing? Any tips for motivation/ moneysaving tips for the actual commute? I'm thinking I should bring some baby wipes and deodorant

I've bought the cheapest helmet I could find on argos, and got my bike fixed... so in theory I'm all ready to go... just haven't managed to do it for the last week!!

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also off topic, but I've bought some star drops - do people use it neat for washing up liquid??

Many thanks,

Nx

flipper_72

I cycle when I can as it was costing me a fortune inpetrol. It is only 1.5 miles each way but I also do some of the school run on it when I can too...
Monday cycle to work, after work collect dd (7 years) from school and take her to her club (she is on trailer bike, it is 2 miles which she could do herself but i cant get her bike to the school) then go to nursery collect ds and take him home on trailer bike (he is 4 and it is 4 miles).
Tuesday cycle to work, collect ds from nursery in trailer bike and take him home
Wednesday cycle to and from work
I only work 3 days and am lucky that dh or my dad help out with getting the kids to school/nursery and dd gets bus so I meet her near home.
The best thing to do is set a target, I don't cycle when it is bad weather if I am collecting the kids. I change clothes when I get to work as although it isn't far I find I feel unclean in same clothes.
I start work at 8 so have to leave by 7.45.
If you are catching the bus what time do you leave now? How long does it take to cycle? You may find it doesn't make much difference to the time you leave and you will be back quicker than walking. Maybe Aim to do it once this week and twice next week? I prefer cycling to driving now and begrudge getting in the car!

cyclingyorkie

I cycle everywhere - and I love it! I feel so much better for it! Give it a go and look forward to having an extra tenner - every week...

cyclingyorkie

I agree - do it once this week and build up - be warned - your purse will be heavier too!

dandy-candy

I would love to cycle but you need a death wish to do it in London. Seriously sometimes its better to pay fares/petrol and not be stuck to the tyre of an eight wheeler. I'd look to save money elsewhere if you are commuting in a city.

flipper_72

yes dandy I have to agree with that, unless you can find a route that involves cycle paths of course, it is worth looking to see if any are on your route.
when I have DS on the back after nursery I ride an extra mile to stay off any main roads and use minimum main roads at any other time and I am in a regular town.

Honey_Bear

I moved into the city centre. It was extreme in terms of taking action, but I couldn't see the point of commuting in terms of time and money. That was 20 years ago, and I still love being able to walk everywhere I want to go.