Evaluating Cycling for work

In a new role I am exploring when to cycle and when to drive for work appointments.

As a Methodist Minister I spend a fair bit of time moving around. So far some travelling decisions have been easy. For example the services I take are all within 10 miles and there is no problem arriving in time to change, staff meetings the same.

Both yesterday and today I have used the car though and would rather not have done so. But it did not seem practical to ride.

Yesterday I don't feel bad about, it was a 40 mile round trip, hilly, busy roads to Northampton and Jane was with me. We would not have had time to get there after taking the boys to school for their first day.

Today I went to Kettering hospital and then called in to see someone on the way home. Total trip was just under 30miles. Cycling it would have been maybe 5 more to avoid the worst roads (like the A14).

What I am trying to explore is how to decide what the sensible limits are. If I had cycled today then I would probably not have had time for the 2nd visit. But it would have been better for my health and the environment. It would also have been better financially for both the Church and me due to the way the expenses work. I feel that the extra visit and the extra time I was able to spend with people means that the car was the right decision. If there had been a nicer choice of roads for riding and when my fitness improves then maybe the balance will change.

What distances do you find work for you?

Comments

[Joris Melchior]

I live and work in Toronto, Ontario and regularly commute on my bike. The ride is 29km (~18 miles) each way. On most days that distance is perfect and it only takes about 30 minutes extra per day compared to taking the train which is my alternative transportation. In my opinion a great trade-of if you consider the amount of exercise I get in return.
For me the ideal distance is largely dependent on things such as weather and the amount of daylight I have. As you can understand, not much cycling here in the winter.
The route is not pretty and traffic can be quite heavy but that is something you tend to get used to.

Regards, Joris.

[DaveW]

Joris,

What about when you have to go to meetings during the day, how far would you ride for those?

In a sense the daily commute is different as it takes place in my own time. If I need to go to somewhere in the middle of my working day then how much extra time due to cycling (and how much inconvenience due to needing to change clothes) is sensible.

Pesonally I can ride upto say 5 miles without needing to change, unless it is a very hot (or very wet) day.

[Richard Hall]

Interesting questions Dave. It's a trade off between time, money and more intangible benefits. As you say, because of the way our expenses work, a journey by car costs the Circuit significantly, but I reckon we've also reached the point where it is also costing us. Certainly the car mileage allowances set by the IR haven't risen to match rising fuel prices. On the other hand, a journey by bicycle probably generates a small income. The other thing to consider is that when you're cycling round a community you're visible in a way that you aren't in a car. The ability to stop and pass the time of day with people also increases on a bike. Five miles in a single journey during the working day is there or thereabouts I reckon.

If I have meetings in Cardiff (about 40 miles away) I like to use a combination of bus & bike if I can (cheaper than the train). The look on people's face when they think I've cycled from Swansea is priceless!

[DaveW]

For those not aware of current UK Methodist expenses 40pence per mile for car journeys and 20 pence per mile by cycle. I don't think it would be possible to fully cover the costs of owning and running a car on the mileage rate so all Ministers who drive are subsidizing the Church (mind you they are no different from anyone else who needs a car for work but does not get a company car).

For a bike 20 miles a week will bring in £200 a year which should cover the costs of a cheap bike.

As for the visibility, try riding a recumbent trike. In fact don't try it in Raunds unless you want to be assumed to be the mad Methodist minister. As I went round a corner on my way home from the Sunday evening service there was a huge yell "Are you Dave Warnock, the new Methodist Minister" turned out to be Sandra the Pastor from the Community Church. So definately not a travel technique for the shy and retiring ;-) (mind you the same would seem to apply to Pastors of the Community Church ;-)

[DaveW]

Another 12 miles today (£2.40 in expenses) for the Staff meeting ;-) It is obvious on the scales the next day when I have ridden.