The bike racks are full

My usual journey into London from Bristol is smooth, predictable and quick. I set off from my house on my bike for the four mile, 13 minute journey and pass hundreds of stationary cars. Still holding my bike, I pick up my tickets and walk onto the platform at Bristol TM station. But yesterday it all went wrong.

And for a very good reason. It made me smile. The bike racks were full. On one of the platforms at the station are enough racks to hold (I estimate) 500 bikes. Some of them are left, like me, by commuters who cycle to the station. Some of them are waiting for people coming from elsewhere who cycle from the station to work for the day. Although there are always bikes spread throughout the racks I have never had to walk more than half way down before finding a free one. Not yesterday.

They were full. More people are using their bikes. This is good news from the edge. Cyclists had found railings near by or just managed to stick a wheel in between. The station is now removing bikes that have been there and not used for 15 days. The (more) good news is that there is plenty of space for more railings.

What has made so many people switch? Carrot or stick? Are they conscientious climate / health / pollution people or ‘ouch, my petrol is costing too much’? What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Suggested Task: Cycle to work

Get some good wet weather gear. Get a safely working bike - a service for your old one in the garage won’t cost much if you need to pay a bike shop to do it. Start off with one journey a week. Wait for lovely sunny days. Enjoy the ride. Find cycle paths that take you away from busy roads. Save money, get healthy, benefit the planet. I even know someone who cycles 30 miles over the Mendips to work every day. Try and find your own carrot motivations rather than waiting for the stick.

Your comments.

Yes, everyone should try biking to work. It will do you more than just minimize your gas expenses.

I agree, biking is such a refreshing activity!

Cycling to work has a knock-on effect - you realise how easy and stress-free it is to get to places by bike! So I now cycle in the evenings and weekends too