Commuter challenge
Cycling is cheap, reliable and fast – and as proven in an experiment to mark TravelWise Week (19-26 September) – riding a bike can be just as quick as driving when it comes to the morning commute.
BBC Radio Merseyside’s ‘man in the van’ Ian Kenyon agreed to challenge a group of four keen cyclists to a morning commute from Mossley Hill to the Pier Head during TravelWise Week, when people are encouraged to consider cleaner, greener alternatives to the car.
The commute into Liverpool city centre started from Mossley Hill station with the cyclists taking the scenic route through the parks of south Liverpool, while BBC Radio Merseyside’s ‘man in the van’, Ian Kenyon battled the rush hour traffic. Although Ian got off to a quick start, the cyclists sailed past the rush hour traffic and Don Thompson of the Merseyside Cycle Campaign arrived at the Pier Head at exactly the same time as BBC Radio Merseyside’s ‘man in the van’.
Cllr Eddie Clein, Chairman of the Merseyside Cycling Forum, was one of the cyclists who took part in the ‘bike versus car’ Commuter Challenge.
He said: “It was an interesting experiment, which became very competitive, even though it started out as a bit of fun!
“I’m sure the cyclists’ scenic journey through the parks of south Liverpool was a much more pleasant experience than Ian’s rush hour commute. I hope the challenge will encourage others to try cycling over driving, seeing as we’ve managed to prove it can be fast and reliable. Riding a bike also allows you to enjoy the fresh air and most of all it keeps you fit, which means you don’t have to worry about making time to go the gym.”
TravelWise Merseyside offer advice on cycling and have a family of cycle maps to help you plan your journey, available from www.LetsTravelWise.org or by ringing 0151 330 1253.
