It is obvious for those of you that read my blog that I cycle to work and as often as I can outside of work.
This week was no different, despite the end of the world weather on Wednesday in which I was nearly blown off my bike as well as hit by flying debris/rubbish. I know every cyclist worth their salt will tell you that if it is windy it is always a head wind (the laws of physics when it comes to wind direction and cycling do not apply, ever!!!), however on Wednesday evening the wind was really in all directions and if it is controlled by someone somewhere they had clearly been drinking and just decided to crank it up to full and take the piss!
Regardless of the wind, rain and darkness (it was about 5pm when I left work), I still managed to cycle home without being hit. Even though the much loving motorist coming out of Manchester still insist at driving at top speed regardless of the road conditions or speed limit. It was a bit tense in places, not just with the wind being the obvious factor. It was blowing me sideways into the stream of ever fast flowing traffic and as I mentioned it was also very changeable coming from all directions. Also the fact that people just either don't see cyclists, or just don't care and give you absolutely no room. Even in high wind when it was obvious anybody would be a bit wobbly and I was in a normal road position as much as possible at low speed, I was still passed by drivers doing 40+ mph only a few inches from me. It is this that so many people fear as I so often her said at work.
Cycling to work for me is the norm. I would rather cycle than drive. In fact I have driven to work a few times and found that it takes nearly twice as long as cycling. Plus the cost of fuel and parking on top of that and the other running costs associated with running a car. It is just not feasible as far as I can see but so many people do it every day.
On the other hand I could use public transport!!!
Buses.
To catch the bus to work would not cost me as much as it would to go by car if I got a day saver but of course the problem of still having to sit in traffic would still be there. Personally I would rather not travel by bus as they obviously stop regularly, never quite go where you need too, I would still have to spend quite some time waiting around for one and I would also end up walking for some of my journey.
Trains.
I do actually use the train on the days where I either can't be bothered to cycle, I need a bit of a rest, it's icy (I don't fare well in ice as I tend to just fall off on corners and round-abouts), or I just have to catch the train as I am in a suit etc. Anyway to catch the train is moderately expensive (about £6 return a day) the journey is about 15-20 minutes each way on the train but does involve a walk at each end too. First I have to walk to the train station that takes 20 minutes. I then have to wait for the train which is usually delayed at the time of the day as they are always busy. I then have to stand when I do get on the train as they are always crowded and unpleasant. Once on the train (and as the local station is just a platform with no ticket office or machine (the last machine was vandalized and only lasted a matter of weeks before it was removed), I then hope that a conductor comes around on the train so I can buy a ticket before getting a Manchester. Of course the lesser spotted conductor is just that and it is a very rare occurrence, this leaves all those that don't travel by train on a regular enough basis to hold a season ticket with no choice but to buy a ticket on the platform at Piccadilly Station. This is a very hit and miss affair as unless you somehow manage to get to the front of the cue then you do spend lots of time waiting to get a ticket and inevitably end up late for work. Thankfully this is not a regular occurrence and I avoid using the train as much as possible.
Taxi.
This has got to be the worst method of travel to work in my mind as they are expensive, polluting, still cause lots of traffic congestion, can be like taking your life in your hands as I can easily say that every taxi ride I have ever had (when sober) has been absolutely terrifying and I always just think it is safer to walk. I regularly nearly get hit by these so called professional drivers too, so paying one for the service they provide would be an offense to every other road user in my mind!!!
Walking.
This is just not feasible for the journey to work as it would simply take too long to walk the 10 miles into the city centre, all be I may do it someday as and when I have plenty of time.
So, cycling appears to be the only option that takes me from door to door, is the most cost effective method of travel for the daily commute, involves free parking, reduces congestion on the roads, doesn't pollute, doesn't involve being squashed into a crowded space with other people in an unpleasant manner. It's also a great physical workout twice a day.
When people at work ask me about cycling to work the comment I get from a lot of them is something along the lines of I would love to cycle to work but, it's just too dangerous. Certainly the lack of cycle lanes on my commute to work make things a little harder. There are a few bus lanes that I am allowed to use and cars etc. are not supposed to go in, however the usual case is that they use them anyway and ignore the rules of the road when it comes to using them. Of course this is done with absolute impunity as I have even seen police cars sitting in these bus lanes (without the blue lights on etc.) and not even blinking an eye at all the other motorists doing exactly the same.
The bus lane going west towards Denton Rock on the A57 is the worst place for this. The local council have said they are going to put cameras up and do something about it but as usual this has come to nothing.
Then we have the bottle necks as you travel in either direction through Gorton. These are designed to slow the traffic down, which it does! However it is also designed to funnel two lanes of traffic (in both directions) into a single lane then back out into two again. Most of the drivers don't think this and just force there way through in two lanes regardless if they force each other into a dangerous position or mow down others like pedestrians or cyclists.
I frequently have to take avoiding action to avoid being hit and spend a lot of time looking over my shoulder to ensure that another idiot is not about to drive into me. This is a key point for the low(ish) speed close call.
Once past there it is just heading down Hyde road all the way into Manchester city centre. This on paper seems like no issues, a big wide straight road with plenty of room. In reality the double lanes just make most drivers think this is a dual carriageway and so drive far faster than the 30mph limit that is set. Drivers change lanes without looking or indicating and its all in a rush to get to the next cue of traffic at the lights with the next major road.
The one bit of a breather I manage to have is the bus lane that does seem to be enforced and gives me the opportunity to pass all those motorist that have already driven past me once. It doesn't however mean that I can lose concentration as I regularly have people pull out of the side roads without looking as well as motorists turning into side roads again without looking for traffic in the bus lane.
The last part of my journey in is in the city centre. The biggest problem I face is pedestrians that chose to cross the road regardless if any traffic is coming or not, as I have found out in the past 12 months is that if you have an accident that is caused by a pedestrian and you are seriously injured you cannot claim on any insurance and it's just basically tough!
My major gripe still has to be the red light jumper, this is mainly the cyclist on the way in (all be only a few). The way I see it the traffic lights are red for a reason and the law says you have to stop, so I
always do. Others however do not see it like this and it annoys me as motorist see cyclist do this then assume we are all the same. This is one of the many causes of the terrible attitude towards cyclists by motorists. Once I have arrived at work I then park my bike in the secure area in the building. Go up to my floor and have a nice hot shower and get changed ready to start the day all refreshed.
The roads are indeed a nightmare and sometimes I just can't face the stress involved in cycling in the traffic. Most of the time though I just take it in my stride and hope one day we will actually get some infrastructure that will make a difference. Lots of those that I mentioned say they would love to cycle. Perhaps it is dangerous! Perhaps I am a bit crackers for doing it all year round but either way I enjoy it. It would be nice to see some police doing more than traveling from A to B down the A57 too.
So in conclusion the fear factor involved in cycling is the biggest issue for most people. It doesn't need to be this way though as all we need are separate or protected usable cycle lanes, enforcement of speed limits and cycle boxes, a respect from the people that use the road. So many motorists don't view cyclists as people. This is the biggest thing that needs to change. As a person on a bike I (as does everyone) need space. I am not taking a few inches as you squeeze past at speed. If you think it is a squeeze in your 2 tonne car then for a person on a bike it will be terrifying. Lets just hope people think before passing other people on bikes soon and more overcome the hurdle of fear to ride to work or just for the fun of it.
Happy cycling
