Green Blog
17 August 2011
Commuting - the bike v tube dilemma
Cycling is often the preferred mode of transport at Friends of the Earth, with 40% of staff cycling part or the whole journey to work - even when it's raining.
Not surprising really. Faced with the choice between a packed, sweaty tube or the open - albeit rather polluted - air I know which I'd prefer.
It's also free and enables limitless detours and exploring opportunities. Typically my cycling adventures are based on taking a wrong turn rather than a conscious decision, but I'm always surprised by what I find. Hidden coffee shops, specialist delicatessens, great little pubs - it's amazing what's in the back streets of London.
Friends of the Earth staff commuted a whopping 87,803 miles by bike last year. Inspired? Why not get your bike out of the shed and give it a go.
You could even set yourself a challenge by joining our new cycling event, the Big Green Bike Ride. Taking place in May 2012 the ride is a 500 mile, 6-day sponsored cycle from London to Edinburgh. It's set to be a fantastic event, and if you start commuting by bike you'll be getting into training without even realising it.
Louise Gebbett, Big Green Bike Ride Team
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