For many years now I have wished that I could or was willing to cycle to work. For most of this time I have also have somewhat legitimate reasons why I couldn’t. Some of which where my own fault, such as concerns about safety made worse by traumatic experiences, like watching first hand as a lorry ran over a cyclist while living in London; some of which were outside of my control, like not being able to afford a bike and living 35 miles from my work.
In January I finally have the opportunity to overcome all three of these at once- two due to changes in circumstance and the third due to my desire to make this lifestyle change finally eclipsing my fear (and the right support being available in the Better Way to Work campaign)
Although I am admittedly already inclined towards sustainable and active travel, I still felt there were many barriers in my cycle path (pardon the pun). There’s not a whole lot I can say to people who have circumstantial barriers to cycling, aside from that I hope someday you all find a way to overcome these. What I can say is that everyone has control of the mental barriers and the resources that are out there to help with this in the Glasgow area are fantastic!
- Cycling in Glasgow on a cycle path along the Clyde.
Personally, my biggest concern was a fear of getting hit by a car, lorry bus, truck, etc. As with so many things, the saying ‘the only thing to fear is fear itself’ holds true. As a new cyclist, learning the rules of the road is important and it is good to be cautious, but it is also important to assert yourself as a sharer of the road. How would I possibly learn how to do this? The solution: Glasgow Bike Station free cycling training. My confidence in cycling and how I (as a new cyclist) fit into traffic, how to keep safe, and how to follow the rules of the road improved ten fold in my one hour lesson. This lesson was followed up by a free bicycle loan where I was able to practice in the quieter streets of Greenock (my former locality) before tackling the maze around my new Glasgow home. Admittedly, I’ve still got a lot to learn and I’ll stick to quieter streets and cycle paths for now. There is a lot that I’m still not confident with, but I know where I can continue to get help, tuition and support and so I know I’ll get there eventually.
Learning the rules of the road and how to stay safe is just one hurdle, the other major concern for most (including myself) is the cost of purchasing a bike. The Better Way to Work bike loan scheme has allowed me to practice on a bicycle that was loaned to me for free (which admittedly is a really nice and fully decked out bike) until I was ready to purchase. This loan came with everything you need to stay safe (a high priority of mine): helmet, high-vis vest, lights, reflectors, locks, etc.
As far as purchasing goes…. I haven’t gotten there yet. There will be more to come on this in a few weeks time.
In the meantime- there’s some great resources out there to get started…
Better Way to Work and the Glasgow Bike Station
-not only do they have a huge amount of support, resources and most importantly knowledge, they are out there to help you and all passionate about cycling themselves.
-Cyclestreets can plan your route anywhere, and send you on the route you want- fastest, quietest, most cycle path, etc.
SAUWS and UWS Sustainable and Active Travel project
-Don’t forget about us! The SAUWS Environment team will be running a variety of events and can answer any questions about cycling to and from any of our campuses. We don’t have free bike loans, but we do know where the bike racks, cycle paths and showers are around UWS campuses.
Contact Us: Sustainability@sauws.org.uk
This article was written by Elizabeth Dirth, Sustainable Behaviour Coordinator at UWS.
SAUWS Environment 