Are Alternative Commuting Methods for you?
As concern for our environmental impact grows and bus fare becomes increasingly expensive, many of those on the work or school rush find themselves testing alternative methods of commuting. Whether they be waking up an extra 20 minutes early to get there by manpower instead of motor power, transporting the public is changing for good.
On Foot
The original commute method, walking is worth a try if you live within a suitable distance of your workplace – roughly half an hour each way – and benefits both you and the environment. The first week or two may be a struggle if you’re not a big walker, but with continued use you’ll find your heart stronger, you’ll have greater lung capacity, and you’ll sleep far better. Worried you’ll miss playing on your phone for your journey? Download a podcast or listen to a chapter of an audiobook during your journey to liven things up.
image source: unsplash
Bicycles
The humble bicycle has made a huge comeback thanks to a surge in bike maintenance cafés in artsy urban environments – and it’s a good thing. Cycling is fun and easy, and takes approximately one-third of the journey time that walking does. Be sure to invest in a helmet if you will be straying from a designated cycle path, and if you can’t bring a standard bike onto the next leg of your journey consider a folding bicycle.
Adult Scooters
Leave the moped in Rome, kick scooters are making a comeback for all ages. As Michael Hsu explains, some companies who created the kids’ scooter craze back in the day are making a triumphant return – now in adult sizes. It may look a little crazy, but push scooters are a great compromise between the speed of a bicycle and the ease of walking, as the wheels do all the hard graft while remaining compact and easy to store.
image source: republica
Airboard
The airboard is a relatively new concept created by the dynamic thinkers at Swegway, essentially a robot skateboard that for many is the reality of childhood dreams. Powered by rechargeable battery, airboards allow you to seamlessly glide to your destination at a speed of 10mph that self-balances. Steering is done much like a skateboard in leaning your body weight in the desired direction of travel.
Aeroplane
While this mode of transport arguably has the worst environmental impact, it has become the norm for those working in industry such as pilots and cabin staff. More recently, headlines were made when a 32-year-old journalist chose to save money by moving abroad to Barcelona and commute by aeroplane to his north London office – the cost of flights compared with London’s rental prices meant that it works out a bargain.
Written by: Victoria Clarke. Victoria is a MA graduate in Victorian Literature from the University of Leeds. She is a lover and scholar of the English language, and stellar amateur cook. She is currently a Freelance Copywriter.