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Daily Commuting Tips
Drive 5 Miles Less, Ride 5 Miles More
10th November 2009 | Eddie Allen
More: Daily Commuting Tips Archive
The Government has recently launched a TV ad campaign encouraging all drivers to drive 5 miles less every week, which will collectively make a huge impact on UK CO2 emissions. But realistically, how do you aim to drive 5 miles less each week? One way is to switch to the bike for all of your short journeys.
It makes huge sense to target short journeys to achieve your ‘5 miles less' target. Short car journeys are the most damaging of all - just watch your MPG plummet next time you do that 1 mile quickie to the local shops. But short journeys are where bikes excel - so here are our top tips on how drive 5 miles less.
- Keep your bike ready to go - make your bike as accessible as possible to make that ‘car keys or bike helmet' choice as easy as possible.
- Make your bike a useful cargo carrying device - equip you bike with a pannier rack and get some bags - suddenly the grocery run doesn't need the car anymore.
- Make your bike ‘life compatible' - which means mudguards, flat pedals, lights and locks - the idea is to make it as convenient as your car, and not something that requires a change of clothes every time you use it.
- If you've got kids, cycle to school with them - You'll avoid one of the worst kinds of car use - the school run - you and your kids will get exercise, as well as teaching them road safety skills and lessons in ethical living.
- Investigate your cycling to work options - Does your employer run a Cycle to Work scheme? If so, you could get yourself a brand new commuter bike at a bargain price. Check out the cycle parking and other facilities at your place of work. If things aren't so hot, your Local Authority may have a Cycle to Work advisor who may be able to help you access advice and funding.
- Many towns and cities have a dedicated cycling map, which will help you plan cycle-friendly routes to places you normally drive to.
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