Bicycle Network: New commuter

Commuter success stories

Ride2Work super commuters are sharing their Ride2Work stories, proving that there's more than just one reason to ride to work!

Kat I’ve done it. I’ve become a regular commuter by bike to work. Didn’t think I could do it, but I did. If you’re a first time commuter this year, welcome to the party. Continue commuting on the bike and you will definitely gain a lot as the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.... To top it off, the hubby is starting to ride to work too. I’m sure in 20 years from now I’ll be looking fondly back on my first year of commuting wondering what all the fuss was about.

I was motivated by my recent move to Melbourne and I had accepted a job where the public transport was ordinary and the traffic in peak was horrendous. What would take me 15 minutes by car in off peak, would take me up to an hour on some days. I had never thought of a bike as it would be about 16km each way going around the bay and across the river and that was too much to consider for an unfit person coming back from multiple heart surgeries. Then I heard the Westgate Punt was going to start up and my work wasn't very far from the stop at Fisherman's Bend so I decided to give it ago. Went out and bought a bike the weekend before the punt started up again and rode to work the following Tuesday and then Ride to Work Day 2011! 6km bike ride each way with a trip on the punt to break it up :)

The facilities at my workplace were really good for those cycling to work too. Good showers, bike sheds etc. I think that is really important, especially for a new cyclist who will overdress all the time and needs a shower at the end of the ride!

The main reason I am hooked is the lifestyle change. I am a lot more happier person as riding to work is a lot less stressful than catching PT or driving. It has been good for my health, not just physically by losing 8kgs but for my mental health too. Sometimes I will wake up and think I can't be bothered riding to work, but will force myself on the bike. Once I get to work I wonder why I even thought I couldn't be bothered in the first place.

Kat, Melbourne VIC - Read Kat's blog

In early 2009 I went to my GP who told me I was overweight, unfit and heading towards far greater health problems if I did not change something.
I thought I’d take up cycling, so asked family and friends to get me some vouchers for my LBS for Christmas, and ended up buying a relatively cheap flat-bar road bike.

I live in the Adelaide Hills and was intimidated by the thought of riding all the way home, so I started by chucking the bike in the car and riding the 8km each way on the flat. After a month of doing this twice a week I plucked up the courage to ride all the way, and now I ride the 34km round trip 2 – 3 times each week (weather permitting). I can now make the trip as fast if not quicker than in the car, so the excuse of being ‘time poor’ really has lost all relevance.

I have lost around 9kg and my doctor is happy with me again, not to mention having found a new weekend activity riding longer distances with friends.

Riding to work has made cycling an integral part of my new, healthy life, and I look forward to every day when I can get some fresh air and exercise – not to mention the money savings and the benefits to the environment.
Mark, Adelaide SA

I am a daily commuter to work (rain hail or shine) – from Hampton to the city (20km door to door each way).

I started commuting by bike when we had our twins two years ago – given work and family time constraints there was no way I would have time to keep going to the gym and doing exercise. So I figured since I had to spend 45-60 minutes each way commuting by train why not use that time to get some exercise and clear my head.

It was a constant hit – it was the only time I had alone to think and clear my head and have some “peace and quiet”. I slowly became addicted, and nowadays when I have to catch the train for some reason, it angers me as my body feels like it is missing the exercise, and it takes longer by train now than by bike.
Alec, Digital Director George Patterson, Melbourne VIC

I started riding to work as I was getting sick of catching the bus and waiting in traffic. I don't have much of a bike and although daunted by the prospect of a 20km round trip, I found that my bike ride was quicker than the bus.

I now ride 4 times a week. The best bit is that I get my daily exercise without impacting family time, I start the day fresher and come home happier. But most of all, riding has had such a positive influence on my kids and they love to play outside running and riding. I still budget for the bus, not to catch it, but to save money for a better bike.

Rob- Brisbane, Senior Data Management Officer, QLD

I previously lived in Footscray but have recently moved to Altona North and am riding to work every single day, rain hail or shine. My round trip is now 27.6km and I actually now miss riding the Kensington Road hill!!

I have bought a van now to allow me to travel around the countryside with the bike upright in the back in search of more rail trails. I have ridden the 6 main rail trails with a good friend that comes especially from Sanctuary Point in NSW.

I simply can't get enough of riding and enjoy the ride to de-stress from work.
Vicki, Executive Housekeeper/Hotel Facilities Manager - Hilton Melbourne, VIC

If you have a good commuting story to share please send it in to the Ride to Work team.