Good habits can be revolutionary. After a time, they will have an immense impact on your physical well-being, your mental state, your relationships and even on the environment we live in.
I like to think that my habit of cycle commuting is a good one. It has certainly helped my physical fitness and overall health. It keeps me in a good frame of mind, with the daily boost of fresh air and endorphins cheering me up no end. Perhaps my friends and family get a bit bored of any bike talk, but overall they see how happy it makes me.
Also, by not driving the 8,000 miles to work every year I am removing the associated emissions from the environment, preventing another vehicle from joining the growing queues and reducing the wear and tear on our roads. Granted, it’s only a tiny part but every little helps and if everyone contributes a small part it could have a massive impact.
It only takes a small change to start a good habit. My cycle commute started off with just one day a week (surely this is possible for most people). These small changes soon add up and if everyone rode a bike or took public transport once a week that would instantly take 20% of the commuting traffic away from the roads.
2,000 Mile Milestone
Small amounts add up and before you know it you are hitting targets that would seem impossible before you start. This week has seen me passing my second milestone of 2019, with a total of over 2,000 miles ridden. It’s crazy to think that one quarter of the year has passed already! Overall they have been hugely enjoyable miles, spoiled only by the occasional bad driver (see later).
I’ll keep plugging away at the daily commute and look forward to the next milestones on the road.
When setting your own goals, remember that to achieve something you must allow yourself the opportunity to get it done. Start forming good habits, little by little, and before long you can look back and enjoy what you have achieved.
Too Close MAMB
Having mentioned bad driving earlier, I unfortunately encountered this MAMB van driver on the way to work this morning. This is the kind of driving that discourages people from taking their bikes onto the road and I can understand why some would not want to be in this position. I’m not sure if this guy just doesn’t realise how close he is or if he did it to try and scare me.
The fact there are 2 lanes on approach to that roundabout would suggest to me that he meant it, because there is no other traffic around and he could easily have moved across. Either way, his driving falls well below an acceptable standard.
- Magene Radar Tail Light - July 18, 2023
- Remembering - June 23, 2023
- School Run Fun - June 19, 2023
Martin Gemmell
jay clock
Neil Broadhurst
CycleCommute.CC