Cycling?
All the powers that be, including a "Con. boy" saes that cycling is good for you!
But is it cheap, affordable and time-saving?
Lets discuss...A case in point.
I am now doing some VOLUNTARY work for a Social Enterprise in our nearest major city, Swansea [Abertawe], Cymru.
RECYCLE, is a project setup by BEN (Black Environment Network) in conjunction with the Swansea Environment Network. They reclaim, recycle! and re-use bikes, donated by local people. Reselling them to local people for ONLY £20.
Now, I live in Sir Gar (Carmarthenshire) and although I live 250 yards from the A48, which links directly to the M4 and Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, London, EU...etc.
In order for me to get into Swansea for my 8 hours of voluntary work....
I have to...
a) leave the house at 8am in a car, travel 4 miles in the opposite direction, wait 10-20 minutes for a train that takes 45 minutes to get into Swansea and then walk/cycle 2 1/2 miles to work.
At a cost of £4.40 return. Or £4.10 one way!
b) Get a Bus! from my village runs, 3 times a week twice a day.
So, 10:40 am - leave - 11:20 arrive
at a cost of £4.50 return
c) Cycle 3 miles down a dual carriage way to a rural bus shelter, lock my bike up up and pay £4.00 each way or £150.00 per 3 months for a travel pass!!
On a quick Travel Planner search! Walking from my village to Swansea...is 14.9 miles! An average time of 4.5 hours!!!!
at a cost of {a heart attack!}
WOW...Isn't public transport great here in Wales?!
PS. You cannot take bicycles on Buses in Wales, (as they seem to need the room for Prams and Pensioners!).
I am interested in peoples opinions about Free-Cycling, Public Transport and other related stuff. If I get enough responses I might open a new Blog, just on this subject. As in our area there is a 'Proposed National Cycle Network 47' "The Celtic Trail", it would be good to get peoples opinions on THEIR national cycle network routes, ALSO PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY.
PLEASE DISCUSS.
Ad.xx