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Sustainability

The word “commute” can conjure up images of traffic chaos or long frustrating periods getting to where you need be. This might be the case for many but not for all, as we recently learned when we met staff through our Spotlight on Travel events. Many University staff enjoy their commute and see it as a time to get some exercise, clear their head and take in the surroundings of Cambridge and its outskirts.

We took the opportunity to interview two of these staff; we have been inspired by their stories and we hope you will be too.

Sarah Finney, Conservator, Earth Sciences

Sarah would not have described herself as an avid cyclist a decade ago but a move to the country changed all that.Sarah Many would be daunted by the prospect of a nine mile cycle commute but Sarah tried it anyway. Surviving her first winter was tough and she found that she was very tired at the end of the day. After those first few months though, cycling quickly became part of her life, the tiredness faded and the commute took less and less time until she regularly completed it in 30 minutes, she even went so far as to get involved in a cycling club in her spare time!

Sarah varies her route sometimes depending on weather conditions and traffic and has calculated that in nine years she was covered over 36,000 miles by bike; that’s more than the distance around the equator!

Commuting by bike has not only improved Sarah’s fitness but she has found that exercising before work is a psychological boost and it improves her energy levels.

So what is Sarah’s advice for people who would like to attempt a similar feat? Get a good robust bike (you can use the University cycle scheme) and get pedalling. It is not as difficult as you might think.

 

 

 

Saba Alai, Department Safety Officer, Physics

Saba covers the six mile round trip from her home each day using a few different modes; on foot, by bike and on a rare occasion, by bus.Saba Time and weather generally dictate which mode she chooses.

Saba loves her commute; she loves the scenery, her access to greenery and nature, and the fact that being active in this way means she doesn’t have to spend her free time in the gym. 10,000 steps are easily achieved and she keeps an eye on her progress using a Fitbit.

Cycling became a big part of Saba’s life two years ago after she completed three cycle training sessions. A few afternoons of assistance and a bike purchased through the University Cyclescheme were enough to change Saba from someone who cycled only on her holidays to a regular cycle commuter.

Like Sarah, Saba finds that her commute lifts her mood, builds her energy and at the end of the day helps her to wind down.

 

 

Do you particularly enjoy your commute to work? If you do, we would like to hear from you. We would also like to hear from cyclists who feel they would benefit from cycle training like Saba did.