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"Frustration,
delayed, stuck."
Those three words described my situation as I sat marooned the usual
traffic jam ritual six years ago.
My irregular work pattern and unsocial hours meant public transport
timetables and my journey never married up.
I had tried using a mountain bike to replace the car for the time
consuming final part of my trip, but teasing it out of the boot
or struggling with a cycle rack in the rain
soon lost its appeal.
By chance I
came across a publicity stunt by
Bristol's Folding Society. They were fitting 14 folding bikes into
half a car parking space. Bingo! Problem solved.
After a spot of research I bought my first folding bike. Quizzical
looks, gawking small children and disbelieving drivers soon added
to the fun of riding it.
One van driver actual stopped on a busy Whiteladies Road and, leaning
out of his window, just laughed. I laughed too as I quickly weave
through the stationary traffic and towards the freedom of the city's
boundaries.
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What
are the benefits?
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1.
Beating the frustrating traffic queues.
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2.
Combining fitness with the necessity of getting into work.
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3.
Freedom of choice. I can pick and chose depending on the weather
.
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4.
Better for the environment
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5.
Parking on the outskirts means more spaces to chose from.
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| 6.
Its fun! |
Every day I
cycle up to where I dumped the car and within 40 seconds it is back
in the boot along with my helmet and bag. Then its off towards the
motorway when motorists have only reached the crest of Blackboy
Hill.
There are other
benefits that quickly come to light once you have taken such a leap
of faith.
I regularly take lunchtime jaunts to far flung shops or taking advantage
of a sunny day explore hidden areas around the city.
After all it costs nothing to pedal about.
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Motorway
gridlock special
