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Helen Crosbie walked to work.
Helen Crosbie walked to work.
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By bike, train, bus and foot

Helen Crosbie
21/ 5/2008

SO, when it comes to the boring but neccesary journey to the office, are there methods to beat the car? I decided to find out over the course of four days.

First off, I chose to take the bus. Setting off from my house to the bus stop took just 5mins and then it was a four mile journey, at 9am, into Manchester which took half an hour.

I have it on good authority that this will have meant a total CO2 emission of 0.51kgs

The price? A very reasonable £5 Megarider pass is valid for 7 days When it comes to my experience of bus travel, they have often been ridiculously long due to heavy traffic, over-crowded and somewhat smelly if you happen to sit next to the wrong person.

But this was an unusually fast journey, which I presumed might be down to the fact that students are taking exams.

On the plus side, it's relatively cheap (depending on which provider you use), you're able to read, listen to music (considerately please), warm and sheltered, can be quick depending on the time of travel, and you are able to people watch.

But then, it's got to be said, there is often heavy traffic, as well as the woes mentioned above (smelly types again!)

Railway

The next day, the railway beckons.

First I have to walk to the station, just over a mile and a half, then there's the train journey itself into Piccadilly station.

The Total CO2 emission is 0.36kgs. The price? Well it's £2.30 single/ £2.40 a return from my nearest station.

The walk was a refreshing wake up. The train was pulling into the platform so I legged it up the ramp but some lads make some jibes which is a bit embarrasing. I have a very comfortable, smooth journey. On the plus side, it's fast, comfortable, there's central arrival at Piccadilly station and, on my route at least, lots of available seats. The downer is it's more pricey than the bus and, let's face it, delays are common.

So, third up, it's time for shanks's pony. Walking into the city from my home is a journey of just under five miles. It takes 1hr 20min. Of course, it takes longer, but consider this, Friends-of the-Earth types: there' absolutely no C02 emmission, while those strapped for cash will be pleased to know that it is, of course, free. I've walked home from the city centre several times before but that's been after a day in the office and I've been glad to stretch my legs.

However, I've always been too sluggish to think about walking to the city in the morning. It's a great way to get to know your neighbourhood, I read signs, posters and find out what shops a long the way sell, things I wouldn't notice from the bus or car.

Food cartons

The downside of the walk begins when I get to Rusholme; empty food cartons, donner kebab meat and chicken bones litter the pavement. On the plus side, it's healthy but downers include the far earlier start to the day, the chance of bad weather, dirty streets and air pollution.

Finally I choose to use my bicycle. It takes about half-an-hour and, again, there's no C02 emission. And it's free as long as you have a bike and helmet.

I'm nervous about the traffic but one experienced cyclist tells me: "Don't follow where the bus would normally go, find quieter roads with less traffic."

Cycling is obviously very good exercise, I take note of the finely toned calf muscles of passing cyclists. I should definitely cycle more often.

Fortunately, the traffic at this time is not so busy, I feel quite safe on the road. However, I do keep my eye on cars deciding just to pull in and opening their door right in front of me - annoying!

Taking all the journeys into consideration; the pungent bus, the pricey train, the long walk, I have to say the cycling option was definitely the most enjoyable.

Now summer is (hopefully) here, why not try out a greener way to work? You never know you could lose a few ounces and save a few pounds . . .


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