Active-Commuting

01/06/2021

There’s change a foot. With the success of the Covid vaccination program getting back into the workplace is becoming more and more viable even if it's only part time. Many of us have been jogging/walking/cycling more since working from home as a way to keep fit and mentally strong.

There’s hope some of these habits will translate into active commuters. Timing works as starting to active commute to work in June is much nicer than in January due to lighter evenings and warmer temperatures. Whilst we can’t all cycle or jog to work the whole distance, getting off the train/bus a stop or two earlier to jog/walk/scoot the last part of our journey is also worth doing. Combining exercise with our commute is an excellent use of time which always seems in short supply.

Couple that with arriving at work exercised and motivated there doesn’t seem to be any downside. There’s also exciting news for cyclists who want to commute more. The new Great British Railways have promised more bike spaces on trains and cheaper tickets for the part time users.

This is only good news as far as we are concerned. What is in short supply are the end of journey facilities to make this possible. Showers, lockers and secure (yes I do bang on about the secure part) bike parking are a necessity to make this possible. Whilst it’s easy to count cyclists who commute to work it's hard to find data on the number of joggers so working out the size of facilities needed can be difficult. Fortunately BREEAM has worked this out for us and say there should be 1 shower for every 10 bike spaces which we equate to the runners too.

The future of our commutes is looking up.

16/04/2021

During lockdown I couldn’t help but notice how many more runners were out from early mornings to late evenings. I admire those who can run first thing in the morning, I cannot. Lunch time or evening works best for me and getting out of the home and exercising is a big priority. Is there a better way to work through life’s frustrations than a 5km jog? Long may this trend continue as it will improve both our immune systems and mental health. One way to keep running is to be able to run to work combining the commute with exercise. For this to happen the runners need somewhere to shower and change and many employers do not have these facilities. 5km jogs during lunch can be a life saver and translate into productive afternoons. So far, I’ve found endorphins from jogging outside hard to beat.

Ebikes have also been a big seller since lockdown. Some have 40 mile ranges meaning they are just the thing for commuting to work. It’s great there is another option to commuting instead of relying on public transport and our cars. Last summer demand for the Ebikes soared to unprecedented levels and the trend is set to continue this year. We, in the UK are behind, in some European countries Ebikes are out selling traditional pedal bikes. What is often trailing is the right infrastructure to keep up with these positive trends. A secure, yes secure bike parking space is very important as Ebikes are an investment and this can be the missing link to cycling to work. Again, showers and a changing room are also necessary to be work ready after the commute.

Gradually, as workplaces start to open, lockdown cycling and running habits will translate into less car and public transport journeys. And another side effect are more beach ready bodies just in time for the summer.

24/03/2021

Active Commuting is incredibly proud to be part of this ground-breaking project. It was made possible by a collaboration between Enfield Council, TFL, Mayor of London and North Middlesex NHS Hospital. These facilities are a one stop solution enabling staff to cycle and run to work with showers, lockers, secure bike parking and a drying room for wet kit.

A first for TFL to grant funding to the NHS hospital via Enfield Council Healthy Streets Team and a first for these cycle and running facilities to be delivered to an inner London hospital. We think its visionary.

This is an investment in the hospital staff. Provide facilities and watch the results; healthier commutes to/from work, more motivated staff, mental health benefits, cleaner air and boost the immune system.

Using space equivalent to 6 car parking spaces we can provide 56 bike parking spaces in a secure (eradicating bike theft) bike store. If space is tight, we can double stack the units, changing room can be placed on top of the bike store. We build off site in the UK, deliver and install in less than a day. Watch the video link to see how we do it.

Active Commuting is incredibly proud to be part of this ground-breaking project. It was made possible by a collaboration between Enfield Council, TFL, Mayor...

10/03/2021

Here at Active Commuting we like to practice what we preach.

For me getting out jogging during the dark cold nights has been difficult and I was becoming an expert procrastinator. I’ve been told by a psychologist we put things off due to fear and I don’t like to admit being scared. So, after having a stern word with myself and buying some new trainers (new stuff really helps) my motivation is coming back. This is somewhat due to a new piece of gym kit called TRX. https://www.trxtraining.co.uk/ It works out and stretches muscle groups at the same time so in 15-20mins am nicely warmed up for a quick (or slow) 5km. Simple, easy to use, inexpensive and for all abilities/ages, I think its genius.

Currently my legs and arms are aching after TRX-ing followed by a 5km run last night but I feel good and life’s niggles (lockdown, teenagers home schooling etc) fade. Theres also the self-righteous feeling of hitting this weeks target which is why I’m currently sitting in the office on my own, even the dogs have left the room.

12/06/2020

Our installation at GSK in Ware was completed last summer. Watch our video of the build...

Installation of modular buildings containing cycle parking and change facilities at GSK in Ware, United Kingdom.

10/06/2020

Our secure bike storage comes in 3 sizes and with secure charging lockers for electric bikes. Find out more here https://tinyurl.com/ybd2hadu

05/06/2020

Different people on different bikes. ALL cycle commute. Secure bike storage by Active Commuting. Find out more here tinyurl.com/yafy5p8w ,

04/06/2020

Secure bike storage by Active Commuting

18/05/2020

Nine organisations including Greenpeace and the Transport Action Network have written an open letter to the UK secretaries of state for transport and the environment, as well as the chancellor, leaders of local and regional authorities and city mayors.

“It would be completely absurd if, after the unprecedented efforts and sacrifices made to save thousands of lives from Covid-19, we allowed thousands more to be cut short by the devastating impacts of toxic pollution,” the letter reads.

Greenpeace UK, CPRE, Cycling UK, the Environmental Defence Fund, Global Action Plan, Living Streets, Possible, Transport Action Network, and Transport and Environment have signed an open letter to UK Gov calling for wider pavements, protected cycle tracks and the installation of bus gates, bollards and planters to limit traffic in residential and shopping streets. The letter also calls for networks of low-traffic neighbourhoods and for walking and cycling to be prioritised along main roads.

To read about our own initiatives visit us here:
UK: https://active-commuting.com
Germany: https://active-commuting.net

15/05/2020

Grant Shapps announces £2b transport package

“...this is a problem which presents a health opportunity too. An opportunity to make lasting changes that could not only make us fitter but also better off both mentally and physically in the long run.”

He said many people had taken up cycling and walking during the lockdown, saying in some places there has been a 70% rise in the number of people on bikes for exercise or travel.

“Whilst it’s crucial that we stay at home, when the country does get back to work we need to ask those people to carry on cycling or walking and for them to be joined by many others as well.”

He said that better air quality has been one of the few benefits of the current crisis.

To read about our initiatives visit us here:
UK
https://active-commuting.com
Germany
https://active-commuting.net

14/05/2020

The government will be launching a campaign to encourage more people to look at alternative ways to travel, to walk or get on a bike for their commute instead of public transport.

Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Principal of Team INEOS, said: "If ever there was a good time to get on your bike, it’s now. You will be helping take pressure off public transport. You will be looking after your health. You will be looking after the health of others and you will be helping the environment. Let’s all get pedalling and help Britain on the road to recovery."

E-scooter trials will also be brought forward from next year to next month to help encourage more people off public transport and onto greener alternatives. Originally set to take place in 4 Future Transport Zones, the trials of rental e-scooters – which will now be offered to all local areas across the country – will allow government to assess the benefits of e-scooters as well as their impact on public space, with the potential to see rental vehicles on UK roads as early as June.

To read about our initiatives visit us here:
UK
https://active-commuting.com
Germany
https://active-commuting.net

13/05/2020

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO TRAVEL, SUCH AS WALKING AND CYCLING, COULD RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

• largest ever boost for cyclists and pedestrians
• emergency bike lanes and streets will help support transport network
• trials of rental e-scooters to be brought forward to increase green transport options
• government working with leading tech developers to reduce crowding on public transport

Far more people will be cycling and walking thanks to plans to boost greener, active transport, launched today (9 May 2020) by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps .

Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – the first stage of a £2 billion investment, as part of the £5 billion in new funding announced for cycling and buses in February.

Visit www.active-commuting.com for information about our initiatives.