‘Cycle to work’ – but do you have the option?

If we’re looking for positives to come out of the last year, then let’s focus on the huge increase in people taking up or reconnecting with cycling. Sport England reported that the number of people cycling for leisure and sport during lockdown has increased significantly.

As many of us start to return to the office, cycling to work is great in theory but is it always possible? A lack of facilities and storage, or living too far away, can make cycling a tough option.

When we created Arbeta, we wanted to develop a space that encourages our tenants to switch up their commute or at least give them the choice! That’s why we installed 60 secure, covered bike storage spaces, changing rooms, showers and lockers to make it a viable option.

We caught up with one of our tenants, Paul Thomas, Head of Professional Services at AppLearn to chat through his experience of cycling to work.

How often do you cycle to work?

I currently work in the office three days a week and cycle in twice. The lockers enable me to keep my clothes in the office ready for the days that I bike into work.

What’s your cycle route like?

The route flows from Wilmslow then through Handforth, Cheadle (Bruntwood Park), Parrs Wood, Burnage (where I get onto the Fallowfield Loop) then, staying on the Loop, I head through Gorton and Openshaw before arriving at Arbeta. It’s around 20 miles and takes about an hour and a half.

What are your main motivations for cycling to work?

The main motivation for me is how much exercise I get for the time invested. When driving it can take me anywhere between an hour to an hour and a half or two hours, both directions. When cycling it takes me three hours total, so for the sake of an extra hour invested I get three hours’ exercise. I also save around £10 per day in fuel, which works out at about £90 per month.

Bike Week is about encouraging everyone to give cycling a go, regardless of ability. What advice would you give to someone who would like to try it but is nervous about cycling to work?

The logistics can always be challenging, for example I wear a suit every day which you can’t put in a backpack. I get around this by using the lockers and having fixed drive and ride days. I would also start by picking fair weather days, just to make sure you don’t get put off, but buy some waterproofs for if you get caught in it. Finally, have a look at the routes available to you, depending on where you live there might be some adventure to be found or some fab scenery!

What do you like most about working at Arbeta?

It is a fabulously fitted out building with great amenities and the on-site food is good. 

Tell us about Applearn.

AppLearn has built a leading Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) and we’ve made it our mission to bring certainty to enterprise software investments. AppLearn Adopt platform offers unrivalled analytics and an approach that prioritises people, partnerships and outcomes. We remove the doubt from digital adoption and help organisations to continually make the most of their software.

What’s your role in the business?

I’m Head of Professional Services and responsible for a team of skilled Project Managers and Implementation Consultants delivering the AppLearn Adopt platform to our customers.

It’s great to hear it first-hand from Paul – cycling to work doesn’t only have fantastic health benefits, but it’s also a brilliant way to save a bit of money every month. Will you be giving it a go?

Find out more about Bike Week here and give their #7daysofcycling a try!