FUEL PRICE INCREASE

[PieterL]

In view of the latest (albeit continuous) increase in the petrol price and the seemingly everenduring influence that the petro big boys (aka the "SA economy") has on our pockets, do you guys foresee that more people would be taking their bikes to work?

 

It just makes sense doesn't it? Less traffic, less fatalities, less fines/ less influence and generally a more healthy community?

 

Your thoughts?

[Sydmeister]

I'm also considering it, but here in Witbank the people don't look out for cyclists and from time to time I need my car for business trips. I wish there was a gravel road from my home to my work.

[P.A.K.]

I live too close to work to cycle

Plus we don't have showers here. Can't see myself cycling to work without changing clothes afterwards

[Cruz Addict]

i would love to but work too far from home to make it viable, also the shower thing is a problem, stinky all day not so much fun. i am however considering a scooter or something similar as the cost of fuel is killing me.

Edited July 5, 2013 by DaddyG

[BrandonF_]

...You mean MORE fatalities, this is SA roads afterall, not Belgium.

[Eugene]

No.......South Africans are nortoriously lazy.

 

In Europe everybody cycles, it can be pouring with rain and you'll still see thousands of bikes outside the shopping centres.

 

I've started commuting and I love it. I ride my mtb to work and it is amazing how many cycle paths and pavements are available to ride on. I wouldn't use a road bike on them though.

 

I take a towel and a face cloth and have a "basin" shower when I get to work.

Edited July 5, 2013 by Eugene

[JA-Q001]

The irony is that a lot of people that complain about the fuel price never change their driving style, to try and make it easier on themselves. We cannot control the petrol price ourselves directly, but if most people just drive 10km/h slower (or in Gauteng on the speed limit), they will see a huge difference in monthly fuel spending. But no, most people will only complain and then keep on doing what they always do.

[PieterL]

True, however it would be nice to move to a more European cycling infrastructure... With the modern day trend in business (home office, flexi time, company cars) it should not be too difficult to undergo the transition.

[PieterL]

Obviously the decrease in "mortalities" would be linked to a "collective effort"..... The stink would however pose a problem, seriously considering commuting! Maybe a SS golden oldie!

[MTBeer]

I live too close to work to cycle

Plus we don't have showers here. Can't see myself cycling to work without changing clothes afterwards

try wet wipes followed by a Portuguese shower (deodorant).

[mudda]

Petrol indirectly affects cyclists .... (Parts, clothes, inflation, etc)

 

Cycling to work is however nice, when not paying for fuel, although food becomes the fuel

 

Noticed the price of fuel this week, when I tapered off for a race this weekend ...

[Pants Boy]

I've seen a big increase in (white) commuters in Pretoria over the last year. Normally, after a big increase like this month, you see a couple of extra ou's on bikes for a week or two, then it tapers down. I think we'll see more and more 'professional' commuters in the coming months.

[Wyatt Earp]

[Journosergio]

Remove cars, taxis and motorcycles and I will happily commute to work every day. Too dangerous otherwise. How awesome would it be cruising the middle or fast lane in an echelon on the N1 before settling down for work?

[pastapouch]

The irony is that a lot of people that complain about the fuel price never change their driving style, to try and make it easier on themselves. We cannot control the petrol price ourselves directly, but if most people just drive 10km/h slower (or in Gauteng on the speed limit), they will see a huge difference in monthly fuel spending. But no, most people will only complain and then keep on doing what they always do.

one try, but then you have the Ultra-morons dealing with traffic flow, Ie traffic light maintenance who do not know how to calculate accelleration and as soon as you pick up speed, you need to stop, otherwise you'd travel 20/km/h. If the roads were less frustrating yes, I've changed my habits but ya. I hate traffic cops, their mothers, their offspring, their dogs, everything about them.

I've seen a big increase in (white) commuters in Pretoria over the last year. Normally, after a big increase like this month, you see a couple of extra ou's on bikes for a week or two, then it tapers down. I think we'll see more and more 'professional' commuters in the coming months.

I think what happens is it a bit rough doing those miles all of a sudden, and after a couple of days the okes are sore and tired. Then they give up. They just need a bit of advice to help them to get gradually into it.

[krl747]

Another 61c in August! Get those bikes ready, one of these wonderful days, it will not be a choice!