Cycle train ‘shows getting to work can be stress-free’

The ‘train’ chugged past queuing motorists yesterday morning in an attempt to highlight alternative ways of commuting.

The initiative was part of Alternative Transport Week, which was launched in Jersey last year, and has been taken on locally by the Better Journeys Project.

‘We just wanted to show you can enjoy a stress-free ride on your commute and bypass all the traffic,’ said organiser Mark Smith, a founder member of the group.

‘You can then arrive without the stress of having to find a parking spot.

‘And with all the roads closed at the moment, now is the perfect time to get on your bike.’

The cycle train wheeled its way from the Peninsula Hotel at 7.45am before arriving at North Beach at 8.20am, having picked up five cyclists en route.

Mr Smith said he was not disappointed by the turn-out.

‘This morning wasn’t about having massive numbers,’ he said. ‘We are showing you can commute sustainably.

‘That doesn’t have to mean no cars. If you can car share and get four in a car that’s three other parking spaces freed up and three other cars that won’t be ahead of you at the filter.’

Unlike some of the Lycra-clad cyclists, Rollo De Sausmarez was dressed for work, having joined the bike train on his electric bike.

‘E-bikes are a game changer,’ he said. ‘They make commuting by bike possible for everyone, as you don’t have to be fit and you don’t end up a sweaty mess.’

Mr Smith said that the biggest contributor to many companies’ CO2 emissions was their employees’ commute to work.

‘Many companies now have bike to work schemes that will help their staff by contributing to the cost of bike. And most of the local bike shops run schemes to spread the cost, as bikes, and especially e-bikes, can be expensive.’

Not all the cyclists taking part were on the daily commute. Retired postman Brian Vallois had decided to join the ride after reading about it in the Guernsey Press the day before. He said he was considering investing in an e-bike.

‘I’ll be 71 in April. Cycling is great for health and fitness, I suffer from arthritis and it gets my joints moving. I’d recommend it to everyone’