May 10, 2020
Keyworkers Lead The Way
(Commuting under Covid.. and afterwards)
Paul: I work in anaesthetics at the Northern General, with people who have Covid 19.
I’d never used a bike for work before, but I’d been umming and aaing about it for a while, because the traffic put me off a bit, but since I’ve got the loan e-bike from CycleBoost I’ve used it every day I’ve gone to work. Traffic’s low at the moment, which makes it easier.
It’s a 30 minute journey there, about seven miles up and down each way, and 35 minutes back. There’s no escaping the hills in Sheffield, but the e-bike gives me a hand up Burngreave Road to the hospital.
I do 10 hour shifts at the moment, which isn’t bad, some people do 14, and cycling gives me a bit of fresh air so you feel better in the morning when you get there. Then being stuck inside all day, getting half an hour of exercise on your way home is quite nice.
I feel certain there’ll be more people cycling after all this. People will use their cars when they have to, but public transport is the last thing I’d want to go on, being in a tight space with loads of other people.
This time of year the bike works really well for me, but I’m not sure yet I’ll use it over the winter.
I know two people I work with who’ve got an e-bike now, and I’ll be getting one when the loan is over. I think my car’s not moved for three weeks.
More Stories from Sheffield Keyworkers:
Sue : “These strange times call for action!”
Jenny: “That feeling of reaching the hospital alone, on my bike, has been wonderful.”
Girish: “An e bike in Sheffield is a boon for people of a certain age, like me!”
Clare: “People would be more encouraged to cycle or walk to work if there were safer routes”
Paul: “My car’s not moved for three weeks.”
Heather: “Be safe. Be happy. Help the planet.”
Liz: “Be brave, a bit of assertiveness helps. And then inspire others.”
