if you still can’t see yourself heading into the office by bike or on foot every morning, keep in mind that active commuting doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. cycling to and from work one or two days a week is a great way to ease into a new routine. and for anyone who’s daunted by the distance of the commute, consider combining public transportation with either cycling, walking or running. and there’s always the option of an electric bike, which speeds up the commute and lets you dial back the effort on those days when energy stores are low.
figuring out the right blend of passive and active transportation comes down to evaluating the impact of four distinct variables: convenience, speed, cost and reliability. for people living in the city centre, walking or cycling typically scores high on all four considerations, which is why so many city dwellers opt for an active commute. not to mention, many of canada’s cities have improved their cycling infrastructure, with more dedicated bike lanes and bike-lending services, making active commuting easier than it was a decade ago.
for those who live in the suburbs, walking or cycling to work is likely to take longer and be less convenient than taking the car or public transportation. but with back-to-work protocols offering greater flexibility in the coming months, it’s a good time to see if your employer is amenable to setting up an environment that supports active travel. whether that means flexibility in working hours, facilities to store gear and/or bikes and access to showers or places to change and tidy up after an active commute, the time is right for a conversation. the right commute is a vital part of establishing a new post-pandemic work/life balance that is good for your health and for the health of the environment.
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fitness: it’s time to consider an active commute