Amazing things are happening due to the social distancing in effect in Mosman. With more Mosmanites taking to their bikes during the lockdown, the result was less traffic on the roads – in and out of the lower north shore and Sydney CBD.
Fewer vehicles on the roadways have resulted in a reduction in noise pollution and the traffic delays and congestion along Military Road for which the Mosman area is synonymous. Just think of how much improvement would happen if lower north shore residents took to their bicycles more regularly.
Paving the way for more cycling
Mosman professionals who still need to visit their offices on occasion, while balancing the new requirements to work from home when possible, will find employers and city officials are paving the way for safer cycling to work.
Sydney is doing its part to support the recent surge of interest in cycling. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore announced on the 18th of May that several temporary NSW Transport initiatives were in place to promote safer options for residents to walk and cycle through Sydney city to work. With the additional safety precautions now in place, it is safer than ever for cyclists.
More facilities for the cyclist in the office
It’s becoming quite common for offices in Sydney to provide bike racks, making it safer to store your bicycle while at work.
With Mosman located just 8.6 kilometres from Sydney, it is the perfect distance for a cycle. Worried about getting all sweaty on your way into the office? More offices in Sydney are providing shower facilities to employees who wish to bike into the office.
Promoting a better work-life balance
Health research has determined that a great way to achieve a better work-life balance is to include regular exercise.
Australia’s Department of Health recommends adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should accumulate 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week. Biking into the office is an excellent way to help meet your physical activity goals.
Not only will you get more regular exercise when cycling to work, but you’ll also have more time for the activities you enjoy, like spending time with friends and family.
Cycling for climate change
If the worldwide stay-at-home orders proved anything, it was that humans created a lot of pollution through daily activities like commuting to and from work. Satellite images showed visible improvements in air quality just two weeks after most countries instituted mandatory lockdowns. European researchers found a 20 per cent decrease in air pollution from ground-level nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and the cancer-causing fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Imagine the difference we could make in the long term if we committed to biking to work even a few days a week, even after the pandemic is over.
Fun tracking apps
If you have committed to bike to work, why not make it fun? Connect with friends and coworkers using a variety of fitness apps to keep each other motivated. Among some of the most popular:
1. Wraapit – Fits every wrist and handlebar, it connects to your smartphone to track activity, make and receive calls, send messages, navigate, and more.
2. LINKA Smart Bike Lock – It uses a 9-mm hardened steel shackle with built-in sensors for added security.
3. COBI Smart Bike System – This system easily mounts to your bike’s handlebars and syncs with your cell phone to create a “smart bike.”
The bottom line on biking
There are many benefits to biking to work. It reduces our carbon footprint, helps us achieve a work-life balance, and keeps us fit and healthy. And it is a great way to continue the practice of social distancing to fight the spread of COVID-19. Join us in committing to continue the biking trend.
