Riding a bike could actually be a lot quicker than wasting one’s morning sitting in a tin can.I got caught again last week, and more than once.
If I meet that sweet spot in the morning, that special time window before the crippling traffic takes hold of the nation by the scruff of the neck and brings it to a soul-destroying and agonising standstill, I can get to work bright and early with plenty of time to spare.
I miss that sweet spot however, like the thousands of others who seem to get stuck in the same traffic jams each and every morning, even by a mere 10 to 15 minutes, then I can resign myself to enduring an extra 40 minutes or more slapped onto the nightmarish journey.
Lots of people are angry about it, and lots of complaining is being done. I have to admit, I complain about it too, and even this article itself represents somewhat of a rant; however, we are not powerless.
There was an exciting title fight last weekend between world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko and Kubrat Pulev, the undefeated challenger, who showed great promise coming into the fight. Unfortunately for Pulev, Klitschko was just too strong, and the fight ended by knockout in the fifth round.
Passing conversations with fellow sport-minded individuals last week therefore have included the knockout blow the local traffic crisis is dealing to national morale and the knockout blow the Ukranian world boxing champ dealt to his Bulgarian challenger.
Everybody seems to have plenty to say about how terrible national planning must be to allow such a state to unfold on our roads, and others had plenty to say about the tactical mistakes Pulev made, but at least he had the courage to step in the ring and mix it with the imposing and long-standing champ; how many of us would dare do the same?
It’s always easy to comment, but how many of us are ready to act? Why not spend our time thinking about solutions and acting on them?
Car pooling is one. I can’t help but notice most of the cars jamming up the road only have one driver in them; if we formed groups of four travelling to the same area and took turns, we could cut down on our own petrol expenses, only have to drive once every four working days, and best of all, solve the traffic issue by cutting down on the volume of traffic on our roads by 75 per cent.
Well, that’s one idea, but here’s an even better one.
What if we could cut the traffic even more drastically, reduce petrol expenses altogether, get to work on an endorphin-fuelled high and get in great shape at the very same time. This is the exercise and fitness section, so I think you all might have guessed what particular solution I must be getting at.
Yes, how about walking, jogging, or cycling to work? Now before you turn the page in instant disapproval at the prospect, consider this.
You can beat the rat-race, save money on petrol, boost your productivity on the job, and develop a fitter, more attractive body
Commuting on foot or by bike is not at all strange in many countries beyond our shores. Most locals might scoff at the idea, but this is simply a question of culture. Once a few more people are seen choosing this option, it won’t seem all that strange anymore. What have you got to lose by trying? Well, a few inches off your waistline for a start.
Of course, many people live and work beyond range to be able to realistically do this, but many of us don’t. Some of us don’t have the luxury of being able to take our shower at work, but likewise many of us do too.
If everybody who is able to commute on foot or by bike actually did so, then we’d have half a workforce consisting of very fit and happy individuals, and the other half being a little less stressed as they would not have to face such terrible traffic conditions every morning.
Ask yourself, would you really be taking up any more time? Looking at the amount of time it takes to get pretty much anywhere in a car these days, not to mention the final ordeal of trying to find parking once you actually get there, riding a bike could actually be a lot quicker than wasting one’s morning sitting in a tin can.
Unlike sitting in traffic, exercise relieves stress, not builds on it. Exercise improves your health, boosts your energy levels and self-confidence. You can beat the rat-race, save money on petrol, boost your productivity on the job, and develop a fitter, more attractive body.
So pack your belongings, work clothes, return-leg workout gear and toiletries into a comfortable backpack, and jump on your bike. Start with an active commute just once a week.
Form a small group of like-minded converts if that makes things easier and before you know it you might not fathom any other way to get to work.
We’re quite spoiled in Malta, as the distances we have to cover really aren’t all that long. In many countries, people still need to walk a total of 30 minutes or more on top of their train or bus journeys, and in far worse climates than ours.
I’m tired of the depressing and frustrating morning routine, and even more tired of whinging about it. I’m weighing up the cost of a bike against my extortionate monthly petrol bills as we speak.
Let’s score a knockout blow of our own. Who’s with me?
matthew.muscat.inglott@mcast.edu.mt