What I have found is that we are quite able to reduce car usage. It can be a pain, but it is surprisingly enjoyable.
The biggest change I have found during my time in the bike saddle is that it is crucial to plan ahead. Do not just wake up in the morning and look at diary to see what is happening. Look a week ahead.
Arrange meetings for convenient times and locations, and put a time aside to do all your “run-around” chores at one time.
When you rely on a car, you get used to simply hopping in and charging off. You don't need to plan ahead. Freedom and acting on impulse are the deep psychological joys of driving a car.
Using a bike has delivered benefits, such as the freshness and vitality we get from intense exercise.
Surprisingly I find I have more time, as I had to plan my schedule more carefully. I have reclaimed those lost hours each week when I was stuck behind the wheel.
Please don't give up on riding your bikes. Stick at it. Try a few extra bike trips a week, and don't be hard on yourself if you have a lazy moment and grab the car keys.
But you will gain a lot more from riding your bike than you imagined.
To all the people who have read this biking blog, thank you, and I hope, as I said, you've had an "end of sit-com episode" moment and learnt something. Or changed something.
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