TIPS & RESOURCES
How much money can you save riding to work?
Riding to work is your one-stop shop to save time and save money whilst doing your bit to help the environment and your wellbeing. If this sounds too good to be true, read on!
1. Save time
We all know that time is precious, and you may be surprised to see how much time you can save by hopping on your bike to get to work rather than waiting for a train, sitting in traffic in your car or standing on an overcrowded tram.
Don’t underestimate how quickly you can travel on a bike. Generally, commutes of 15km or less within the city during peak hour are quicker on a bike than via car.
We’ve picked out some Melbourne commuter hot spots to compare how long it takes to get to the CBD by car, PT, walking or riding. Once you’ve added in peak hour traffic, riding is the speediest commute of the four options. And as an added bonus, you’ll already have some exercise ticked off for the day, giving you even more time in the bank!
2. Save money
Car
We’re constantly hearing about the increased cost of living, fuel costs rising and bills going up. Commuting to work in the CBD five days a week by car costs the average Australian commuter between $7,432 (5km from the CBD) and $14,639 (25km from the CBD). And, this is before CBD parking costs which can be $30/day, which adds up to $7,200 per year!
However, it isn’t all doom and gloom. Getting on two wheels can save us all some dollars that could certainly be put to good use elsewhere.
Public Transport
For those who catch public transport, you’re already well on your way to saving some extra dollars but riding to work can help cut costs even more.
If riding the whole way is a bit overwhelming or not practical, you can split your ride with PT. Try riding to the station or getting off the train a few stops earlier to finish your commute. Have a look at these articles to give you some ideas:
Click below to see how much you could currently be spending on PT per day, month or year across our biggest cities:
Melbourne Metro Trains | Myki Zone 1
Daily – $9.20
Weekly (5 Days) – $46.00
Monthly (4 weeks) – $184.00
Annual (12 months) – $2208
Sydney Metro Trains | Opal 10-20km Trip
Daily – $11.40
Weekly (5 Days) – $50.00
Monthly (4 weeks) – $200.00
Annual (12 months) – $2400.00
Perth | Transperth Dayrider
Daily – $10.00
Weekly (5 Days) – $50.00
Monthly (4 weeks) – $200.00
Annual (12 months) – $2400
Adelaide | Metro
Daily – $9.10
Weekly (5 Days) – $45.50
Monthly (28 day pass) – $107.00
Annual (12 months) – $1284.00
Brisbane | GoCard 2 Zones
Daily – $9.42
Weekly (5 Days) – $42.10
Monthly (4 weeks) – $180.40
Annual (12 months) – $2164.80
It’s a no-brainer that getting set up to ride to work is cheaper than running a car for a year or paying for an annual public transport pass. You don’t need the latest or greatest kit, all you need is a bike (new or old), a helmet, a good lock and lights if you plan to ride in the dark.
Read our ‘Tips for new riders’ to help you get started.
3. Help the environment
Active travel (riding a bike or walking) is considered the most sustainable form of transport and we are here for it! Small swaps can have a big impact and opting to ride or e-bike even for just one day per week significantly reduces your carbon footprint.
Studies show that riders have 84% lower CO2 emissions from daily travel than non-riders.
Every time you ditch the car for the bike, you’ll be playing your part to help the planet.
4. Improve your health
Riding to work can make you happier and healthier. In today’s world, these are big claims, but we truly believe it.
- Improve your mental health and wellbeing – release some endorphins whilst riding, reduce your screen time and soak in some vitamin D.
- Reduce the risks associated with some serious diseases including cardiovascular disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, obesity and depression.
- Plus it’s a winner for employers with increased productivity as a result of improved fitness and mental health. It increases morale and can reduce absenteeism by up to 80%.
Bike riding is a fun and low-impact form of exercise making it suitable for all ages but make sure you consult your GP before taking on new forms of exercise.
Read on!
Once you get going, we promise you will be wondering why you didn’t start earlier!
Check out these resources to help get you started on your journey:
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