I don't know about you, but walking to work in this cold weather just isn't so appealing. I try and walk when the weather is nice – it takes just over an hour and gives me time to wake up and prepare for my day, but when it's raining or cold, as it has been recently, I just want to stay those extra 20 minutes in bed.
I'm extremely lucky that I have to walk all of thirty seconds to the bus stop, so I have an easy mode of transport for when I'm feeling lazy or the weather is too horrible. I thoroughly recommend taking the bus. While it doesn't wake me up like a walk, I get to finish combing my hair, put my shoes on and read a book for half an hour. I don't have to worry about parking or car maintenance costs and my ten trip ticket costs me only $20 a week. After a long day at work it's also quite nice to nap on the bus on the trip home :)
I realise that I'm lucky living so near a bus stop (it was one of the reasons I chose my current flat), so I understand that some people can't take a bus - or some other form of public transport, but there are other options which can help you save money and the environment.
Have you thought about car pooling (aka ride sharing)? Land Transport New Zealand’s first advertisement in its Sustainability campaign focuses on ride sharing. There are schemes such as the TakeaMate scheme in Warkworth which you can register with and meet other people who are travelling in the same direction as you.
If you have the opportunity to buy a new car, try looking for one with a high fuel economy rating which will get you further for less money.
If at all possible, try working away from the office – be that at home or at a workstation near you. I do this from time to time and find it very productive as I get to choose what hours of the day to my work, so can balance my work/home life more easily. I’m actually writing this from home so that I don’t spread my horrible cold amongst my lovely workmates! It’s nice being able to work while wrapped up in a blanket and wearing my particularly attractive pyjamas :)
How are you guys getting work this winter?
Comments
Hi Sarah,
Nice jammies! Looks like the cat enjoys you working from home too!
It might surprise you to learn that I really enjoy commuting by motorbike in winter. Since I'm going to be wearing all my protective gear on the bike anyway, and all my winter protective gear is also waterproof, I often arrive at work drier than my colleagues who have driven to work then walked in the rain from their cars to the office!
Meanwhile I'm wearing my helmet, jacket, gloves, trousers and boots all the way into the office - the only issue is peeling them off and finding somewhere to hang them while they drip. But that would be an issue even if it was just a raincoat and umbrella.
I do take extra care riding in the rain, just as you would if driving a car. I increase my following distances, decrease my speed, and wear a high-vis reflective vest. Then I go out splashing through the puddles while staying warm and dry inside my gear.
:-) Happy winter everyone!
Submitted by Lindis on 29 April 2008 12:23:57
Molly (the cat) is always keen for me to stay at home :) She thinks it increases her chances of being fed (she's mistaken, but still...)
It does sound neat to be able to arrive at work pretty much dry! I might have to look into getting a motorbike - will have to conquer cycling 101 first though! :D
Submitted by Sarah on 29 April 2008 19:36:52
Mmmm I arrived at work this morning all toasty-warm, despite it being the coldest day of the year so far.
If I was taking some other form of transport I think I would put on all my motorbike gear anyway - an excellent excuse to wear leather gloves, thick socks, a quilted jacket and a neck warmer. But other commuters may look at me strangely if I also wore my crash helmet... or maybe they would just stay out of my way...
Submitted by Lindis on 6 May 2008 11:30:04