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Cycling can be the fastest commuter option in Edinburgh

Date: 16th September 2009

Cycling can be the quickest way of commuting into Edinburgh, as shown in today’s annual Commuter Challenge.

 

 

The event, now in its 5th year, also launched European Mobility week, which runs from 16-23rd September.

 

Twenty-one participants set off from four departure points around Edinburgh by car, bus, train, motorcycle, bicycle, jogging or walking and made for the finish line at St Andrew’s Square, to see to see which mode is fastest and causes the least environmental damage .

 

Commuter Challenge Organiser Maggie Wynn said: 

 

"The Commuter Challenge is a reminder that there are alternative forms of transport to the one we instinctively take each morning. There is a general perception that cars are often fastest way to get around town, but over short distances that is not generally the case as today’s event shows."

 

SEStran Partnerships Director, Alex Macaulay, added:

 

“Once again the Commuter Challenge has proved that sustainable travel options like walking and cycling are not only healthier, but often faster than using the car”.

 

“SEStran is committed to promoting both cycling and walking as transportation options for shorter journeys and today’s event has confirmed, yet again, that these are practical ways of getting to work”.

 “Cycling, walking or using public transport contributes towards reducing traffic congestion in the capital. But if you do have to use the car to get to work, then why not share a journey and help take up to three vehicles off the road for a day?” 

 Ends 

Notes

Results for Edinburgh Commuter Challenge 16 September 2009Finish post St Andrew’s Square 

Commuter times from Ocean Terminal

Distance

2.75 miles

mph

Transport Type

Journey time (minutes)

 

Cyclist (tandem)

15 mins

11 mph

Cyclist

17 mins

9.7 mph

Bus

31 mins

5.3 mph

Car (share)

34 mins

4.8 mph

   

Commuter times from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

Distance

4 miles

mph

Transport Type

Journey time (minutes)

 

Cyclist (recumbent)

15 mins

16 mph

Cyclist

18 mins

13.3 mph

Car

19 mins

12.6 mph

Cyclist (Grant Stott- Radio Forth)

21 mins

11.4 mph

Bus

30 mins

8 mph

   

Commuter times from Ingliston P & R

Distance

7 miles

mph

Transport Type

Journey time (minutes)

 

Motorbike

20 mins

21 mph

Car

23 mins

18.3 mph

Cyclist

26 mins

16.2 mph

Bus

38 mins

11 mph

   

Commuter times from QMU (Musselburgh)

Distance

6.5 miles

mph

Transport Type

Journey time (minutes)

 

Train/Cycle

21 mins

18.5 mph

Cyclist

27 mins

14.4 mph

Cyclist (Folding Bike)

27 mins

14.4 mph

Car

35 mins

11. mph

Cyclist

39 mins

10 mph

Jogger

43 mins

9 mph

 

SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is a partnership of eight local councils covering the Borders, the Lothians, Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk