Synergy News & Blog: News
Synergy Saddle up for Cycle to Work Day – 5th August 2021
Today at Synergy we are celebrating Cycle to Work Day – the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event! The event promotes how cycling can improve everyday mental and physical wellbeing and have a positive impact on our environment. Cycling to work in particular can reduce congestion in busy rush hour periods, help to cut CO2 emissions and create healthy and happier people.
In the past few months, the UK has seen a sharp rise in cycling (a 200% increase!), as people switch to cleaner, greener modes of transport with the added health benefits. With Covid-19 forcing many of us inside our homes, it’s not a surprise to see many embracing the outdoors and giving a new hobby a go.
Today’s event is just one of many initiatives we’ve seen to encourage people to pick up pedalling. Just up the road from Synergy’s London office in Covent Garden are two new urban bike parking facilities, the Seven Dials Bike Hub and Spokesafe. Our Bath team are also lucky to have access to a communal exercise bike and bike store in their office at St George’s Lodge.
We have been chatting to some of our Synergy cyclers in each office to find out why getting out on the bike is so important to them:
James Cottle, Partner (Cost Consultant), Bath
What bike do you ride?
Lots! My mountain bikes are my pride and joy but I ride a Sonder Camino to work.
Any cycling top tips you’ve learned?
Keep your bike maintained! This really helps to reduce mechanicals when you are out which can really spoil a ride. Always carry a pump, spare tube, tyre levers and a multi tool. Mudguards when cycling to work are priceless, keeping the worst of the weather off you.
What is your favourite route?
I’m very lucky that my 11 mile commute to work can be done 90% off road via the 2 tunnels cycle path and the Kennet and Avon canal, which is a very picturesque route. Outside of work, my favourite places to ride are in the Forrest of Dean for mountain biking with so many different trails to explore.
Cycling kit you can’t live without?
My Seal Skinz winter gloves. They keep my hands toasty warm when cycling in the winter even when it gets down to -5C!
Why do you love cycling?
For me, cycling is a brilliant way to de-stress. Particularly cycling to and from work, it really helps to both set me up and then unwind after a busy day. It is also great for fitness and a great way to explore new places.
Paul Grinham, Partner (Project Manager), Guildford
What bike do you ride?
Specialized Levo
Any cycling top tips you’ve learned?
Always wear a helmet!
What is your favourite cycling route?
I normally go to an area called Ceasars camp – an area of army land near Aldershot which has some great single track trails.
Cycling kit you can’t live without?
The bike of course! (and padded shorts are a must)
Why do you love cycling?
I love being outdoors in the countryside. It’s an opportunity to clear my thoughts and puts me in a great mind space. It’s a fun way to exercise – especially with a beer waiting for me after!
Cycling into work this morning was great and I managed to find a route mostly off road until the last 3 miles. Today has inspired me to try this way of commuting more!
Mandeep Uppal, Senior Building Surveyor, London
What bike do you ride?
A Brompton folding bike (perfect for taking on trains and into the office)
What is your favourite route?
My route is from Paddington to Trafalgar Square, which takes me through Hyde Park, Wellington Arch, Constitution Hill, Buckingham Palace and The Mall. I always enjoy the cycle into work during Autumn and seeing the changes to the colours in the trees around Hyde Park. I find it therapeutic.
Cycling kit you can’t live without?
Wet weather gear is a must!
Why do you love cycling?
Cycling allows me to switch off. It’s a twenty-minute ride between stations. Working from home is great, but do we miss that separation between work and home life and as a result ‘shut off’ mentally less? Cycling definitely gives me the space to rethink any work issues and approach them with a fresh and clear mind.
https://www.cycletoworkday.org/
