The Commuter Files

I started a new job in 2012, at the same time that Oliver started school.  I decided it was best for both of us to commute by bike.  The trip to school was anything from 1.6km to 2.6km in length, depending on the route chosen, and my work was a further 6km or so from there.

Work for me was at a bike shop, so the incentive to blend in and keep up appearances was high.

And because I was never allowed to ride my bike to school until I was 11 years old (we walked), I thought Oliver should be able to choose what mode he took (bike, scooter, or walk).  I was only working three days a week, with the other two days spent with my daughter Ella. I drove Oliver to school those two days to avoid the temper tantrums on the return journey when Ella would run out of energy to propel herself home. Of course, putting Ella on the half bike was never an option - she wanted to do it on her own.

Going home the long way, through the local gully network

Sometimes I needed to carry extra things into work

Riding in the rain CAN be fun!

A late-night commute after a meeting in town

I managed not to get tagged by any vehicles during my commutes, mostly due to being very aware of the traffic around me and taking evasive action on a few occasions.  I was squeezed towards the kerb by an impatient bus driver, similarly squeezed out by a truck and trailer, cut-off by an oblivious visitor to a rest home, and seen at the last minute by countless other drivers.

I will admit that our commuting to school was infrequent through the third and fourth terms.  As winter set in, so did the coughs and colds. Oliver really struggled with the cool temperatures too, despite being rugged up in a warm jersey, gloves, jacket and overtrou.  I would put my bike on the back of the car, drive Oliver to school, park the car on the street and then ride the rest of the way into work. It seemed to keep everyone happy.

We'll see how we get on this year as the weather cools off.