Okay, here are the facts:
♦ The distance I commute in cycle: little more than 15 Kilo Meters (one way).
♦ Time I take: 40 Minutes (+/- 3-4 minutes)
♦ I commute mostly during rush hours, I leave at around 8:30 -9.00 AM in the morning, leave at around 7:30 - 8 PM in the evening.
♦ Root I take : Srinagar / Hanumanthanagar -> Ashoka Pillar -> Diary Circle -> Koramangala -> Inner Ring Road -> Old Airport Road.
♦ How long I've been cycling to office: last 12 days.
♦ What bike do I have: Trek 4300, It's a nice mountain bike.
♦ Where did I buy the cycle?: From Bums On The Saddle, the coolest bicycling shop in Bangalore!
Some comparison:
I've commuted on Motor bike, Public buses and now, a cycle.
Time taken to commute on motor bike is around 40-45 minutes for 15 kms, but I am at the mercy of traffic. Time taken on bus: more than an hour and 15 minutes. Again, I am at the mercy of BMTC. Not every time I get a bus as soon as I go to bus stand.
On cycle, it's always 40 minutes +/- 3 minutes. Always. Yes, Yes, I do jump traffic signals, ride on footpaths. But I try my best to be not a nuisance to public and traffic.
How is the experience so far? Absolutely FUN! Feels like I've gone back in time to my high school days :-)
Some interesting stuff that happened:
♦ I went through McDonald's "Drive-Thru" on my cycle!! The guy at the counter was kinda shocked to see me on cycle :-)
♦ An old lady and a cute kiddo gave me "Thumbs Up" !! Awesome!
♦ Almost fell from bike when I jumped from footpath to Road more than one feet deep :-)
♦ Did more than 50 Kilo Meters on a Sunday, didn't feel tired at all ...
Okay, Here is what I feel:
Cycling around Bangalore in heavy traffic is not really tough or dangerous. Just keep some common sense, and you will be fine. Things like a good helmet, hand-gloves and a air mask/filter are a must.
