Which is faster in rush hour: a bike, car, bus or pedestrian?

On April 25th Enfield Council ran a ‘Commuter Challenge’ pitting six commuters against each other on four different methods of transport.

Travelling the two miles from John Wilkes House in Ponders End to Enfield Civic Centre, the task was to find which method of getting around – including two bikes, a car, public transport (bus) and good old fashioned walking – was the fastest in rush hour, setting off at 8.30am.

Of course it was the bikes that covered the distance first – the first in eight mins and 45 seconds, the second at 13mins 32 seconds. Next up, the car crossed the finish line in 18 minutes and 40 seconds. Slightly bafflingly, the pedestrian arrived after 28 minutes and the bus passenger trailed them all at 42 minutes. Good old public transport.

“There are many ways to get around the borough, but looking at the cost of transport, speed and what is most enjoyable it is very clear that cycling comes out tops," said Cllr Chris Bond, Cabinet Member for Environment.

“Enfield Council is doing everything it can to not only improve the cycle network by developing a network of Greenway routes, but also offering free cycle training to adults and young people. There are also Dr Bike sessions in Enfield Town, cycle maintenance classes so people can learn how to take care of their bike, and a programme of monthly family friendly bike rides.

“People of all ages are encouraged to dust off their bikes and rediscover the joys and benefits of cycling to help make Enfield a cleaner and healthier place for all.”

There’s more about cycling in Enfield here.