How to get to work now

[chocolatemuffin75]

My shifts are changing at work to 6am starts, I don’t have a car, couldn’t really afford one as I live alone, I can’t afford a taxi everyday, I would have to leave my house at 5.25am everyday, does anyone else have to walk to work early mornings? Just wondering how safe it is going to be, obviously it should be ok at this time of year but come winter I’m not so sure, there is no one at work who can give me a lift either.

I think your concerns are valid OP. I used to do a 6am shift start, and in winter it can be quite lonely walking at that time. I guess statistically you’re more likely to get attacked at night rather than early morning, bit it does happen. Didn’t the lady from York, who went missing years ago, disappear on her walk to her early morning shift?

I live on a small housing estate in a village. Quite a few people set off for work in their cars between 5.30 and 5.50am so plenty of people on the roads at that time in an urban area, I would think.

To be concerned for my safety?

Thanks that makes me feel better 😂

I think you'll find that the road is busier than you expect at 5.30 am.

There’s plenty of jobs with 6am starts. So plenty of people walking to work every day without being mugged or attacked. You’ll be fine, OP.

@Livelovebehappyif you mean Claudia Lawrence it was after work in the afternoon, so no.

There'll be early commuters, runners and dog walkers about. Get a bike, you'll do it in 10 minutes.

I cycle to work about 6 every day. It's always busy, more so in summer but lots of people up and about doing early morning stuff. And I've never had an accident or any issues.

Electric bike

I think your concerns are reasonable OP. There have been abductions etc early in the morning. However, put it into context - they are very very unlikely to happen.

Just take sensible precautions. Don't walk with headphones in, carry an alarm, stick to main road pavements etc.

You might feel safer on a bike. My mum started riding a bike again in her 50s, so it's just a confidence thing then might be worth a try. Although statistically surely you are more likely to get hurt riding a bike than attacked by another person.

Get a bike

Isn’t there some kind of app you can download that sends some kind of message/ alarm if you shake the phone?

Probably I’ll look into it thank you

Yes I have an alarm

Your concerns are valid but this thread is a bit pointless. Without knowing your exact location no one can give you an accurate opinion. That equally goes for whether walking or cycling would be safer including the way back if the traffic will be busier when cycling back.

Try asking on local FB groups (are those anonymous I’m not on one) or just do the walk s couple of times.

Would you be able to look into a training course for a moped as the journey would be much quicker.

Google says -

1. Bikeability:

Bikeability is a national cycle training program, with most training funded by the Department for Transport, making it generally free.

You can find training courses and details on the Bikeability website.

Bikeability offers training for various skill levels, including beginners and those looking to improve their road cycling.

1. Transport for London (TfL):

TfL offers a free online Cycle Skills course with tips and advice for getting started and improving your cycling skills.

The course covers topics like preparing your bike, safe road cycling, and cycling in groups.

TfL also provides information about local cycle training courses, including those offered by London Boroughs.

1. Local Councils:

Many local councils offer free or subsidized cycle training programs.

These programs may include beginner lessons, urban cycle skills, and advanced training.

Examples include cycle training offered by Merton Council, Camden Council, and Waltham Forest.

1. Other Organizations:

Some cycling charities and organizations, like JoyRiders, also provide free cycling lessons, especially for women, girls, and families.

Look for local cycling groups or community centers that may offer lessons.

To find lessons:
Check the websites of local councils and cycling organizations.

Use the Bikeability website to find training near you.

Contact your local council or cycling organizations for information on specific programs and availability.

Christ I used to do this walk from city centre to retail park for work (hours walk) all year round in my early 20s it was fine. Get on with it for a trial run, you'll be alright. You're over panicking about safety it's not a gauntlet of mugging rapists at 5.30am

Halfords did free trials of electric bikes a few years ago you could try it for half an hour. You might think you would feel unsafe but when you try it you’ll probably be fine.

😄 sorry OP! Just keeping it real. Just think people are dismissing all is safe and good on a dark winters morning at 5.30, when the reality is that's not always the case.

No. Definitely on her way to work really early in the morning. She worked as a chef.

I mean you do what everyone else does - you feel safe to walk or if not you get a cab. Transport in my old job used to cost £400 a month. And that was public transport.

I used to walk to work for a 5/6am start for years - never occurred to me to be worried or not to do it. I just made sure I didn’t use headphones so I could hear what was going on around me.