Everyone has reached a point where they’re irritable on a commute to work. Either because of bumper to bumper traffic or the old lady who is driving too slow in the fast lane.
Although travelling by car has its advantages, especially during the wet and rainy seasons, we can’t forget its disadvantage: sitting in traffic every single morning and evening. This is especially the case if you live far from work, and if you aren’t freelancing or working remotely.
So, why not consider a new form of transport; a motorbike.
And yes, we understand it can be worrisome, especially if you’ve never ridden a motorbike before. But, there are ways that you can practise saving on a two-wheeled ride.
Just ensure you always have and take note of the following:
- A safety helmet with the correct eyewear.
- Always obey traffic rules.
- Always be alert and ride carefully, especially in the rainy and busy seasons.
- Don’t drink and ride.
- Always check your motorbike to see if it’s roadworthy before travelling. For example; check tires, oil leakage, lights, and check hydraulic and coolant fluid levels.
Knowing and following these tips can help to lower your anxiety, and may even help minimise the number of accidents on the road. Yes, it’s not guaranteed, but it can make a huge difference in ensuring you’re vigilant on the road and help you avoid reckless drivers.
Now that the safety bit has been aired out, let’s go back to the reasons why you need to consider riding a motorcycle to work.
They’re affordable
Of course, you may need to apply for a bike loan, but owning a bike is cost-effective in comparison to owning a car. There are two reasons why it’s more affordable; it costs less to purchase a bike and secondly, you use less fuel.
That allows you to save money on fuel, and we all know that the price of petrol keeps rising. So, being able to cut back on that cost can help you in the long run. Fortunately, you don’t have to cough up the money for a bike in as lenders offer leisure finance to help you out.
Leisure finance allows you to make a monthly repayment each month while you enjoy the freedom of owning your bike. Because financial service credit providers understand that bikes are expensive, you may not have the money right away. You can also find bike finance calculators in South Africa that allow you to check your affordability.
Once you have been pre-selected for funding, you can swift through traffic and enjoy the crisp morning fresh air.
You’ll have plenty of fun
For the first time, you can have the word fun in the same sentence as travelling to work. And, that’s because travelling to work with a bike is exhilarating and a stress reliever. In all honesty, it’s impossible for you not to have fun and see a smile creeping up your face as you cruise through traffic watching all the other drivers sit frustratingly behind the wheel.
And, truth be told, you won’t even need your morning coffee to wake you up anymore. Because the crisp fresh air brushing against your skin is enough to wake anyone up. So, not only are you saving on petrol but you’re also saving money on your commute cup of coffee.
Improves your mental health
Apart from stimulating your brain, riding a motorbike has been shown to have benefits linking to your mental health. When you’re cruising down the road and accelerating on your bike, it helps to improve your mood and lower stress levels. This is because of the adrenaline rush coursing through your body, helping your body release endorphins. Plus, when you’re on your bike, you are exposed to the sun that gives you vitamin D. When these two come together, you will become happier both physically and mentally.
Parking is easier
Parking at work is a pain for most employees. Most times, you’ll find that there isn’t any additional parking space available, making you roam around until you eventually find a spot for your car. Or, you have to park far away from work, in the sun and have to walk back.
Both reasons can be incredibly annoying, especially early in the morning when your day hasn’t even started. Well, once you have your bike, finding space can be a thing of the past. There is always space for a motorbike, and it’s an easier process in the morning.
You have more time in the morning
When preparing for your day, and the time you need to wake up and get ready, you always need to consider the traffic. That alone takes up the precious time you could be using with your family and staying for a sit-down breakfast. Or getting to work earlier allowing you to adjust into the day at your own pace, make yourself a nice cup of coffee, chat with your colleagues, or read over your notes for an upcoming meeting.
Having more time allows you to prepare for the day without any stress. Unless you wake up at the crack of dawn, or live close by, driving to work won’t give you that pleasure. But, riding your motorbike to work will allow you to get to work in half the time it takes you in a car.
You get to experience the satisfaction of fresh air
Everyone needs to get fresh air. And being stuck in a car, office, then home doesn’t give you much fresh air during the week. This makes you miss out on all the benefits that come with being outside, like a healthier digestive system, improved blood pressure and heart rate, stronger immune system and a sharper mind and enough energy to get you through the day.
Additional motorbiking tips
If you’re wondering how you’re going to wear a suit on a motorbike, then don’t worry as there is a way around it. If you wear formal clothing at work, it makes more sense to have a set pair of clothing at the office. That way, you won’t have to worry about wearing wrinkled clothing. And, when the weather is really bad, rather take your vehicle to work.
Final thoughts
Like anything else, there are disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is the weather, especially in winter, as you won’t be sheltered as you would be in a car. But if you have other forms of transport, then you won’t have a problem. And, if this would be your only method of transport, then you will need to make sure you have the right gear, and you’re well equipped for every season. Apart from that, bikes are a joy to ride, and you will love every minute of it.
Just make sure you choose the bike right, you’re careful and respectful of other drivers, you have the comfortable gear, and you do enough research before you make any purchase.
So, go get the bike and see how better your mornings become.
