Subiaco Commuter Stories

Why do Subiaco commuters catch public transport, cycle or walk?

‘It's just as quick as driving and there’s the obvious health benefits.’ Alan Burman rides to work three days per week. He rides from Balcatta to Subiaco in 25 minutes.

‘It feels great when I get into work – I’m more alert and fresh.’ Avril Thompson used to drive to work every day, but now she rides to work one day per week. Her ride from Mt Lawley to Subiaco takes her 20 minutes.

‘I try to set an example for my kids. I have lost 2-3 kg and my son Bob has gained cycling stamina.’ Andy Tweedie rides 5km from Shenton Park to work in the Perth CBD.

‘Cycling gets me to school faster - it feels good to get into the highest gear.’ Bob Tweedie cycles or walks to school five days per week.

‘I ride to work because I live locally, it gives me some exercise I would otherwise struggle to get, it saves me having to find parking, and it saves petrol, wear and tear on our car.’ Alison Meighan, a Coordinator of Community Services, rides to work all year round. She lives and works in Subiaco, and her bike trip takes 10 minutes - only slightly longer than it takes to drive. She also uses her bike during work for trips to meetings and appointments.

‘I ride to work because it’s better for the environment, and the convenience of not having parking hassles to deal with.’ Belinda Forrest rides from Shenton Park to Subiaco in 10 minutes – the same amount of time it takes her to drive. Her wet weather gear (rain jacket, plastic trousers and boots) allows her to ride to work all year round. She also uses her bike to get to meetings and site visits.

‘It’s a good way to get to work - there’s less stress, I save petrol and there’s many health benefits.’ David Barber used to drive to work every day, but now he cycles to work two days per week. It takes him 15 minutes to cycle from City Beach to Subiaco.

‘I discovered that it's just as fast to get to work by bike as it is by public transport or by car. I cycle to work to keep fit, to avoid parking problems, and to avoid getting stuck in peak traffic.’ Carol Hoggart cycles to work at UWA three days per week. Her bike trip from Wembley to Subiaco takes her 25 minutes.

‘I cycle to work to keep fit, avoid the stress of vehicle travel madness and to enjoy the beauty of the ride.’ Kirsten Emmanuel used to park at a train station and catch the train to work, but now she rides to work two days per week. Kirsten gains 60 minutes of exercise from her 21 km ride to work, and says that she feels fitter and healthier.

‘It's healthier, faster and cheaper to get to work.’ Chris Wijns rides 5km to work four days per week.

‘I love to cycle with my dad, and we can stop in the park after school.’ Lucas and Oliver ride 1km to school three days per week. By using active transport, they gain 20 minutes of exercise per day from their daily ride.

‘It’s better for my health, parking is no hassle and it’s free. To top it all off I enjoy riding.’ Eric Howard cycles from Bentley to work in Subiaco every day, gaining 40 minutes of exercise from his 15km trip.

‘I was surprised to find that the bike trip took less time than the bus. I definitely found the hills easier after a couple of weeks - I rode faster too.’ Tegan Rourke cycles to work at UWA three days per week. She started cycling more often to get more exercise, and because she doesn’t have to pay for parking. Her 6km bike trip takes her 22 minutes.

‘I starting practising riding my bike and now I love it so much I ride every day!’ Kelly Slater, a finance officer, had never cycled to work before. She now rides to work in Subiaco four days per week. ‘I encouraged my colleague to use bike paths wherever possible, even if it makes the route longer’. Dawn Behets, an administration officer, encouraged her colleague Kelly to start riding to work. Dawn rides to work four days per week, and her ride from Applecross to Subiaco takes her 35 minutes.

'I started riding to work to increase my fitness.' George Kupcsik used to drive to work at Linneys six days per week, but he started cycling to work in the lead up to National Ride to Work Day.

‘I live in the northern suburbs so I like to ride along the coast. I check the surf on the way to work and watch the sunset on the way home.

I told my work mates that it’s the best way to start the day. You don’t have to worry about gym exercise classes because you’ve already done your exercise by the time you get home.’ Justin Linney, a jewellery designer at Linneys, rides from Greenwood to Subiaco two days per week.

Linneys Subiaco

‘We walk to school for the exercise and fresh air.’ The Sanderson family switched from driving to school to walking four days per week. They gain 20 minutes of exercise from their 3km walk to school.

‘I wanted to get some exercise in my day.' Josianne Joss used to drive to work in Subiaco five days a week, but has started catching public transport to work every day. Josianne says that she lost a few kilos by using active transport to work. By walking to and from public transport, she gains an extra 30 minutes of exercise per day, burning 12,420 kilojoules, or 36 chocolate biscuits during a six week period.

‘The fresh air makes me feel better. I like being able to meet up with my friends, and to look at all the nature on the way to school.’ Lara and Kate Mountain, and Eryn, Abby and Sarah Major attend Rosalie Primary School. Lara and Kate swapped two car trips a week for a 1.5km walk to school, gaining 20 minutes of exercise per day, as well as extra time to chat.

Rosalie Primary School

‘I feel more energetic with the daily walk.’ Jasmine Mu used to drive to work three days per week, now she cycles, walks or public transport every day. It takes her 15 minutes to walk from Jolimont to Subiaco, providing her with 30 minutes of exercise per day. Sylvia Gandossi used to drive to work every day, but now she walks to work three days per week. It takes her 25 minutes to walk from Shenton Park to Nedlands, providing her with 50 minutes of exercise per day.

'I ride to work for my health, to reduce transport costs, and to set an example for my kids.' Tom Hallam, an IT Systems Administrator at UWA, rides to work two or three days per week. His 10km ride from Yokine to UWA takes him 30 minutes. Alice rides or walks 1km to kindy with a parent twice a week.

'I just bought a new trailer for my two year old and I will be riding to day care with him. I consider it "free exercise" both in terms of money and time.'

‘I cycle to work for the exercise, enjoyment, and to save money and time.’ Troy cycles 13km to work in 40 minutes. During a six week challenge, Troy burned 83,824 kilojoules, or 243 chocolate biscuits.

‘Walking to public transport is cheaper and healthier.’ Michael gains 30 minutes of exercise per day by walking to public transport.

‘I always walk and take the train to work after a stint in Europe where it became habit.’ Chris walks to public transport to get to work in Subiaco. Troy, Michael and Chris all work at Downunder Geo Solutions in Subiaco.

‘My confidence increased by taking on the challenge.’ Greg Perry switched from driving to work to cycling for two trips per week. The 16km trip from Mt Pleasant takes him 40 minutes to cycle.

‘I ride to work for fitness, the environment, to save fuel and wear on my car. I don't feel the cold so much, and I feel energised at the start of work’. Connie van den Ende cycles to work from Bayswater for two trips per week. The 15km ride takes her 40 minutes.

‘I walk to work for the exercise as I spend all day in front of computer.' Roni Wheeler walks to work every day from West Perth. The 2.5km trip takes her 45 minutes.

'Being more active definitely makes me feel better - both body and mind. I like to walk to work as a way to incorporate exercise into my day, rather than tacking it on later.' Bev Thornton catches public transport or walks to work from Crawley for two trips per week.

Downunder Geo Solutions

King Edward Memorial Hospital

Acorn Photo Agency staff Shirley, Adrian, Taryn and Michael use active transport to work. Taryn and Michael prefer the train because it is less stressful and more convenient than driving into Subiaco every day. Adrian likes to hop on his bike whenever he can, while Shirley uses her SmartRider to catch the train when she needs to go to the City.

Now that I catch public transport, I get to include a 15 minute walk in my morning.’ Gen Erskine said that she is now more likely to use sustainable transport as she is more aware of the alternative options that are available.

‘I cycle to work whenever I can.’ Stephan Frodsham also uses active transport to get to work.

Acorn Photo Agency staff Shirley, Adrian, Taryn and Michael

Coffey Projects, global project management firm

'I toned up and I am sleeping better. I ride to work because it's environmentally friendly, and for the exercise.' Anna Ivanovski, an office manager, rides to work at SPH Architecture and Interior Design three days per week. Her bike trip from Como to West Leederville takes her 30 minutes.

'I ride because I live close to work, and for environmental reasons.' Colin Henley, a graduate of architecture at SPH Architecture and Interior Design, rides from West Leederville to SPH in 5 minutes.

'I ride to work for the exercise, because it's quicker, and for the environment.' Sonja Belle-wood, an occupational therapist, rides from West Leederville to Subiaco in 8 minutes.

SPH Architecture and Interior Design

'It’s quicker to ride than drive to work. I ride to work for the environment, my health and to save on transport costs.' Daniel Fu, a Finance Officer, rides to work two days per week. His bike trip from South Perth to Subiaco takes him 20 minutes, which is quicker than driving, which takes 30 minutes. He also uses his bike to get to meetings in Subiaco.

'I ride to uni because I live close by. I had forgotten how much fun it is!' Veronica Connaughton rides to UWA three days per week. Her bike trip from Nedlands to Crawley takes her 10 minutes.

'I ride to work because it takes the same amount of time as public transport, and for the exercise. I feel so good after cycling.' Ruth Balding rides to UWA two days per week, and is considering riding to work more often in the future. Her trip from Hamilton Hill to Crawley takes her 50 minutes by bike.

University of Western Australia

‘Cycling is fun, cheap, and it's good exercise!’ Helen Cromie rides to work three or four days per week. Her trip from Carlisle to Subiaco takes 35 minutes by bike. Nicole Prendergast rides to work in Subiaco three days per week.

Helen and Nicole use the Perth Bike Map to plan a safe trip to work.

‘I walk to public transport because of an environmental conscience, and parking costs and difficulty.’ Amanda Lin, an artist, walks to public transport two days per week. She gains 30 minutes of exercise per day from her commute.

‘I cycle to public transport because it’s faster, especially in peak hour. It’s healthy as it adds my exercise in for the day, and cheaper with no parking fees or fuel to pay.’ Yew Li Cheng, who works in sales and waste education, cycles to the train station instead of driving for two days per week. She gains 60 minutes of exercise from her commute on these days. For the other three days, she cycles to work in Perth.

Heart Foundation

‘I ride to work because it's good for the environment, and for health reasons.’ Rosalie Miles replaced driving with cycling for three trips per week. She cycles from Bayswater to Nedlands in an hour. Rosalie started riding to work for the environment, and to save time by combining exercise with commuting. Rosalie burns 4,216 kJ during her commute to work. This is the equivalent of 12.2 chocolate biscuits per trip, or 36.6 chocolate biscuits per week. She also saves $49 per week on petrol and parking, and saves 490L of petrol and 1,224kg of greenhouse gases per year. Rosalie also encouraged her friend Suzzie Nizich to start cycling to work. Suzzie cycles to work in Nedlands one day per week.

‘I ride to work for the exercise, the price of petrol, and for environmental reasons.’ Giles Glasson, an environmental scientist, cycles to work three days per week. Giles cycles from Palmyra to Subiaco in 45 minutes. Giles originally started riding to work to get fitter and healthier, to save time by combining exercise with commuting, and because it takes the same time as driving. Giles also encouraged his friend Gia to start cycling to work in Shenton Park.

‘I ride to work for the exercise and to be outside.’ Chrystal King, an environmental consultant at Emerge Associates, cycles to work four days per week. Chrystal cycles from Perth to Subiaco in 20 minutes, providing her with 40 minutes of exercise per day. Chrystal encouraged her colleague Anle Tieu to start cycling to work. To help Anle plan her trip to work, Chrystal told her about the Bring a Friend competition, and they used the Perth Bike Map to plan her bike route to work. Anle used to drive to work, but now cycles two days per week, providing her with 40 minutes of exercise per day. Anle avoids having to find car parking, which means cycling takes almost the same time as driving to work.

‘I ride to work because it takes about the same time to cycle to work, with the bonus of exercise thrown in.’ Helen Ly cycles to work at Greenland Minerals and Energy five days per week. She cycles from Ashfield to Subiaco in 50 minutes. Helen originally started riding to work to save time by combining exercise with commuting, to get fitter and healthier, and to save money.

Emerge Associates consultants

Greenland Minerals and Energy

‘I ride to work to relax and unwind after the day of work, rather than stress in traffic.’ Bridgette, a physiotherapist (second from right) cycles to work three days per week. It takes her 40 minutes to ride from Maylands to Nedlands. Bridgette cycled to work more often in the lead up to the Subiaco Bike to Work Breakfast. Bridgette encouraged her colleague Leigh Mcinally, to start cycling to work.

‘I cycled to work for the first time on the day of the Bike to Work Breakfast. I ride to work for the exercise’. Leigh Mcinally, a physiotherapist (third from right), used to drive to work five days per week, but started cycling to work in the weeks before the Subiaco Bike to Work Breakfast. Leigh cycles from Mt Lawley to work in Nedlands, and intends to ride to work more often in the future.

Hollywood Hospital physiotherapists

‘I ride to work because it's quicker, it's a great way to keep fit, and it's enjoyable.’

Gavin O'Neill, an Accountant at Tax Corporate and International, rides from Atwell to BDO in Subiaco three days per week.

‘I ride to work for fitness.’

Cal Shelton rides to work at BDO in Subiaco once a month, and intends to ride more often in the future.

‘I ride to work because of the close distance and the short duration of the journey.’ Aaron Elwood, an Indirect Tax Manager, rides from Shenton Park to work at BDO in Subiaco in 10 minutes.

BDO accountants

‘I ride to work because it's quick, cheap and fun. I live and work in Nedlands and it’s only a 10 minute bike ride.’ Anne Diaz, physiotherapist at Hollywood Hospital, rides to work two days per week.

‘The bike commute sharpens the mind. I cycle to work because I get some exercise in the time it takes to get to work. There is a financial advantage in not using the car for the relatively short journey, and it’s not all that much quicker by car!’

Mark Elliott, a Subiaco resident, cycles to work five days per week, and also walks to the gym, to errands and to the shops in Subiaco. During the Active Commuter Challenge, Mark made 30 active transport trips, burning 189 chocolate biscuits, and saving $65 per week on petrol and parking. It takes Mark 25 minutes to ride from Subiaco to Osborne Park. His 8km trip to work burns 2,033 kJ, or 6 chocolate biscuits per day.

‘I cycle because it’s far more fun, clears the head, is healthy, better for the environment and it saves a lot of money.’ Wilma van Boxtel, a University Lecturer, cycles to the Subiaco Markets and restaurants in Subiaco. During the Active Commuter Challenge, she made 30 trips by active transport. Her 11km bike trip from Swanbourne to TAFE in Perth takes her 30 minutes, and burns 3,160 kJ, or 9.2 chocolate biscuits per day. She also cycles to work at Curtin University in Bentley. During the December Challenge, Wilma burned a total of 38,056 kJ, or 110 chocolate biscuits.