Cyclists and walkers have shortest commutes, study finds

Cycle commuters and walkers have the shortest commuting times, a new study has found.

According to analysis published by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on average cyclists spend 44 minutes a day travelling to work and walkers spend 29 minutes. 

However the analysis also revealed an increase in journey times for all commuters compared to a decade ago, with cyclists spending on average six more minutes travelling to work.

Work Wise UK chief executive Phil Flaxton said: “Long commutes have become a part of the UK’s working culture.

“But the excessive time spent commuting is one of the main factors contributing to work-life balance problems.

“Not only is the time spent commuting an issue, the nine-to-five culture with its peak travel times generates congestion.

“And the rush-hours on railways, underground and road networks increase stress for commuters.”

Rail commuters face the longest journeys, taking an average of two hours and 11 minutes every day, an increase of four minutes on the last decade.

Drivers spend 52 minutes on the road to work and back, up by three minutes, while bus commuters take 79 minutes a day, up by seven minutes.

The TUC has said the growing commutes are due to low government spending on transport infrastructure, employers not offering flexible and home working, and real wages falling while house prices have risen.