At around this time last year I decided to carry out an inventory of all my cycling related purchases. I wanted to see when I was going to ‘break even’ in terms of reduced travelling outgoings. Back then I was cycling into Clapham Junction. Now I cycle into Waterloo which is in zone 1 and therefore more expensive than my previous ticket . My first analysis included all my initial one-off purchases so things should have tailed off in the ensuing months.
I worked out that the total cost was £792 and based on a saving of £40 per month the above costs will have been recouped in another 13 months in November 2008.
Things have changed work-wise. I only travel to the office 3 times a week so have given up buying a monthly travelcard. It works out cheaper to buy a ticket on the day when I am travelling. Luckily for this exercise the saving is the same at £40 per month. Taking into account a cycling break during the winter months and an amount left to recoup of £552 in May 2007.
Oct 2007 – £40
Nov 2007 – none
Dec 2007 – none
Jan 2008 – none
Feb 2008 – none
Mar 2008 – none
Apr 2008 – £40
May 2008 – £40
Jun 2008 – £40
Latest amount £552 – (£40 * 4) = £392
Now for the purchases I have made in the interim. Luckily I haven’t bought much:
Sombrio shorts in the Wiggle Winter Sale – £30
3/4 length shorts – £10
AGU rack bag from ebay – £28
Brake pads – £5
Bungy cord – £5
Total of £78
So now the total is £470 which will be paid off(if I don’t buy anything else) in June 2009, so yes the cost of cycling is still scary :-).