11 ways to travel to work in Bristol

Sick of your usual commute? Bristol’s traffic jams can be nightmarish, so from unicycle to paddleboard, here are 11 alternative ways to travel to work:

1. Ferry

Michael is part of the crew for the Bristol Ferry Boat Co., who run a commuter service between Bristol Temple Meads and the city centre.

“Three years ago, I was working for a coffee chain in and feeling fairly miserable about my life. I needed to find a way to make myself feel better outside of work. I was walking through Castle Park one Sunday and saw one of the blue and yellow ferries going past, and I followed the river to find the stop at Temple Meads Landing. I decided to use their boat the next day, and it was a revelation: a city I knew all too well suddenly appeared new and exciting – even unrecognisable at times. Being near the water is always a pleasant experience, and having just those 20 minutes on the river gave me what I needed to get through the rest of the day.” – Michael Sergison

2. Unicycling

Gracie is a student at Circomedia, and believes one wheel is preferable to two.

“I absolutely love unicycling. It’s just such a great way of getting to class, as I feel so in control and free, especially without handlebars. I personally find it more exciting then just walking or getting the bus, plus it’s nice to get fresh air. Unicycling in Bristol can be tricky, though, as it can get quite hilly, especially the route I go, but it is possible. It’s 3.5 miles, which can get tiring, but it’s great practice for me, especially as not all the pavements and roads are smooth. It can get very bumpy, which helps me get better as when I ride on smooth ground I feel a lot more in control.” – Gracie Hill

3. Minibus

Slide is a minibus app that helps commuters arrange to be picked up along prearranged routes.

“Without Slide I would be using the bus or train to get into work, neither of which is a very attractive option, because they’re either slow – or, in the case of the train, drop me off about a mile from my office. With Slide it’s more or less door to door, so its streets ahead of public transport! Slide is also reasonably priced, the drivers are always very friendly and the mobile app is really straightforward to use. I like the fact that you pay by card so there’s no fiddling around with cash and that the app keeps you up-to- date with your departure and arrival times.” – Richard Evans

4. Running

Andy owns Beyond The Wall café and is an endurance runner.

“I live in St Andrews and work in my café on the Harbourside, so it’s a two-mile direct route, but  I extend it so it becomes around 11 miles, taking in The Downs, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Leigh Woods. That way I am clocking up 80-100 miles each week, including longer runs at the weekend. I run because I find sitting in a car in the traffic soul-destroying. Instead, I can be out in the open air moving my body and feeling great. In my fifties, I am feeling fitter and healthier than I have at any time in my life and I put that down to running everywhere. This form of commuting sets you up so well: getting the endorphins flowing before starting work is a great start to the day! – Andy Persson

5. Balloon

Don runs Cameron Balloons, and was integral to setting up the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, now in its 39th year.

“Being in a balloon is absolutely the best way to travel, but there’s only one snag – you’re always going to a random destination. You get a magnificent view – better than an aeroplane as you tend to be lower, and you can lean over the basket to see more. You’re going at the same speed as the air so you don’t feel any wind at all.” – Don Cameron

6. Stand up paddleboarding

Pete is a regular paddleboarder with SUP Bristol, who offer paddleboarding adventures for everyone.

“It was around the time I moved out of a shared flat that I got hooked on stand up paddleboarding, and it certainly influenced my decision to live by the Harbourside. Having a jetty twenty metres from my back door means I have probably one of the most tranquil commutes in the city. It takes about 20-25 minutes to get to my workplace, depending on which direction the wind is blowing. Paddling to work means you’re away from the noise and fumes of the traffic – the worst congestion you’re likely to face is having to yield to a harbour ferry coming the other way under Prince Street Bridge. The occasional splashes are inevitable, so a change of clothes is essential and a shower is recommended, but that’s no different to cycling. Whilst I have never fallen in on my commute, I would be dubious about carrying lunch with me, and certainly not my laptop.” – Pete Redhead

7. Bus

Jen is First Bristol‘s youngest female driver, at just 20 years old.

“I always wanted to be a bus driver – I couldn’t wait to pass my test. It’s always busy in the morning, and sometimes I look back at everyone on the bus and think, ‘Oh, I’m in charge of all these people,’ but I never have issues. People don’t usually pick a fight with the girl driver! Sometimes people get on the bus and ask whether I’m old enough – one day I’m going to say ‘No, but let’s give it a go anyway!’ I get a free bus pass so I make the most of it! The new buses have USB ports so you can charge your phone on the bus, and there are routes all over Bristol, so you can go practically everywhere. I always used to sit at the front on the top deck and pretend to drive, but now I don’t have to – I watch other people do it instead.” – Jen Stephens

8. Cycling

Holly is a tour leader for Cycle The City, a sightseeing tour on two wheels.

“It’s free exercise, which is excellent and justifies the sedentary points of the day when I can sit down and eat lots! Gyms are so boring, so it’s a nice way to be tricked into daily exercise and being healthy. It’s also sustainable, pollution free and environmentally friendly. And, when you’re zooming about through the city, you bump into loads of different characters and people while you’re out and about, and you can stop and have a chat. You can’t do that in a car.” – Holly McGowan Hayes

9. Motorbike

Robyn is a member of staff at Fowlers.

“Riding a motorbike through Bristol is hectic! I do about 17 miles from Bath to Bristol, and being able to share the bus lanes really helps – bikes can use them to filter through the traffic. Generally, I only ride in nice weather, as it gets very cold, but it’s nice to travel on the bike in the sunshine. I got my first motorbike aged 18, and I got as big a bike as I could, as early as possible. It’s a lot quicker than a car when the traffic is bad, plus it’s fuel efficient, less polluting, parking is so much easier than in a car, and you don’t have to pay for parking. It’s good fun.” – Robyn Veck

10. Electric bike

Alastair is the director of Atmosphere Electric Bikes.

“What I most like about riding my electric bike is the freedom to get around Bristol without the hassle of the constant traffic jams and lack of parking spaces. Ebikes are able to share cycle paths as well as the road, so it’s the best of both worlds. Riding the electric bike still allows you to have as much exercise as you want – turn the power up for Park Street but cruise round the Harbourside with no power. It’s easy to get a smug smile riding an ebike – no queues, no parking charges, exercise and the wind in your hair. Best way there is to tackle Bristol.” – Alastair McHardy

11. Walking

Becky is the director of public health in Bristol, and organises May’s Bristol Walk Fest as part of her remit.

“Walking is a great way to be active, and getting out just once a day for a stroll can make such a difference to your health and wellbeing.” – Becky Pollard.

Read more: Return of Bristol Walk Fest