Video – Commuter race with a twist as Londoner times his running vs cycling journey to work

Like it - a good idea and very neatly executed.

Couple of quick observations...

I ride 5km in about 13 minutes (including stopping for lights etc) and it's not too much work.  I run 5km in about 22 minutes (without stopping) and it's really hard work.

 - On a bike I wouldn't be breaking a sweat.  I commute on my bike in my work clothes.  Running not only takes a bit longer but I would *definitely* need a shower afterwards.  Not such a big deal timewise perhaps because I'd shower at one end of the journey or the other.  Just means you need showers at work and a bit more planning.

 - As others have pointed out, the main delay for the cyclist is traffic lights, which are only necessary because of the motorised traffic.  It's often pointed out that the average speed of cycling in the Netherlands is surprisingly high across town, despite the heavy bikes and leisurely cycling style.  Cycling is prioritised, with a lot less giving way.  Red lights as yields is one option, but often in the Netherlands the cycle infra is completely separate (for instance where we would wait at lights while cars come out of a turning on the right).  The Dutch would sail past on their own carriageway with no thought that they were "jumping a red".

This is a great video. Thanks to Max for highlighting that towpaths are narrow spaces and very busy during commuter hours. It’s good to see him using an alternative route adjacent to the canal when he wanted to pick up a bit of speed – it’s something we’re trying to promote a lot at the moment, so thanks for highlighting how it can be done. I appreciate that this isn’t the sole purpose of the video, but it’s just nice to see!

Just in case anyone is interested in finding out more about plans for improving routes for cyclists on London’s canals, there is more info here.

Dick Vincent / National Towpath Ranger / Canal & River Trust

Very good video.    What stands out to me from it is that red lights should be treated as yields by cyclists.  It works well in Paris.

Nice video.  I particularly like the observation that commutingcyclists never talk to each other... so true.  I think it's because it's London and also that you wouldn't dream of making conversation on the Tube or bus.

As mentioned though - it's only close because of the distance and the route.  On my 15 mile commute running would be far, far slower but it's 50-50 between the bike and the Tube.  If Mo Farah ran it, he'd have to be at pretty much race speed to get even close.  The stop-start and getting caught at lights is what makes the bike lose but it's interesting that it's even close.   It's like a Top Gear race in that sense.

Give this guy a job, I'd happily see him doing some video tests of commuting equipment

Very well put together.  At that last traffic light before arriving to work, he could have just dismounted from the bike and just walked it around the corner and resumed cycling.

He's good, this guy.  Not only fit but a natural commentator.  has he auditioned for Clarkson's old job.