Set to cycle for the fifth time
Cyclists on our roads are one of the many signs that spring has arrived in Norway. Sølvi Grindheim Stople has gotten a head start in Omega's Cycle to Work campaign and encourages all others road users – whether on bikes, in cars or trucks, like the one behind her – to be careful and respect each other. It is especially important to be cautious along the longer segments of the highway where everyone has to share the road.
There are many signs that spring has arrived in Norway; the many cyclists taking part in cycle-to-work campaigns around the country are just one of them.
For the ninth year in a row, Omega has been inspired by the Norway-wide "Cycle to Work campaign". Around 600 employees, across Norway and around the world in places like Australia, Lithuania, and other places Omega has offices, have participated in Omega’s own campaign over the past eight years. Now it’s time to sign up for this year’s campaign.
"To have a cycling trip approved, participants need to cycle or walk for at least 20 minutes, both to and from work. Participants receive Advantage points for their efforts; 10 000 points if they cycle between 10 and 20 days during the campaign, and 20 000 points for those who cycle even more,” says Service Center Coordinator, Aslaug Østrem Nesheim.
"Last year, 21 employees received 10 000 points and 62 received 20 000 points; that means that 62 people cycled at least over 20 days, probably much more,” suggests Nesheim.
On the starting line for the fifth time
In Omega, the Cycle to Work campaign starts on Monday, April 27, and as she has in previous years, Sølvi Grindheim Stople is standing ready on the starting line. This year, she has already gotten a head start.
"I love to cycle and would probably have cycled anyway, but not as much as I do as part of the campaign when there is an initiative from our workplace. The goal of cycling more than 20 times to receive the maximum Advantage points works," admits Stople.
Over 50 hours on the bike seat
She hopes that the weather will be as good as it was last year and that she can increase the number of hours spent on her bike seat between her home in Sandeid and her office in Ølensvåg.
"Last year it amounted to over 50 hours and it will be difficult to exceed that this year. As long as the weather holds out, I prefer to take the bike and cycle the nine kilometers each way instead of driving," says Stople.
With an average speed of twenty kilometers per hour, it takes a little longer to get to and from work compared to driving, but fresh air and exercise during those extra minutes are of great benefit.
Exposed to traffic
There is a pathway designated for cyclists and pedestrians for half of the distance between Sandeid and Ølen; this is not the case between Ølen and Ølensvåg, where she has to make her way on the busy E134 highway.
"On this stretch of road I’m usually a little more cautious," she admits.
"It is not too bad during the morning; the traffic is usually more spread out, but in the afternoon rush it is more congested. People are fed up and tired, and want to get home quickly in time for dinner."
"I sometimes have to do a thorough shoulder check, especially when there is traffic coming towards me, and there might be two cars and a cyclist on the narrow road. I wish the responsible authorities would start the planned project of developing a pathway for cyclists and pedestrians along this stretch," says Stople.
A HSE challenge to motorists
Karina Hovden Stava, Omega's HSEQ Manager agrees with Stople and encourages motorists to exhibit patience as many companies embark on their annual Cycle to Work campaigns, which will run from April to June.
"One of the most important things we as motorists can do to increase traffic safety is to not let the cyclists we share the road with get under our skin; wait until it is safe to drive past them," says Stava. When you do have a good opportunity to pass a cyclist, it is also important to indicate so motorists behind you can see what you intend to do.
Stava acknowledges that motorists may feel pressured to perform a less than safe passing when they are in a hurry with a long line of cars behind them, but emphasizes that often there is very little time lost if one holds off passing a cyclist until one reaches a safe stretch of road.
"Cyclists and motorists have equal rights to the roads and highways and it is therefore important that both parties respect each other and have a good understanding safe behaviors in traffic," concludes the HSEQ Manager in Omega.
Use a helmet
As cyclists start lining the roads, it is worth reminding everyone of the value of using helmets and reflective cycling clothes. Haugesunds Avis recently featured a man who could thank his bike helmet for saving his life in an accident. At the same time, the newspaper suggested that there are far too many cyclists that leave their helmets at home; Søvi Grindheim Stople is not one of these people.
"I use both a helmet and reflective cycling clothing, all of which I believe has been a smart investment," she says and challenges her fellow cyclists and motorists to show caution on the road, contributing to a successful Cycle to Work campaign.