Among TalTech’s sustainability month role models are those whose daily commuting choices bring both time savings and a better sense of well-being. Lauri Anton, head of High Performance Computing Centre, prefers a bicycle over a car – not just for health or environmental reasons, but also for practical ones. His electric bike gets him to work in the same amount of time every day, regardless of traffic or bus schedules, and gives a small but significant dose of movement and fresh air daily.
How do you make your choices for everyday transportation?
I do most of my daily commuting by bike. Walking is too slow – you just keep going and going, but you already want to be there. The tram or train doesn't go everywhere, and I generally don't like taking the bus. I could use a car, but using it just to move one person feels excessive. I should mention right away that I have an electric bike, which makes getting around more enjoyable.
I live in Tondi, which is one of the best places in Tallinn to commute to TalTech by bike. The entire route to work goes along light traffic roads or dedicated bike paths. I get from home to campus in 20–25 minutes.
A bicycle brings most of Tallinn within time proximity. Starting from Tondi: TalTech is 20 min, Seaplane Harbour 25 min, Pirita 45 min, IKEA 40 min.
When I leave Tallinn, for example to Tartu or Viljandi, I prefer the train when going alone, but with family we usually go by car.
What have you gained by using a bike instead of a car?
With a bike, I can leave exactly when it suits me, without having to plan my day around a schedule. Also, arrival times are very predictable, since there are (fortunately) no bike traffic jams yet – I get there at my own pace without stops.
Cycling lets me really feel the weather. While it’s commonly believed that the weather in Estonia is always bad and rainy, in reality it rains at the exact time you need to move maybe only 5% of the time.
Thanks to daily cycling, I’ve learned how to dress properly for the weather and what gear I need to feel comfortable outside.
Many people justify their low physical activity (and car overuse) with lack of time and tiredness. How do you find the time and energy for movement?
Cycling adds a little bit of physical activity to every day – something you’d otherwise need to make time for separately. Riding a bike reduces stress and gives me a chance to avoid using a smart device for at least half an hour twice a day.
Give one good tip to those who could but can’t seem to give up their car.
Buy an electric bike! It makes cycling fun and easy, and you can get there without breaking a sweat.