The 5 Fastest Ways to Get Around Town

You've got 20 minutes to get across town. Your wife's gone into labour, you have a crucial meeting, you have front row tickets for the opera, the last iPhone is available, David Jason has been spotted, or there is a free ticket to the World Cup going spare. You have 20 minutes, what is the fastest way to get there?



Car



Taking the car may seem like the easiest option, and if you watch Top Gear you will be of the mindset that the car will be the best option. This may be the most comfortable and the most convenient method but with unpredictable traffic lights, miles of random road works and a pedestrian zone in the middle of town, the car may not be the quickest.



Public Transport



Bus lanes are a death sentence for speedy commuters across the country. But when you're in a bus they are like Moses has parted the waves and given you a free pass to the other side of town. Even in a congested traffic mess, buses are often the best bet as they quite often have the right of way. Their downfall comes from the passengers. Just when you think you will be sailing down the empty bus lane picking up speed, the bus has to stop every 100 yards to pick up and drop of passengers, and at rush hour there tends to be a lot of them.



Bike



Cycling is a great option, if you have a bike. Skipping in between cars and buses, jumping the lights by getting off and pretending you're a pedestrian for a minute can save you crucial seconds. If you don't mind getting hot and sweaty, and taking your chances when sharing the road with some giant lorries, cycling is one of the fastest options. But if there is any more than the most gentle of hills you will no doubt be in no fit state to appreciate anything when you skid into your destination.



Taxi



Taking a taxi is not only the best option; it is also the most glamorous: All the flexibility and convenience of a car, all the bus lane use of a bus, none of the dangers of cycling and all the route knowledge of a military satellite. Whether you find yourself in New York Cabs or Belfast taxis it's always the easy way around town. Of course the downside is that taxis tend to be more expensive but Belfast taxi fares might just surprise you in a good way.



Foot



Walking is slow. Unless you are 19 feet tall and have thigh muscles like tree trunks you will never be faster walking than taking any other type of transport. The only way walking can be a good option, is if your town is heavily pedestrianised.