Ride Your Bike to Work

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I would have liked to have seen one comment indicating that this article reached someone who was not a bicycle commuter, and thinks the notion of riding to work on a bicycle is crazy. So let me attempt to be that person. I ride quite a lot (> 4000 miles per year), but I almost always end up at the same place I started out from when I ride. A commute to work for me would only be 2 miles, but I almost never ride to work anymore because I don't give myself enough time in the mornings with all of the other riding I do. There were quite a few years when I did ride to work, but now I don't seem to think it is worth the trouble. The article made me think I am crazy. Good job!!

Roger of IL 11:10AM December 29, 2008

I've been bicycle commuting to work for years, the hardest part is the logistics, on Mondays I drive, stock up the locker with clothes and go out at lunch to buy food to keep in the fridge for breakfast Tuesday through Friday and take home last week's soiled clothes. Commuting by car is the most stressful thing most people do, they bought their freedom machines and most of the time their freedom is restricted by traffic calming devices, slow drivers, traffic jams etc etc etc. On a bike it's a lot more manageable by going down side streets and through subdivisions. Getting the regular exercise really super charges me physically and mentally. Most people get very little exercise, the body was meant to be used and studies have found that exercise is more effective than anti-depressants at elevating people's moods and emotional well being.

Roger of NC 10:23AM December 29, 2008

Finally a decent article about the reality of bike commuting. I've been bike commuting for 12+ years in the DC Metro area. The health benefits are astounding and it's really not that hard once you develop a routine. In most cases, it is easier to bike in this area than it is to drive. I save about $150/month in parking and gas by riding my bike to the Metro station instead of driving there. I use my bike to run errands or whenever I make a short trip that doesn't require carrying anything heavy. I do have a car, but it generally only gets used for longer trips or big grocery store trips.
Unfortunately, obesity is killing our health care system more than anything else. Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and the complications from these conditions are costing us billions of dollars. I look around and see nothing but obese, out-of-shape people who are literally causing the demise of affordable health care. It is time that Americans start taking some responsibility for their health instead of waiting to have that triple bypass. Simply riding a bike as part of your commute each day can do wonders for your health. Losing weight and being healthy is not rocket science - it's just common sense. Check out this Web site if you need any more proof - http://fatguy.org/.
Finally, if you're getting started and need some help, reach out to www.bikeforums.net. It's a great place to learn about bike commuting and get advice from experienced commuters. Yes, cycling benefits the environment and lessens traffic congestion and our dependence on foreign oil. These are important. However, our collective health as a nation is probably the most important battle we have in front of us.

AR of DC 10:16AM December 29, 2008

Biycle commuting is really just about adopting good habits over bad habits. Biking to work will require you to be more organized, to plan ahead, to be prepared (remember the scouts?) and to put your coat on (remember your mother's words?) Once you get in the habit of leaving a little early you'll find biking to work is a lot easier. Have a look at our blog in Fort Collins, CO (free bikes at our bike library!): www.PlatinumBikePlan.blogspot.com.

Rick Price of CO 10:14AM December 29, 2008

GOD designed our bodies with over 600 muscles. The largest in the legs, hips, glutes. It is foolish to ignore His design and relagate his design purpose (using the muscles) to sit all day at the office, car and the couch at home. The health effects linked to this inaction are evident everywhere, are very costly and very unpleasant. Seventy perscent of all healthcare costs are lifestyle related.
Cycling builds muscle, builds the heart, burns fat, fights heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor circulation, depression, and boredom.
Cycling to work to work it s blessing from GOD.

Tim Guthrie of OH 10:01PM December 28, 2008

Actually, a mile is not htat far. Most people are afraid to bike a mile because the think it is a distance of more like 2 or 3 miles. When I tell people that this or that is about 1 mile, they are suprised. I do agree that bikes can be an easy alternative to driving. Most people I know that use bikes as their primary form of transportation in my city are the elderly, disabled and college students. They seem to have more of an excuse to drive. Yet, they seem happy with their choice of transportation and have an improved quality of life.
The people that are the most adverse to biking, walking or even public transit are those that had to rely on other forms of transportation. They have a mindset that it is not practical. If they did try it, they would soon learn that it is much easier than driving.
I have ridden my bike for the better part of the last ten years. I love it and could not imagine being stuck behind a wheel. For the short time I did drive, I felt like it was a burden. In fact, I am more nervous driving than biking in traffic. Also, it is way too expensive. It costs anywhere from $300 to over $1000 a month to operate a car. That is money I would rather use elsewhere.

D Bailey of CA 2:55PM December 28, 2008

Just one thing:
It can, actually, be quite easy to hop on a bike.
In the US, we've become used to seeing cycling as a sport, and our bikes and equipment reflect that. Special shoes, fluorescent clothing, water bottles, the whole nine yards. The stereotypical bike commuter of the past few decades had bike specific everything, from shoes to shorts and helmet to gloves and luggage. Bike commuting was something you did because you loved it and were willing to plan and sacrifice in order to do it.
However, more and more people these days are remembering that biking can be much more convenient. Bike shops are now stocking so-called "dutch bikes--" heavy, slow bikes so-called for their popularity in the netherlands. They're comfortable, durable, nearly zero-maintenance. They have generator lights that require no batteries, chaincases that keep pants clean, fenders for rainy days and racks front and rear to carry stuff. It was a revelation the first time I rode one, after years of specialized this and that, and weekly tune-ups in my apartment.
Cycling really can be as easy as driving.

Bob of NY 1:23PM December 28, 2008

I live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh 18 miles from the office; a bit too far to be practical and the initial roads are dangerous. I drive to the nearest city park or to a bus park-and-ride lot then pull my bike out of the car hatch and ride the remaining 8 or so miles. I get a good bit of exercise and don't sit in the traffic congestion.

Gerry Durishan of PA 10:04AM December 28, 2008

People should get informed about the practicality of using an electric-assisted bike, enabling most people to commute up to 10 miles in thirty minutes, without sweating or needing a shower and a change of clothes, but still requiring effort. Sadly most people have become too lazy to give up their luxury sofas on wheels!

Steve 7:35AM December 28, 2008

The 1 mile solution may be a bit too much for some people. How about replacing one 1/2 mile car trip per month by bicycle? Alternatively, get off your fat backsides and ride you lazy slobs!

Jou of MI 10:33AM December 23, 2008