Living Car Free - Top reasons not to bike-commute

The top reasons my co-workers gave for not commuting by bikein approximate order:


Not enough time.
The weather--it's always too hot or too cold.
Crime--I feel vulnerable when I'm not in a car, especially in the area around our work place.
The traffic is too dangerous.
I never thought about it.
I'm in bad shape--I wouldn't make if 3 blocks.
I live too far away.
It seems like too much trouble--buying a bike, repairing it, changing clothes, etc.


Actually, some of them do sound like pretty good reasons.

top reasons TO bike-commute.

it's not a car!

if your co-workers honestly think that way they wouldn't be able to pull it off. i can't tell you how many (generally physically fit) people have gone on rants to me about how they wouldn't be able to commute by bike, and when they try it they can't. car-free is like most other things in life: you have to approach it with a positive attitude.

i'm sure if those of us who commute by bike (and those who commute much more hardcore by bike) would fail if we looked at everything like that: "ah, i gotta get up thirty minutes early and put on an extra jacket. then i have to stay on the right side of the road the whole time and pedal uphill twice! then i have to lock it up, and what if i get a flat?"

but seriously, we are focking crazy for doing this schit..

9. " I constantly have to haul around 50-pound bags of dog food."

I'm embarassed

Anyone respond to the pollster/questioneer with: Don't feel like it/don't want to, and don't need to justify my reasons to you?

I would think that would be an honest answer for a lot of people.

The top reasons my co-workers gave for not commuting by bikein approximate order:


Not enough time.
The weather--it's always too hot or too cold.
Crime--I feel vulnerable when I'm not in a car, especially in the area around our work place.
The traffic is too dangerous.
I never thought about it.
I'm in bad shape--I wouldn't make if 3 blocks.
I live too far away.
It seems like too much trouble--buying a bike, repairing it, changing clothes, etc.


Actually, some of them do sound like pretty good reasons.


erm...most studies show bike commuting takes LESS time than car-commuting. have the coworker add their weekly exercise time to their weekly commute and divide by the number of days they go to work. if they can bike-commute in that time or less..this point is null.
I haven't seen a full season to know how good/bad a cold-weather morning commute goes, but in the afternoon it shouldn't be bad. likewise, summer mornings are NICE to bike in and summer afternoons, though plenty hot, aren't usually periods where speed and heavy exertion are necessary.
well...that IS a pretty valid reason, but ask yourself if your opinion of the crime is paranoia or actually justifiable. it takes someone with serious balls to attack people while riding, and someone with reasonable brains to pull it off.
This is really a case by case thing that one would never know until they try. (on bike, not car) I'm still trying to convince a friend of mine that his sidewalk-cycling is more dangerous than just having some balls and practicing some basic VC.
Never thought about it? Too bad for you :P
I'm 6' 250lb and about 50 of that is fat. I did 2 weeks of 2-4 miles every night and the proceeding 10 mile round trip was fun! You might be too out of shape to jump right in, but all of a week or two's worth of training and you'll have it.
I guess "Too Far" is subjective. I told someone I do 5 miles each way and they thought that was "too far" personally, I couldn't imagine anything within my county as being too far (25ish each way) if one worked their way up to it.
Too much trouble? look at the trouble of dealing with a bike and compare to the trouble of buying car insurance, getting car repairs done, shopping for cheap gas, finding parking spaces etc etc.


I don't think very many people can mount enough of an argument to keep themselves from at least TRYING it. sure...some of my rebuttals might wind up false after a few trial rides, but there's almost no reason not to try it out.

The top reasons my co-workers gave for not commuting by bikein approximate order:


Not enough time.
The weather--it's always too hot or too cold.
Crime--I feel vulnerable when I'm not in a car, especially in the area around our work place.
The traffic is too dangerous.
I never thought about it.
I'm in bad shape--I wouldn't make if 3 blocks.
I live too far away.
It seems like too much trouble--buying a bike, repairing it, changing clothes, etc.


Actually, some of them do sound like pretty good reasons.

I'm appalled by how soft many Americans have become. I can well understand (but not agree) why some people in other parts of the world have come to view us all with contempt; we're clearly not the same people who won WWII or conquered the frontier. (World-wide syndication of reality TV hasn't helped, btw; my relatives in the EU have told me they think that's what all Americans are like.) All of the above excuses, excluding the ones about distance and crime, are just, well, lame. And the crime and distance arguments, while a bit better, are still easily managed: move closer to your work (less than 10 miles should work), and refuse to let thugs control your behavior. (Not easy, but much easier than being a wimp...)

I don't know how practical it is to just "move closer to work"; not letting a thug control your behavior will likely get you killed; and how is it at all suitable/germane to this topic to mention how lazy Americans are? In fact, he never even said that they were American, the only reason you're assuming that is probably because the majority of the members of this site are Americans - most of which probably have no problem commuting to work.

I don't know how practical it is to just "move closer to work"; not letting a thug control your behavior will likely get you killed; and how is it at all suitable/germane to this topic to mention how lazy Americans are? In fact, he never even said that they were American, the only reason you're assuming that is probably because the majority of the members of this site are Americans - most of which probably have no problem commuting to work.

'American' because we know where he lives, which you obviously don't.

And I generally prefer riding in what most people consider 'bad' neighborhoods to what's generally considered 'good' neighborhoods.

Why?

Because there are fewer idiots in SUV's who think they own the roads and I shouldn't be allowed on them. The only times I'm in danger when riding is when some idiot tries to run me off the road (and no, they aren't ALWAYS in SUV's...), or swerves over towards me 'to teach me a lesson'. That doesn't happen to me anymore during my commute, only when I'm out riding at other times. The people I see every day on my commute are used to me being there, and know I'm not going away. The other people generally follow the example set by the drivers around them.

Anyone respond to the pollster/questioneer with: Don't feel like it/don't want to, and don't need to justify my reasons to you?

I would think that would be an honest answer for a lot of people.

This may just be due to where I live, but I get a lot of "Don't need to justify my reasons to anyone (including myself)."

I have not bothered to convert anyone.
Just not big on the whole "I do this. It's better for you. Do it because I say so." This also applies to my attitude related to religion, politics, and a few other items.

I have not bothered to convert anyone.
Just not big on the whole "I do this. It's better for you. Do it because I say so." This also applies to my attitude related to religion, politics, and a few other items.

I agree. My discussions with others are based on curiousity rather than conversion. In my experience, attempted conversion leads to defensiveness and/or aggressiveness.

Anyone respond to the pollster/questioneer with: Don't feel like it/don't want to, and don't need to justify my reasons to you?

I would think that would be an honest answer for a lot of people.
Nope, you're the only one. Actually, I never conducted a poll, but the topic has come up often in conversation because I'm pretty enthusiastic about cycling.

You would probably be surprised to learn that people actually enjoy talking about their opinions and experiences--if they don't worry that their "questioneer" is going to attack every word they say. A positive and constructive attitude will get you far in life, grasshopper.

I'm embarassed
That's interestng. None of my co-workers have given that reason, but I remember feeling that everybody was looking at me when I first started riding. You are out in the open, and you don't have the screen of the car. I guess I'm just used to that lack of anonymity now. Also, I'd rather have cagers staring at me than not seeing me!

Another thing is that new cyclists might think that they look awkward as they ride. But grace and aplomb do come after you have a little experience.

I'm in bad shape--I wouldn't make if 3 blocks.

Usually followed by, "But you're in great shape, must be easy for you.":rolleyes:

'American' because we know where he lives, which you obviously don't.

How does your knowledge of where he lives apply to bragi?

In any case, even if he did know he was American it seemed like he used the opportunity to get out another argument about how Americans are lazy, once again from an American.

How does your knowledge of where he lives apply to bragi?

'American' because we know where he lives, which you obviously don't.
Notice my emphasis on 'we.'



In any case, even if he did know he was American it seemed like he used the opportunity to get out another argument about how Americans are lazy, once again from an American.
Regardless of his intentions, how does being an American make his statements any less true?

He shouldn't have used 'we' in the first place, because I doubt he knows if bragi knows where roody lives. i was referring to bragi, not him or anyone else.

I never said being an American made his statements any less true. But the fact that he's an American, and criticizing other Americans based on the same tired stereotypes is obviously just going to reinforce them.

I never said being an American made his statements any less true. But the fact that he's an American, and criticizing other Americans based on the same tired stereotypes is obviously just going to reinforce them.
If I said professional cyclists are in great shape and made some statements based on that, would you accuse me of using the 'same tired stereotypes?' Probably not, because it's true. I understand that a lot of folks require criticism (even constructive criticism) to be sugar coated to protect their ego, but that is of no fault of anyone in this thread. edit: In addition, it seems that doing so (sugar coating) would promote ego-centric behavior more than being honest, even if it is a bit contemptuous.

I'm assuming bragi (and he's not alone) is simply disgusted with the amount of laziness and the avoiding of responsiblity that we see all around us, as Americans. Making excuse after excuse for whatever (often irrational, as bragi pointed out) reasons people may have for doing or not doing something.

I think it would be much more beneficial and applicable to address the 'tired stereotype' that bikes are merely a recreational toy.

Usually when I tell people that I use my bicycle to get around as much as possible and hope to completely get rid of my car, I either get laughter or concern for my sanity.

How does your knowledge of where he lives apply to bragi?

In any case, even if he did know he was American it seemed like he used the opportunity to get out another argument about how Americans are lazy, once again from an American.

Bragi and Roody are regulars here... they've read MANY more posts than I have. Anyone that's a regular would know that.

Where do you get off jumping in here and telling me what the regulars MIGHT not know?

And if there weren't so many fat, lazy Americans, this wouldn't be such a big deal, would it? Sounds like maybe he hit a nerve.

The fact of the matter is that there are a LOT more overweight and obese Americans than most other countries in the world have. (Percentage wise, not just raw numbers)

It goes back to the culture we've created here in this country... Fast food, drive everywhere, spend all night in front of the TV.

So... why would someone who registered yesterday jump into the carfree forum and start criticizing someone for an observation about our society? (A pretty damn accurate one at that.)

The truth of the matter is that there are a good many Americans that could stand to lose a few pounds...

I can't say that all of them are lazy, but a good many of them don't get enough physical activity.


I really look forward to getting to know the people around here and picking everyone's brains.

Does 'getting to know' mean you jump in the first thread you see and start telling people what other people do or don't know? Hang around, read a bit, share your thoughts, but jumping in with a totally out of place argument doesn't really endear you to anybody.

Oh, and YOU'RE the one that brought the word 'lazy' into the discussion.... 'soft' is not the same as 'lazy'

tothinkistobe: I don't know who you're referring to with the ego thing, but my presence on this forum should make it evident that I would have no problem with riding to work. If you're referring to the lazy Americans, well, they aren't going to be reading it anyway, so I don't know how constructive any of this criticism is. And if you're referring to my protective view of Americans, you're probably right. I would prefer it sugarcoated, or at the very least would like others to refrain from discussing it in every possible venue, case in point here. It gets annoying after a while hearing how lazy we are, especially when it keeps coming from Americans, don't you agree?

bmclaughlin: you're missing my point. I know the aforementioned about Americans is true, I've heard it a million times. that's not the issue, the issue is that i'm tired of hearing about it. also, why point out the fact that i just registered and use that as an excuse to discredit my argument? i'm not going to be meek and not say what i normally would for the simple fact that i just joined. i don't take the idea of seniority on an online forum too seriously.

maybe if he hadn't jumped in with (what i felt was) an out of place argument about americans i wouldn't have responded in kind?

also, soft/lazy, it doesn't really matter and i think you know that. don't mix semantics for the sake of it.

I don't know who you're referring to with the ego thing, but my presence on this forum should make it evident that I would have no problem with riding to work. If you're referring to the lazy Americans, well, they aren't going to be reading it anyway, so I don't know how constructive any of this criticism is.
To clarify, my statements about egos and (constructive) criticism weren't directed at anyone in particular. I was referring to the overall problem in America with laziness, the obesity 'epidemic,' and the innability to accept responsibility. The whole point of a forum is to discuss things. I see no reason to avoid the topic at hand as it applies directly to this forum.


And if you're referring to my protective view of Americans, you're probably right. I would prefer it sugarcoated, or at the very least would like others to refrain from discussing it in every possible venue, case in point here.
I'm not really sure what you mean here (or, more specifically, why you have a 'protective view of Americans'). Does this have anything to do with patriotism?


It gets annoying after a while hearing how lazy we are, especially when it keeps coming from Americans, don't you agree?
What do you recommend?

I would agree if Americans weren't lazy and people were just trolling, but that isn't the case. Since Americans have the closest relationship with other Americans, it seems reasonable that they are the best ones to criticize themselves.

The topic is reasons people give for not commuting by bicycle. You can't ignore the fact that one of the major reasons is laziness accompanied by irrational excuses.

most are lazy, but those are the ones that give every other american a bad name. i don't like the fact that we have to suffer under stereotypes due to the majority. which is why i'm sick of hearing about it; it affects others (unwarranted) perception of me.

i suppose we shouldn't avoid it, but you know why i wanted to in the first place. i just don't see how it can be constructive considering how reluctant to change americans are.

The top reasons my co-workers gave for not commuting by bikein approximate order:


Not enough time.
The weather--it's always too hot or too cold.
Crime--I feel vulnerable when I'm not in a car, especially in the area around our work place.
The traffic is too dangerous.
I never thought about it.
I'm in bad shape--I wouldn't make if 3 blocks.
I live too far away.
It seems like too much trouble--buying a bike, repairing it, changing clothes, etc.


Actually, some of them do sound like pretty good reasons.

On the weather point, I can say that in both summer and winter, there have been particular *days* where I wouldn't want to commute on a bike. During winter, extertion in the cold air can give me pretty bad asthma attacks, and it's just not good to be choking on your lungs for the first ten or fifteen minutes of a class.

The traffic is one of the major reasons why my classmates think I'm crazy for biking to class. Actually, the traffic is a major reason why sometimes *I* think I'm crazy, too. :D Most of the time, things aren't so bad, but I've hit some scary patches biking from the train station to my college on weekend nights -- at that hour, near the college, there's at least one or two cars that absolutely book it on the roads. Traffic is a valid concern, especially potentially drunken traffic. I suppose the only solution to that is "keep your head up and your eyes and ears open".

I have not bothered to convert anyone.
Just not big on the whole "I do this. It's better for you. Do it because I say so." This also applies to my attitude related to religion, politics, and a few other items.

I think you will best convert others by example. I was converted to bike commuting by a co-worker who was just doing it. I thought it was a really cool, do-able thing. Eventually, I asked him a few questions and then decided I would like to try it myself.

Sometimes, co-workers will kind of expect you to "sell" them on the idea. Me, I just smile like it's a big secret and walk away.

I suppose the only solution to that is "keep your head up and your eyes and ears open".
I also find that if you ride like you're supposed to be in the road, drivers give you much more respect (and space). If you ride with the mentality that roads are for cars, drivers will notice and are more likely to be agressive (honking, yelling, swerving, etc).

When I first started riding a lot (about a year ago) I was fairly nervous about riding on the road. In a short 5 mile ride, I would get at least 5-10 people honking or yelling obscenities at me. As I educated myself on how to safely ride in the road and gained general riding experience, drivers treated me more and more like I belong there. I can only think of one time in the past 6 months or so that I have encountered any kind of aggressive behavior. Oddly enough it was on a road in a park that has signs that say "share the road" with a picture of a bicycle and a runner. Someone going in the opposite direction slowed down almost to a stop and yelled "share the road [insert obscenity here]!" I guess the signs confused him. :p

The topic is reasons people give for not commuting by bicycle. You can't ignore the fact that one of the major reasons is laziness accompanied by irrational excuses.
Don't you mean that these major reasons have arbitraily been assigned by YOU to people who don't share your opinion about the value/priority of bicycling commuting? You don't have the slightest idea if anyone else's reason is rational or not. Agreeing with you is not the definition of rational. Nor is laziness defined as choosing to use their time for something different than you.

You only are showing yourself off as smug and arrogant, casting aspersions on others who don't share your passion for bike commuting. Riding a bike doesn't make you a dang mind reader, nor make your values better than anyone else's. Get over yourself.

....

Nope, you're the only one. Actually, I never conducted a poll, but the topic has come up often in conversation because I'm pretty enthusiastic about cycling.

You would probably be surprised to learn that people actually enjoy talking about their opinions and experiences--if they don't worry that their "questioneer" is going to attack every word they say. A positive and constructive attitude will get you far in life, grasshopper.
Well then, if you don't conduct polls how did you learn about those smug people "who just bought a new Escalade, Jaguar or whatever. Even if they just signed over 20 % of their paycheck to a finance company for the next six years and they live in a shack with 3 roommates, they are crowing and gloating about their new penile substitute"? Did they just volunteer this personal information to you? Or as I suspect, even some of the regular posters here aren't above passing off their own prejudices, straw men, factoids, blatant stereotypes, and lines of pure BS as some sort of representation of fact or truth.

On the weather point, I can say that in both summer and winter, there have been particular *days* where I wouldn't want to commute on a bike. During winter, extertion in the cold air can give me pretty bad asthma attacks, and it's just not good to be choking on your lungs for the first ten or fifteen minutes of a class.

Asthma is definitely a valid concern... I have it... I carry my inhaler with me at all times, especially when on my bike. Since I've been back on the bike, though, I've only had to use it once.

The extra exercise has helped my asthma. :)

Other's may not be so lucky. But yes, exteme weather can be a valid reason not to bike commute, but normal, everyday "It's hot/cold out" really isn't...

Everybody has their own personal limits, so far I haven't found my weather limits... I've ridden at -12 F, and 110 F. I'd most definitely limit my riding if it was 110 degrees regularly, but I don't have to worry about that here... I think our highest temp since I've been here in Denver has been 102 F (maybe a couple degrees more...)

As far as the weather goes, I wouldn't ride in a hurricane, or if it was hailing. :p

Oh, hey! Look, ILTB has found our thread and shown up to provide us all with his wisdom.

*listens raptly to the great one*

Don't you mean that these major reasons have arbitraily been assigned by YOU to people who don't share your opinion about the value/priority of bicycling commuting?
No, I don't.


You don't have the slightest idea if anyone else's reason is rational or not.
While the difference between reason and excuse may be subtle and often interchanbeable, the difference is important here.


Agreeing with you is not the definition of rational.
I agree


Nor is laziness defined as choosing to use their time for something different than you.
I agree, again.

At the risk of disrupting our harmonious agreement... Did you even read Roody's post?

Q.
Well then, if you don't conduct polls how did you learn about those smug people

A.
the topic has come up often in conversation because I'm pretty enthusiastic about cycling.

Q.
Did they just volunteer this personal information to you?

A.
You would probably be surprised to learn that people actually enjoy talking about their opinions and experiences--if they don't worry that their "questioneer" is going to attack every word they say. A positive and constructive attitude will get you far in life, grasshopper.


Or as I suspect, even some of the regular posters here aren't above passing off their own prejudices, straw men, factoids, blatant stereotypes, and lines of pure BS as some sort of representation of fact or truth.
Or maybe it is you confusiong peoples' opinions based on personal experience with 'facts' based on scientific research?

Oh, hey! Look, ILTB has found our thread and shown up to provide us all with his wisdom.

*listens raptly to the great one*
I'm listening to you now, Mr smart guy. What else can you do besides tossing out ad hominem arguments without saying anything? Explain how YOU sort out valid reasons from the invalid reasons for not bicycle commuting. And who appointed you the high priest of determining what is a valid reason for doing/not doing anything? Or are you just another smug know-it-all, pasing judgement on those who don't fit your definition of the valid profile?

Do guys like you ever listen to your smarmy selves? I can't imagine anyone else takes such high and mighty crap seriously.

Or maybe it is you confusiong peoples' opinions based on personal experience with 'facts' based on scientific research?
Talk about confused. Splicing Roody answers to one set of questions to another question? Can you really be that confused? Maybe you better let Roody explain himself; if he can.

I have not bothered to convert anyone.
Just not big on the whole "I do this. It's better for you. Do it because I say so." This also applies to my attitude related to religion, politics, and a few other items.

+1...I totally agree about the converting. I'm not a "look at me, be like me!" kind of person, and if I was on the recieving end, I would feel like a Jehovis Witness just came to my door. (did I spell Jehovis right? probabally not, not the point.)

Maybe you better let Roody explain himself; if he can.

Will do. :)

I'm listening to you now, Mr smart guy. What else can you do besides tossing out ad hominem arguments without saying anything? Explain how YOU sort out valid reasons from the invalid reasons for not bicycle commuting. And who appointed you the high priest of determining what is a valid reason for doing/not doing anything? Or are you just another smug know-it-all, pasing judgement on those who don't fit your definition of the valid profile?

Do guys like you ever listen to your smarmy selves? I can't imagine anyone else takes such high and mighty crap seriously.

NOBODY appointed me the 'high priest'.... nor, if you go back and look, did I EVER say whether I thought one or another reason as valid or invalid.

Nor did I pass judgement on ANYBODY.

But, wait... you didn't bother to read the thread, did you? Just came in to find something to stir up trouble with, as usual?

Now... go be a jackass somewhere else.

I also find that if you ride like you're supposed to be in the road, drivers give you much more respect (and space). If you ride with the mentality that roads are for cars, drivers will notice and are more likely to be agressive (honking, yelling, swerving, etc).

The issue I was thinking of wasn't drivers being aggressive at someone on a bike, but drivers just not being aware -- I hestitate to pinpoint "younger" (under 25) drivers as particularly lacking that kind of road-awareness, but that seems to be the case. Compounding the matter when riding back to my dorm at night (on weekends or otherwise) is intoxicated drivers. Which other drivers have to worry about as well, but on a bike, it's easier to be somewhat more paranoid about. (my personal attitude is that you can be injured or killed by other vehicles whether you're in a car or on a bike, so you might as well accept the risk of it and proceed with a clear, confident head.)

Other's may not be so lucky. But yes, exteme weather can be a valid reason not to bike commute, but normal, everyday "It's hot/cold out" really isn't...

No, it isn't, that I do agree with.


Everybody has their own personal limits, so far I haven't found my weather limits... I've ridden at -12 F, and 110 F. I'd most definitely limit my riding if it was 110 degrees regularly, but I don't have to worry about that here... I think our highest temp since I've been here in Denver has been 102 F (maybe a couple degrees more...)

As far as the weather goes, I wouldn't ride in a hurricane, or if it was hailing. :p

Yeah, we've had several recent spates in New England of high heat and high humidity, which is something like riding while wrapped in a hot, soaked blanket.

Precipitation-wise, I've gone out during snow (thick, wet snow). Admittedly not the wisest decision in the world, and not something I'd prefer to repeat, but the apartment had run out of cough syrup and we were in the midst of a group cold.

I think if the weatherguy is saying "it's not safe for cars to be on the road", then that includes bikes, too.

Yeah, we've had several recent spates in New England of high heat and high humidity, which is something like riding while wrapped in a hot, soaked blanket.

Precipitation-wise, I've gone out during snow (thick, wet snow). Admittedly not the wisest decision in the world, and not something I'd prefer to repeat, but the apartment had run out of cough syrup and we were in the midst of a group cold.

I think if the weatherguy is saying "it's not safe for cars to be on the road", then that includes bikes, too.

Hehe... the worst I rode in was 6 inches of snow on the ground (done it twice) ... never while it was actually snowing. (Though I would if I was staying to the lesser used roads and trails)

Let me tell you... 6 inches of snow when you're riding a road bike is... interesting. Especially since there's usually slush and/or ice under that.

I know what you mean about the humidity, too... the other day (Last Thursday) when I rode home it was over 90 degrees and something like 90 percent humidity at the time... felt like I was riding through soup. Tried to adjust my front derrailleur on the side of the road, and ended up just taking it off so I could fix it at home.

I don't know how practical it is to just "move closer to work"; not letting a thug control your behavior will likely get you killed; and how is it at all suitable/germane to this topic to mention how lazy Americans are? In fact, he never even said that they were American, the only reason you're assuming that is probably because the majority of the members of this site are Americans - most of which probably have no problem commuting to work.

I'm not sure how I can respond to you without insulting you, but I'll try:

1. Living closer to one's job is far less expensive, far less time-consuming, far less aggravating, and far more environmentally sane than making a long commute every day. What's impractical about that?

2. You've obviously not lived in bad neighborhoods before; I have. Acting like a wuss will get you killed faster than anything.

3. The OP lives in Michigan. That's in the US. I can only assume that most of his co-workers also live in the US. It's not rocket science.

The laziness of some Americans is totally germaine to this topic; look at the reasons given by the OP. You don't have to agree with me. But, if I were you, I'd think a little bit before I responded. Not doing so makes you look unintelligent.

not letting a thug control your behavior will likely get you killed;

call me Texan but...I'd rather die defending my rights to go wherever the ____ I want in my city than live in fear.

There's an odd quote, and aside from Jack Herer I haven't heard it attributed to anyone.

"If you act like you're supposed to be doing what you're doing, almost nobody will mess with you"

I think this should be part of the pre-ride meditation every cyclist goes through.

And who appointed you the high priest of determining what is a valid reason for doing/not doing anything?

One certainly doesn't need to be a high priest of any sort to note the differences between valid reasons and a simple excuse for not doing something. If an employee walks in (30 minutes before shift start) and tells the boss they can't work because their car is broke down, shouldn't the boss be able to deterrmine that an invalid excuse to not come to work?

If a person says they don't like to conserve energy because they can afford not to, would it be wrong to judge that as an invalid excuse?

If a person says that can't exercise because they are fat, and are fat because they can't exercise, would that be wrong to determine as an invalid excuse?

If a person says they can to drive a 5000lb machine since everyone else subsidizes said driving, would it be wrong to determine that an invalid excuse?

One certainly doesn't need to be a high priest of any sort to note the differences between valid reasons and a simple excuse for not doing something. If an employee walks in (30 minutes before shift start) and tells the boss they can't work because their car is broke down, shouldn't the boss be able to deterrmine that an invalid excuse to not come to work?

If a person says they don't like to conserve energy because they can afford not to, would it be wrong to judge that as an invalid excuse?

If a person says that can't exercise because they are fat, and are fat because they can't exercise, would that be wrong to determine as an invalid excuse?

If a person says they can to drive a 5000lb machine since everyone else subsidizes said driving, would it be wrong to determine that an invalid excuse?
Leaving aside your desire to pass jugement on the validity of other people's reason to do anything, the subject was those BF members who think they are chosen to validate anyone else's reasons (or conjured reasons) for not bike -commuting. The subject isn't exercising or energy conservation. It's the smug attitude that anyone/everyone has to justify to the Roody's of the world why they don't emulate the oh-so-noble behavior of the blessed ones.

What's next for the Car-free self appointed moralists - a conjured listing (with smarmy comments assigning values/validity determination ) of the reasons why others are/are not vegetarian; religous; liberal; soccer or cycle racing fans? Why should someone justify his choice Not to partake in an activity to the satisfaction of an inquisitive joker with an agenda to prove him wrong?

to the satisfaction of an inquisitive joker with an agenda to prove him wrong?

/me looks at quote

/me looks at I-Like-To-Bike

/me looks at quote

/me looks at I-Like-To-Bike

/me explodes

/me looks at quote

/me looks at I-Like-To-Bike

/me looks at quote

/me looks at I-Like-To-Bike

/me explodes
That has been known to happen when a sanctimonious moralist is exposed to rational or logical thought. Also causes undue ranting of ad hominem arguments from the self righteous club whose sacred cow has been gored.

To try to address some of the issues that have been brought up about my co-workers:

I think as a group we're a little more fit than the average Americans. In order to work here, most of us have to be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and we have to pass a self-defense type course every year. But only a few of my co-workers follow an exercise regimen, and several are overweight or obese. I think that's pretty typical of a group of Americans, unfortunately.

A couple of my co-workers are considered "lazy" in that they don't always do their share of the work, or they're unwilling to do a little extra to make things better for the patients and other workers.

However, I don't see any correllation between "laziness" and fitness. When they say they're too lazy to ride a bike to work, I think they mean that they don't want to spend their time that way, and also they're kind of complimenting me for not being "lazy." At any rate, they might describe themselves as lazy, but I don't usually agree with them. A better descriptor minght be "busy."

The weather here is pretty temperate. It is hot right now, but above 90 degrees? Maybe 4 or 5 days in an average summer. In the winter we get snow. It might get below minus 10 (Fahrenheit--this really is the US!), but only a couple days a year is it that cold. In three winters of bike commuting, there were 2 days I didn't ride because of heavy falling snow. I walked both of those days.

Traffic here is about average, I would guess. Like someody else said, I had some close calls when I first started riding, and some honks, buzzes and yells. Now those are rare because I ride like I know what I'm doing. The approaches to the workplace are very busy one-way highways, but I know a few cheats for avoiding that busy traffic.

Crime is, IMO a realistic concern. Lansing as a whole has a pretty low crime rate, but the area right around the workplace is one of the higher crime areas in the city.

My excuse for not bicycle commuting is simply that I just can't afford it. I know many of you will say that to pay insurance and gas money for a car costs more money, and I realize that, but it just isn't practical for me to save up money for a bike. I'd love to get a bike and start commuting, I've always wanted to, but it's just not practical for me (which is unfortunate, because my area would be pretty nice to cycle in).

So, my only other option is to just read these forums and dream about having a decent road or hybrid bike until I can actually afford one. :lol:

My excuse for not bicycle commuting is simply that I just can't afford it. I know many of you will say that to pay insurance and gas money for a car costs more money, and I realize that, but it just isn't practical for me to save up money for a bike. I'd love to get a bike and start commuting, I've always wanted to, but it's just not practical for me (which is unfortunate, because my area would be pretty nice to cycle in).

Man, if you honestly can't afford a decent bike and live anywhere near western michigan, shoot me a pm and I will hook you up with an affordable good used bike.

My excuse for not bicycle commuting is simply that I just can't afford it. I know many of you will say that to pay insurance and gas money for a car costs more money, and I realize that, but it just isn't practical for me to save up money for a bike. I'd love to get a bike and start commuting, I've always wanted to, but it's just not practical for me (which is unfortunate, because my area would be pretty nice to cycle in).

So, my only other option is to just read these forums and dream about having a decent road or hybrid bike until I can actually afford one. :lol:

.....

The absolute MOST I've ever spent for a bike was $150.

I've had a $6 Schwinn from a yardsale... put about $20 into it (cables and tires) and rode it for 3 years.

$150 Miyata 110 that I owned for 4 years... took it around the world with me (Literally... it rode in the hull of the aircraft carrier I was stationed on)

I currently own two bikes: A '72 Schwinn Super Sport that I paid $20 for at a thrift store... I've put new tires, seat and one brake cable on it, for a total cost of around $25-30
The bike I'm currently riding is an '88 Raleigh Technium that I bought off of Craigslist for $50

Between the two bikes I currently own, my tools, rack and panniers, and my cycling clothes, I've spent less than $400, and put 1006 miles on my bikes since I reset my cycle comp on June 1st.

Money most certainly shouldn't be a reason you can't ride!!! (Elitism, on the other hand... "I wouldn't be caught dead on a bike worth less than X dollars" ...... well, if that's your attitude, you probably have a lot more problems in life than anyone here is qualified to deal with)

Seriously.... It's just not that hard to find a serviceable bike... the homeless people around here certainly seem to do a pretty good job of it.

If you're serious about wanting a bike, try thrift stores, craigslist, yard sales, newspapers. One more way that may surprise a lot of people with its effectiveness is this:
"Mention" in conversation that you're interested in taking up cycling, and looking for a bike. There are a TON of bikes out there hidden in the backs of people's garages and sheds, just waiting for a loving owner.