Commuting - Interesting, these past few months

... how the number of people commuting by bike (or thinking of it, planning it) has increased here at the forum at least.

For me as a Swede, using your bike as a means of getting from A to B isn't a big deal, but I'm amazed to read all the threads here on how co-workers react, how to carry basic stuff, and all the other questions from newbies. And please don't get me wrong, I think it's a good, good thing. Same thing almost over here, during the summer months, when hords of people crowd the bike lanes, going in 12 km/h preferably side by side with a friend while chatting on their cell phones. It's still a good, good thing.

But do you (as in Americans) think all these new commuters will stick to it? At least in the parts of your huge country where the weather allows it? Or is it really just a way for most folks to save a buck now when the gas prices are up?

Sorry for the confused ranting, but I really do wonder. Thanks.

I don't really think many of the new commuters will stick to it. Only 1% of the North American population commutes by bicycle and I can't see that changing too much. Many people can't commute by bike since they're simply too far away from work (distances here are huge compared to Europe) and then there's the physical aspect. It is harder than driving and people will usually take the path of least resistence, even if it leaves them financially tight or worse.

Cheers!

Hey, I plan on sticking with it!

I've wanted to commute on a bike for years but till now, the distance to my work (45+ miles) just wouldn't allow it. Now that I've just recently switched jobs, my work is only 6-8 miles away so I have no excuses for not doing. Granted I don't bike to work every day because my legs are sore the next morning and I need more time to recover. But once I get more in shape I plan on increasing the frequency of my bike commutes.

There are only a couple of guys besides me that are starting to ride a bike to work, and only sometimes at that. The more popular thing to do here I've noticed is ride their ATV's to work. A lot better gas mileage than the full size trucks most people normally drove.

I actually tend to think that a fair number of commuters will stick to it. Gas prices aren't going to come down, ever. And really, once you get over the first let's say 3 weeks, it's easy going. The way to get us Americans to do something is to hit our pocketbooks.

Steve

I think that people will increasingly use bicycles to commute. Instead of massive concrete parking structures, more attention to bicycle parking facilities, such as racks and hopefully even lockers, will become usual. People will gradually get away from living so far from their place of employment whenever possible, and mass transit, light rail, carpooling, all will become more prevalent. Before the gasoline price increase, energy was so cheap that it would have been foolish to look for alternative means, for most people. Now it is justifiable, and people who are usually physically active will find that cycling a reasonable distance, is really good.

I actually tend to think that a fair number of commuters will stick to it. Gas prices aren't going to come down, ever. And really, once you get over the first let's say 3 weeks, it's easy going. The way to get us Americans to do something is to hit our pocketbooks.

Steve

I would disagree with you about gas prices. It's sort of a perfect storm. A spike in demand, oil that was too cheap to justify extra production, and a recession (or fear of) that led to a lot of speculation in commodities. The days of $1.999 a gallon are probably gone, but $2.50 to $3.00 isn't unreasonable once large scale production in tar sands and oil shale comes online. Demand might eat up that supply, but I wouldn't say never or ever about cheaper gas. But that's really neither here nor there. There's probably going to be $4/gallon gas for the rest of the year, maybe through the next one too, which might prompt people to change habits.

The question is whether that would be long enough. $3/gallon gas will cause people to change their car buying habits if it's around long enough. The question is whether $4/gallon gas will cause people to change their car using habits. It's a lot easier, though still difficult, to say you're going to accept that the status-symbol SUV you bought is too expensive to operate, and buy a less expensive car that's cheaper to operate. It's lot harder to convince people to change their habits of car usage.

$4/gallon gas is even causing people to change their home buying habits, but there's a key point there. They always say "I've moving closer to my office so I spend less on gas," not "I'm moving close to my office so I can bike a couple days per week," or "so I can take the train in." More people are willing to change a lot of other things before they change their car usage habits, because using the car is so deeply ingrained.

The "first three weeks" thing really rings true though. What I think would be good for commuting advocacy is a program to get people started. It's easy to say "Just get on the bike and go!" but why bite off in one big chunk what can be broken up? Plus it's a better pitch to Americans who like 12-step programs and systems that seem like shortcuts.

I think alot of them are in it for the summer and during the good weather. In bad weather they will disappear. But, that is ok, at least they cut their use some. Some, a few, will last and stick with it. Some will just be fair weather commuters.

I must admit that $4.00 gas was an original incentive for me but I am passed that now. Honestly, if gas were to drop to $2.00 I would still be riding.

I am on week 4 of commuting via/bike. This has been a life changing choice for me, I couldn't be more thankful.

I've been at it for a couple of years now. Unfortunately my favorite cafe I always stopped at during my commute shut down this week. They went from near full capacity to almost no one stopping by for breakfast or the drive through. There were more bicycles in the rack than cars in the parking lot and drive through. The other cafe on my route has the same problem so it looks like I'll be eating at home before the commute very soon.

My original impetus was fitness, so I plan on sticking with it. The gas savings are defintely a help though. I have found that the biggest barrier in the States is getting people to change the view of a bicycle from a recreational activity/exercise thing, to a legitimate form of transportation.The one thing that the current economic environment is doing is helping open people's eys-not just to bicycles, but to many aspects of our lives. I know a lot of people who complained about not being able to eat out at restaurants as often, and then realized that they ate out more than they ate at home. Also, my wife and I have been trying to help get visibility for the local farmers and grocers in the area, and we find that people are really starting to take notice of what is in their backyard. To bring that back to cycling, if I can pedal 2 miles up the road to an organic veggie farm, instead of driving the 8 miles to a big box grocer, I am solving a number of problems.
We Americans tend to be a bit pigheaded in our views, and the 'car in every driveway, and a chicken in every pot' mantra still rings clear, but I see many people's attitudes changing, and for the better.

Will everyone continue to commute by bike and leverage their bike more in their lives? Maybe not, but I do see a quantum change in how people view their cars, their transportation in general, and their disposable income. I hope that this heightened sense of personal responsibility takes root.

... how the number of people commuting by bike (or thinking of it, planning it) has increased here at the forum at least.

For me as a Swede, using your bike as a means of getting from A to B isn't a big deal, but I'm amazed to read all the threads here on how co-workers react, how to carry basic stuff, and all the other questions from newbies. And please don't get me wrong, I think it's a good, good thing. Same thing almost over here, during the summer months, when hords of people crowd the bike lanes, going in 12 km/h preferably side by side with a friend while chatting on their cell phones. It's still a good, good thing.

But do you (as in Americans) think all these new commuters will stick to it? At least in the parts of your huge country where the weather allows it? Or is it really just a way for most folks to save a buck now when the gas prices are up?

Sorry for the confused ranting, but I really do wonder. Thanks.

This is America.

Home of the ****ing fat and bloated. Our country is built for suburbs and car commutes. We're still in the infancy of the mass bike commute system and a lot of our cities aren't even outfitted for the change yet.

I mean there are going to be some more hardcore cyclists who fit your exacting standards I'm sure, but theres nothing odd about a sport peaking in the summer. yes, gas prices will be a prime motivator for a lot of people, but so what. If they love it and it works for them they will stay.

Anyway, it sounds like you just want to post about how great you are.

Cheers :p

It's going to take a generation to change the views Americans have about using a bicycle as a form of transportation. We need to continue to set the example for our kids, those that have kids. So that they start to learn that bicycles are a great way to get around.

Growing up, my dad was the typical 4x4 driving bicycle hater. So that's the attitude I had for many years. I'll show my kid a different way of life, one that I was missing out on.

It's going to take a generation to change the views Americans have about using a bicycle as a form of transportation.

Yeah. Deep seated changes in beliefs and actions happen slowly.

I think alot of them are in it for the summer and during the good weather. In bad weather they will disappear. But, that is ok, at least they cut their use some. Some, a few, will last and stick with it. Some will just be fair weather commuters.

Here, summer IS the bad weather! :eek:

Here, summer IS the bad weather! :eek:

No ****.

try some southern humidity my friend :D

No ****.

try some southern humidity my friend :D

No joke, Charlotte was great for the past 2 days, then it rains last night and it SUUUUCKS today. At least I am not in Charleston or Hilton Head though.

I don't really think many of the new commuters will stick to it. Only 1% of the North American population commutes by bicycle and I can't see that changing too much. Many people can't commute by bike since they're simply too far away from work (distances here are huge compared to Europe) and then there's the physical aspect. It is harder than driving and people will usually take the path of least resistence, even if it leaves them financially tight or worse.

Cheers!

Unfortunately, most cities in America are situated and designed to foster an automobile-dependant society. There are many powerful forces set against us bike commuters. I have to agree with Heywood, however, I think a lot more people would stick with bike commuting if the powerful forces that make billions off automobile sales and oil didn't make using alternative modes of transportation so inconvenient.

I think that people will increasingly use bicycles to commute. Instead of massive concrete parking structures, more attention to bicycle parking facilities, such as racks and hopefully even lockers, will become usual. People will gradually get away from living so far from their place of employment whenever possible, and mass transit, light rail, carpooling, all will become more prevalent. Before the gasoline price increase, energy was so cheap that it would have been foolish to look for alternative means, for most people. Now it is justifiable, and people who are usually physically active will find that cycling a reasonable distance, is really good.

Agree, I already had a Giant Bolder SE when I decided I wanted to commute and am otherwise an active person. It was pretty easy for me to adjust, and I love riding daily now. Used to be once in a while in the summer I would drive out to some trail and go riding, or take my bike camping, and use it as transportation around camp.


... how the number of people commuting by bike (or thinking of it, planning it) has increased here at the forum at least.

For me as a Swede, using your bike as a means of getting from A to B isn't a big deal, but I'm amazed to read all the threads here on how co-workers react, how to carry basic stuff, and all the other questions from newbies. And please don't get me wrong, I think it's a good, good thing. Same thing almost over here, during the summer months, when hords of people crowd the bike lanes, going in 12 km/h preferably side by side with a friend while chatting on their cell phones. It's still a good, good thing.

But do you (as in Americans) think all these new commuters will stick to it? At least in the parts of your huge country where the weather allows it? Or is it really just a way for most folks to save a buck now when the gas prices are up?

Sorry for the confused ranting, but I really do wonder. Thanks.

As soon as 40 degrees(F) hit at the time of day when I left for work, I switched to riding. I did not have much as far as equipment goes, pretty much just the bike, gloves, and a helmet. I keep on adding things(one of the first was an Air Zound) and intend to stick with it through the winter. Not only do I commute, but I make small grocery store runs(can't make big trips till I can get the gear to carry it).

That however is just me, yet I think many of the new people posting will also be like me and stick with it, because we are the type of people who took/take the time to do some research about the things we do and in doing so learn all kinds of other advantages and such from our reading.

The folks whom I often see along my route, I think they are mainly motivated by the cost of gas, and will drive again when its cold/raining/cost of gas goes down $0.25...

I do see a few who may stick with it, but mostly it's sidewalk riders (next to the bike lane no less...) on walmart specials...

As soon as 40 degrees(F) hit at the time of day when I left for work, I switched to riding.

Good call, commuting starts to get uncomfortably warm if it gets too much hotter. :D

I plan on sticking with it, at least until it starts getting dark around 5:30. Darkness more than rain is what I'm worried about in the winter. I'm not so sure I'd want to pass through some of the industrial portions of my commute alone in the dark...there's definitely some sketchy people in this part of Richmond (which has the highest murder rate in California, I believe).

Even if gas prices miraculously drop soon (which I highly doubt), I would probably keep doing it at least a few times a week. I was talking about doing it long before $4 gas --- the gas just made me get started, and I saw how easy it really was.

No ****.

try some southern humidity my friend :D

I grew up in NC so I know exactly what you're talking about. Everytime I go back to visit my family in the summer, I have to get used to it all over again....

People will stick to it if they enjoy it. If they like biking (and why anyone wouldn't is beyond me), if they like their commute and if they feel safe then they will stick to it.

Stockholm,

You have no idea just how car centric this nation is. Pedaling to work (or anyplace) is so far out of the normal American's frame of reference that we may as well be speaking Swahili. We do everything in our cars from the time we are teenagers...and I do mean everything. We have drive-up food, banks, post offices, pharmacies, and liquor stores. We have schools that have to organize "walking trains" for the little kids just to get them walking at all. Heaven forbid that we let them walk without an adult anyplace. Our convenience stores have cars left running in the parking lot while joe (sorry all you Joes) goes in to get his coffee. Cars are a way of life and change comes hard.

I started riding to work several years ago when gas was just barely above $1 and I did it to stay in shape, save gas, show off, and because it's fun. Now people are more understanding when gas IS $4. They still won't do it themselves, though.

... how the number of people commuting by bike (or thinking of it, planning it) has increased here at the forum at least.

For me as a Swede, using your bike as a means of getting from A to B isn't a big deal, but I'm amazed to read all the threads here on how co-workers react, how to carry basic stuff, and all the other questions from newbies. And please don't get me wrong, I think it's a good, good thing. Same thing almost over here, during the summer months, when hords of people crowd the bike lanes, going in 12 km/h preferably side by side with a friend while chatting on their cell phones. It's still a good, good thing.

But do you (as in Americans) think all these new commuters will stick to it? At least in the parts of your huge country where the weather allows it? Or is it really just a way for most folks to save a buck now when the gas prices are up?

Sorry for the confused ranting, but I really do wonder. Thanks.


I'm currently in Dayton, Ohio and bike to work everyday. People sometimes stare at me as if I'm an alien waiting at the stoplight with traffic. Most people just pass me when traffic is moving, but you have those that honk and yell for me to get off the road. If you do not have a car here, it's difficult to get around.

I've been to Stockholm and Malmo when I was in college...this must've been back in 2003. I loved it there! We rented bicycles in both places to get around, and we felt we blended in with the rest of the city. I would argue it was much more enjoyable than renting a car! No pushy traffic, and no headaches getting around with a bike! I remember it being expensive, especially for a college student, but Stockholm and Malmo had some amazing parks EVERYWHERE that were absolutely free to visit. We stayed in hostels and were just fine. I wish we could have that here...

I'm one of those that resumed riding for my health, and was combining exercise and transportation for a while before I was able to commute to work. My problem is going to be when the weather gets wetter, as the only good place I have to park my bike while I'm at work is inside an unused office. But I can't be rolling in with wet tires and leaving a mess on the carpets, and don't want to leave it outside where's there isn't anything good to lock it to. I'll still keep riding then to run errands etc..., but won't be able to ride to work.

I have found alot more motorcycles on the road due to gas prices too, not as many bikes.

The truth is if you live close enough to bike gas wasn't killing you anyway, managable bike commute is <15 miles each way (i know you could do more if you really wanted) on most cars that would be like 5-6 bucks worth of gas which wouldn't be breaking anyones bank ( i pay like $12 for lunch to put a $5 round trip commute in persepcitive). the gas really effects the peopel that drive < 20mpg cars > 60 miles to work. they have a $30 commute which is basically an hour of working at a reasonable job.

I think alot of it is the healthy craze that is alluring to some (like me) but other people drift away from once it doesn't instantly work. I like to brag about the $$$ savings of commuting by bike but I in no way need to do it for that reason.

In the USA, there seems to currently be a pretty big stigma against riding bicycles on the road. My impression is that many motorists are annoyed that they have to share the road with you. There are usually no bike lanes anywhere, and when there are, they tend to just end after a short while (also, the ones I've seen sometimes are adjacent to roadside parking). Bike paths are very rare (though you sometimes see them on university campuses).

So, to answer your original question, I think more people would stick to it if there was a friendlier atmosphere for cylists that commute. But unless there's more cyclists that commute, that atmosphere will be slow to become friendlier.

Here in the USA we've got a few bike commuters. Even now.. only a few.

But the honest truth is that those who aren't.. don't have the GUTS to commute.

It takes guts.. plain and simple.

So then the gutless keep driving their SUV's, Trucks, etc. and blow their horse at us in jealousy. Beep...beeeeeep. Then throw the rest of their sammiches out the window at us.

So then the gutless keep driving their SUV's, Trucks, etc. and blow their horse at us in jealousy. Beep...beeeeeep. Then throw the rest of their sammiches out the window at us.

You made coffee come out of my nose.

Here in the USA we've got a few bike commuters. Even now.. only a few.

But the honest truth is that those who aren't.. don't have the GUTS to commute.

It takes guts.. plain and simple.

So then the gutless keep driving their SUV's, Trucks, etc. and blow their horse at us in jealousy. Beep...beeeeeep. Then throw the rest of their sammiches out the window at us.



That would be a win situation for me! 'Alright, sandwich!' :D

But do you (as in Americans) think all these new commuters will stick to it? At least in the parts of your huge country where the weather allows it? Strangely enough, the percentage of commuter cyclists seems to be proportional to severity of weather conditions in North America. Places with ideal climates tend to be the least bike-friendly ones.

I began my third commuting life-phase on 2 June of this year, and while gas prices might have been the final straw, there really isn't that strong of a financial case for it. I do save about $2 every day that I commute, plus whatever mileage I'm not putting on my car, but I could easily justify driving in terms of flexibility and saved time. Where I live/work, neither traffic nor parking are challenges of any kind. So the top benefit to me is fitness, and the hope that my example will encourage others, just as the example of another encouraged me. Oh, yes and the improved mental health, as well.

Unfortunately, I'm only in it for the summer, because once school starts, I'm back to driving the kids to school. I'd bike with them, but I think one of them is too young, yet, and #4 is not even to kindergarten. I've ridden in three seasons worth of weather for commuting and training before, but I got away from bikes altogether a few years ago because of job changes and other schedule constraints. Otherwise Commuting Phase 2 was around 99-00, after one job change and prior to this one. (That place had showers, and I had an office, and a "safe" route to get there.)

Commuting phase 1 was when I was a kid and lived about 6 miles from town. In the summer, we'd start double-practices for football, but both my parents worked, and I wasn't driving yet, so I'd ride my bike in, practice, ride home, eat, ride back in, practice, etc, and that was on some old mild steel "10-speed." One time my coach saw me on the bike and I told him about my "ride" arrangement (hoping to get a little sympathy.) He said, "Well, you should be good and warmed up, then."

So, anyway, my motivation to start again was only partly due to fuel prices, but my motivation to "quit" in September has nothing to do with the weather. I'm a lifelong biker in one form or another, and I'll always come back to it until I'm dead or just too frail to continue.

I'm only on week 2 of starting to commute. But I don't see this as a short term thing for me. My reason for commuting is that I need a steady workout during the spring, summer and fall. Playing weekend warrior doesn't cut it at my age anymore. I hate gyms so have been looking for something outdoors and biking to work fits the bill perfectly for me. The gas saving is nice but is not a principle reason for commuting for me. What I see is a great way to exercise when there is no snow on the ground. When there is snow, I'll be on my cross country skis unless I really get hooked on the biking.

I'm only on week 2 of starting to commute. But I don't see this as a short term thing for me. My reason for commuting is that I need a steady workout during the spring, summer and fall. Playing weekend warrior doesn't cut it at my age anymore. I hate gyms so have been looking for something outdoors and biking to work fits the bill perfectly for me. The gas saving is nice but is not a principle reason for commuting for me. What I see is a great way to exercise when there is no snow on the ground. When there is snow, I'll be on my cross country skis unless I really get hooked on the biking.


Hey, that was me when I lived in the UP! Bikes in summer, skis in (the long) winter! Not enough snow in KS.

I must admit that $4.00 gas was an original incentive for me but I am passed that now. Honestly, if gas were to drop to $2.00 I would still be riding.

I am on week 4 of commuting via/bike. This has been a life changing choice for me, I couldn't be more thankful.

This also describes me. I should have done this a long time ago. I feel like I have had a heart and lung transplant from Superman.

This is THE UNITED STATES !!! We are powerful people. We drive our 4X4 all wheel drive SUV's to the gymn on a nice sunny day with the AC ON AND windows open, park the monster at the nearest parking spot, or even on the curb, at the gymn, and run on the treadmills !!

What do you mean bicycle to work ? That would actually mean doing something sensible. We dont do that here. We will spend 5 thousand dollars on a bike, and put it in our garage. On a nice and bright sunny saturday or sunday, we would put on some nice aerodynamic clothes, put the bike on the back of the same 4X4 monster, drive somewhere, then jump on the bike, ride a few laps and then drive back home.


Sigh !!!!!!! I can go on and on and on, but I really gotta fix some bugs in my code !! For those who think I am serious, pun intended. Luckily I am a new bicycle commuter. And NO, the gas prices were not the reason for my bike commute. I started sometime last fall, and I am hoping to keep up my bike commute all year around :d

BUT I drove in today :(

A tiny percent will stick to it. Some will stick to it during spring and fall months. A few more will do it all but the winter. And most will do it for a while and then never touch it again.

My hope is that the percent who will become, at least, part time 3 season commuters will be higher than 2%. By part time I mean one day or more per week.

I began my third commuting life-phase on 2 June of this year, and while gas prices might have been the final straw, there really isn't that strong of a financial case for it. I do save about $2 every day that I commute, plus whatever mileage I'm not putting on my car, but I could easily justify driving in terms of flexibility and saved time. Where I live/work, neither traffic nor parking are challenges of any kind. So the top benefit to me is fitness, and the hope that my example will encourage others, just as the example of another encouraged me. Oh, yes and the improved mental health, as well.

Unfortunately, I'm only in it for the summer, because once school starts, I'm back to driving the kids to school. I'd bike with them, but I think one of them is too young, yet, and #4 is not even to kindergarten. I've ridden in three seasons worth of weather for commuting and training before, but I got away from bikes altogether a few years ago because of job changes and other schedule constraints. Otherwise Commuting Phase 2 was around 99-00, after one job change and prior to this one. (That place had showers, and I had an office, and a "safe" route to get there.)

Commuting phase 1 was when I was a kid and lived about 6 miles from town. In the summer, we'd start double-practices for football, but both my parents worked, and I wasn't driving yet, so I'd ride my bike in, practice, ride home, eat, ride back in, practice, etc, and that was on some old mild steel "10-speed." One time my coach saw me on the bike and I told him about my "ride" arrangement (hoping to get a little sympathy.) He said, "Well, you should be good and warmed up, then."

So, anyway, my motivation to start again was only partly due to fuel prices, but my motivation to "quit" in September has nothing to do with the weather. I'm a lifelong biker in one form or another, and I'll always come back to it until I'm dead or just too frail to continue.

Holy crap! Another Wichita commuter! :eek:

Where are you commuting to/from? What's your route? I've seen a ton more people on bikes lately, maybe I've seen you.