More reasons to commute by bike
#26
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 48
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock 29er (seriously modded), Surly Crosscheck, Surly Pugsley, GT Glide Deluxe, Phat Cycles tandem, Raleigh Chopper, plus a few other oddities
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
And what about variety? From what I read on BF, many folks including me like to vary their bike route. But when driving, it seems most folks stick to one route.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Roanoke, Va
Posts: 997
Bikes: 2013 leader 721. 2015 leader 725. 2012 fuji feather
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Even if I take almost the same route on the bike, there are certain sections of my commute that are really fun to ride, you may have a favorite turn, a side street by the water, a cool bridge, or a back alley that trims time off your ride.
In the car I just have the same route, the same stoplights that always catch me, etc. There isn't really an enjoyable part of my drive home.
#28
tougher than a boiled owl
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Rocky Coast of Maine
Posts: 1,125
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
For me its just more fun and beneficial to my health. Another plus is I only have to own 1 car for my bride when she needs one and then we use it together for everything else. I have not been able to justify any monetary savings as I spend them on cycling gear. I have saved some mileage on the car though. In all cases it takes a lot longer for me to get anywhere on my bike. There really isn't any bumper to bumper traffic that a bike could get around any quicker here. The distances are very long inbetween points or towns so the bike isn't practical for a means of transportation but I sure love it for commuting to work.
#29
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
#30
----
Since you seem to be looking for the more off beat reasons that we bike commute I'll add this one, and it's not how or why I started commuting by bike but it motivates me now- BLOOD PRESSURE.
I seldom take time off from the bike but a couple of years ago I had a back injury that had me off the bike for several weeks for the first time in decades. My BP went from low/normal to high/normal in no time. As soon as I was back on the bike, down it went.
I am convinced that without my bike commutes I would definitely be on medications to control my BP- the personal cost and cost to the health care system of that alone probably represents more of a savings than many more obvious ones.
I seldom take time off from the bike but a couple of years ago I had a back injury that had me off the bike for several weeks for the first time in decades. My BP went from low/normal to high/normal in no time. As soon as I was back on the bike, down it went.
I am convinced that without my bike commutes I would definitely be on medications to control my BP- the personal cost and cost to the health care system of that alone probably represents more of a savings than many more obvious ones.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Posts: 403
Bikes: Bullitt Milk Plus with Alfine 11s; Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Oxford, OH
Posts: 171
Bikes: Scattante R670
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Reasons not yet mentioned:
As a college student,
1. Biking to class keeps me awake for the 8 am's.
2. I can get anywhere on campus for any reason in less than 2 mins.
3. I can get lunch off-campus without having to plan it.
As a college student,
1. Biking to class keeps me awake for the 8 am's.
2. I can get anywhere on campus for any reason in less than 2 mins.
3. I can get lunch off-campus without having to plan it.
#33
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,620
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,559 Times
in
1,574 Posts
It really hit home this week that S.A.D. (or whatever you want to call it) puts a damper on my mood and enthusiasm every winter. Usually I'm not aware of it until the spring, when I'm suddenly happy and eager to get out and do things again, but both my girlfriend and I are noticing it now. But the good news is that exercise, whether that means going to the gym, or riding my bike to work, really helps. So I will be doing my utmost to commute throughout this winter, unless the conditions are just too bad for it.
#34
Used to be fast
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: So Cal
Posts: 580
Bikes: 85 Specialized Expedition, 07 Motobecane Immortal Spirit built up with Dura ace and Mavic Ksyriums, '85 Bianchi Track Bike, '90 Fisher Procaliber, '96 Landshark TwinDirt Shark Tandem, '88 Curtlo
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not off-beat really, but just not having to deal with the car (my car) at all is a huge N+1 (not ready to go car-less though) on a daily basis.
Not sure how bad your traffic is in "northern Deep South" but here in the Los Angeles area the freeway traffic is bad to very bad and getting worse quickly. Not having to deal with that at all is a HUGE n+2 for me.
Rick / OCRR
Not sure how bad your traffic is in "northern Deep South" but here in the Los Angeles area the freeway traffic is bad to very bad and getting worse quickly. Not having to deal with that at all is a HUGE n+2 for me.
Rick / OCRR
#35
Senior Member
I go "on the clock" at 6:30, adn its better than a cup of coffee. I still drink that, mostly for the warmth this time of year.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Davis CA
Posts: 3,959
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, '85 Giant road bike (unrecogizable fixed-gear conversion
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
If I accidentally ride my bike into the Sacramento river, I will probably not be trapped inside it.
After a long day, it's very unlikely I'll fall asleep while riding. If I do, by the time I crash my speed will low enough that my injuries will be minimal.
If I go into a ditch and flip over, my bicycle will not burst into flames.
If there is a freeway pile-up on my way to work, I'll most likely be a spectator rather than a participant.
After a long day, it's very unlikely I'll fall asleep while riding. If I do, by the time I crash my speed will low enough that my injuries will be minimal.
If I go into a ditch and flip over, my bicycle will not burst into flames.
If there is a freeway pile-up on my way to work, I'll most likely be a spectator rather than a participant.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
One of my biggest motivations for commuting is that I can eat pretty much what I want on days that I ride. Otherwise I easily overeat and start gaining weight.
The biggest reason is that I simply enjoy riding. I get antsy and sad when I can't ride for a few days.
Last edited by tarwheel; 12-14-13 at 02:26 PM.
#38
Senior Member
Last week, I stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk and got rear ended by another bike commuter. Neither of us were hurt, she apologized sincerely, and we went on our way. If we had been in cars, there would have been an exchange of insurances, delays getting to work, and possibly a police report to deal with. So an unexpected benefit is that minor fender benders may be resolved with an "I'm sorry".
#39
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
#40
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 48
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock 29er (seriously modded), Surly Crosscheck, Surly Pugsley, GT Glide Deluxe, Phat Cycles tandem, Raleigh Chopper, plus a few other oddities
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I accidentally ride my bike into the Sacramento river, I will probably not be trapped inside it.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 139
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Traffic was unexpectedly heavy this morning in a couple of spots. It takes me 40-45 minutes to bike in. I've driven between work and home in as little as 12 minutes, one way. Today, it took 23. Plus scraping time.
Bike commuting reason n+2: you know just how long it's going to take to get to work, and you can plan on it.
Bike commuting reason n+2: you know just how long it's going to take to get to work, and you can plan on it.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: WKY
Posts: 730
Bikes: 2014 Trek Crossrip LTD, 2013 Raleigh Misceo
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would also have to cite the health benefits. I dropped off a med I was on for several years. My back issues, while minor when compared to someone with serious injury, were almost constant, very uncomfortable, and had me taking large amounts of ibuprofen on a daily basis. That has completely ceased. I would continue to ride if there were no other benefits.
Just had a yearly checkup and complete blood workup. My numbers were well within the normal range on EVERY catagory listed. Doctor studied the 2 pages, looked up and said, "If everyone's bloodwork looked like this, I would be out of a job"!
Just had a yearly checkup and complete blood workup. My numbers were well within the normal range on EVERY catagory listed. Doctor studied the 2 pages, looked up and said, "If everyone's bloodwork looked like this, I would be out of a job"!
#44
Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 48
Bikes: 2012 Trek 7.2 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I initially started commuting by bicycle about a year ago. I couldn't afford a car any longer, so I really had no choice. The health benefits were numerous but mainly it helped "reverse" my Type 2 Diabetes. For the past 10 months I've been biking about 45-60 minutes to work, then either the same time back or I take the bus. Since my work was fast paced, lifting heavy boxes, I didn't always have the energy to ride back for an hour, especially during severe weather or extreme cold (wind). Now though, my new job is only 2.5 miles a way so it only takes me about 15-20 minutes to get there.
I'm trying to get winter tires now ASAP, since we just had a bunch of ice and snow fall, forcing me to walk to work (which was TERRIBLE, because I had to walk through ditches and potholes, because Missouri can't build proper roads with sidewalks, bike lanes, or anything to the side of a road other than a f##### gutter). I'm determined to get the Schwalbe Marathon Winter (700x35c), because I want something nearly puncture proof and that will be good in ice and snow. I can't afford to get flats in winter because there's no way I'm changing a tire in freezing wind.
I'm trying to get winter tires now ASAP, since we just had a bunch of ice and snow fall, forcing me to walk to work (which was TERRIBLE, because I had to walk through ditches and potholes, because Missouri can't build proper roads with sidewalks, bike lanes, or anything to the side of a road other than a f##### gutter). I'm determined to get the Schwalbe Marathon Winter (700x35c), because I want something nearly puncture proof and that will be good in ice and snow. I can't afford to get flats in winter because there's no way I'm changing a tire in freezing wind.
#45
Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 48
Bikes: 2012 Trek 7.2 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NorCal
Posts: 123
Bikes: Public D8, Marin Hamilton 29er, (stolen: Trek 7.3, Electra Amsterdam)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes but tipping your hat, and saying "good morning" is waaaaaaay less creepy on a bike than shouting out a car window.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Waterloo, ON
Posts: 431
Bikes: Surly Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
I give nicknames to the familar yet nameless people I regularly encounter on my ride, and a favorite is "The Fleet Goddess."
#49
Ride More. Feel Better.
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes! Good health is a GREAT reason to commute by bike.
Since you seem to be looking for the more off beat reasons that we bike commute I'll add this one, and it's not how or why I started commuting by bike but it motivates me now- BLOOD PRESSURE.
I seldom take time off from the bike but a couple of years ago I had a back injury that had me off the bike for several weeks for the first time in decades. My BP went from low/normal to high/normal in no time. As soon as I was back on the bike, down it went.
I am convinced that without my bike commutes I would definitely be on medications to control my BP- the personal cost and cost to the health care system of that alone probably represents more of a savings than many more obvious ones.
I seldom take time off from the bike but a couple of years ago I had a back injury that had me off the bike for several weeks for the first time in decades. My BP went from low/normal to high/normal in no time. As soon as I was back on the bike, down it went.
I am convinced that without my bike commutes I would definitely be on medications to control my BP- the personal cost and cost to the health care system of that alone probably represents more of a savings than many more obvious ones.
This is especially important as you get older (I am 51) and start hearing from your doctor that the "bad" numbers are creeping up as the "good" numbers are dropping.
The exercise you get by riding a bike (on a regular basis) does wonders for your health numbers. And it's cheap, simple, accessible, and fun.
#50
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,620
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,559 Times
in
1,574 Posts