Originally Posted by
wphamilton
That's what I think. For me the commute is easier than short errands - I just do it, no deciding or second-guessing. It's the default. I won't even get warmed up on a short errand, and I think that makes it harder for me to decide to hop on the bike sometimes.
Ah, now I'm going to put the pressure on you.
Really, this isn't directed at you, but it does raise an interesting question: Once we have "won" the commuting debate, then it will be time to address other possible bike uses that are "commuting" in the sense that they have a specific destination or utilitarian purpose.
One thing for me is that if I drive, then it's a chore, but if I hop on my bike, then the fun begins immediately. Also, I've found that if I choose my route carefully, some shopping areas are actually more bike friendly than car friendly, especially as I can park my bike right in front of each shop.
Get a shopping bike: One that you can ride in your street clothes, park anywhere (kick stand), not worry about getting stolen, and load with crap. I prefer baskets over panniers for shopping, but whatever. It's always good to have one more bike anyway.