Originally Posted by
Rusty904
1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike?
2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?
3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main inconveniences you deal with now?
4. How long have you been commuting by bike?
5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike?
6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable?
1. Saving over $1000 a year in public transport expenses (in Sydney), psychological break between work and home, the mindfulness of "focusing" on the road and traffic instead of other things going on in life, replacing lost commute time with exercise, not having to share a crowded train or bus with a million other people.
2. Your time is valuable - don't waste it being stuck in traffic or on public transport, trade that time in for exercise. Your bike will pay for itself, and it will motivate you to stay fit.
3. There is no consolidated cycleway network in Sydney - non-consolidated sections that force cyclists onto car roads in many places, insufficient city planning for cyclists. Consequently: Power struggle with other road users - particular taxis tend to be aggressive, other road users can be aggressive towards cyclists. There were knowledge barriers to start commuting: It was difficult and somewhat discouraging to not have a way to search for routes (like google maps) that followed safe roads. Additionally working out what equipment was needed for the bike took a lot of research and trial/error.
4. 4 years.
5. Exploring the city, going to social occasions, nearby national parks.
6. Strava. Bikepacking saddle pack. Bike computer. Sunglasses. More a service that makes it MUCH easier: my work office has excellent end of trip facilities with secure lock-up, ironing gear, lockers, showers.