Originally Posted by
mcours2006
The author/study supposes that by committing to a routine of bike commuting it takes the will-power factor out of the equation for physical exercise. That is, if one didn't have to exercise, e.g. go to the gym or go out to run, but that the exercise is built into the day's commute, then it makes it easier to get the physical activity, and thus the benefits. It's much easier to skip the gym than it is to skip work. That much I get.
This is the precisely the thing I try to get at when I respond to a newbie who joins BF requesting advice on losing weight.
I always state not to make exercise as the focus of your cycling because it'll turn into a chore and will quickly get discouraged. Instead, make cycling a part of the day by cycling to work, cycle to the gym, cycle to the coffee shop, cycle to visit friends, cycle to buy groceries. etc