I bike commute because I can't seem to stick to a fitness routine otherwise. I really just have to dress to ride, then I might as well ride, and once underway I might as well finish the ride. Being carless at the end of the work day, it is faster to ride home than catch the bus.

I have friends who work from home, and I have often wondered if I could find the gumption to get a daily ride in and stick with it. I love biking, but, I don;t know.

If you can stick with a fitness routine, do it. You'll have my admiration.

As far as being a bike commuter...I've think it's partly attitude. Here in Colorado Springs there are plenty of sport and rec riders on the streets who seem to be more interested in fitness than traffic safety. There are also plenty of bike commuters who are not interested in safety. And then there are car-free and utility riders.

I think bicycle commuting involves a focus on traffic safety, but also combines fitness, sport and utility goals. It's a broad spectrum.

Bottom line...if you're thinking about labels, you're not pedalling hard enough.

If you're out in traffic and have skin in the game, there's nothing 'simulated' about it.