Originally Posted by
Catgrrl70
I am (agh) 38 and my parents are still freaked out and incredulous that I ride a bike to work. They still would like to think I took the bus or better yet, drove every day. Some things will never change and you just have to prove you are responsible and capable.
When I was 50, my Dad was pressuring me to not ride my bike 9 miles to work. He even told me that a motorcycle might be safer.
I persevered, citing my cycling history of 30 years of safe commuting by bicycle. The funnier thing was that he used to bicycle commute to work. He had been inspired to start by me commuting.
Years later I learned of the basis of his change of heart. Apparently one time he was hit by a car. (He forgot to tell me at the time I guess). It was enough to provide a down-payment for a house. (Don't get any ideas. Houses were much cheaper then. )
Just my take on it. 16 miles is a long distance. I've done 17 each way. Even if you do it safely, you may find that it cuts into your social life and becomes a bit boring. You might want to humor the 'rents this summer.