Vortac180

it is an act of faith

specialmonkey

I wonder if clip-on eyeglass / helmet mirrors help with this, someone mentioned using one earlier in this thread.

RoadieDropper

Perhaps if the person got behind you early enough & you have space to avoid it. Otherwise it's pointless.

Dixie Kiwi

1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike?
Freedom, speed, minimalism, low cost, healthy, best way to experience my city/place. And bikes are damn cool machines!

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?
Awareness that there are safe local cycle networks, wide range of 'tools': cycle choices to fit lifestyle (e-bikes, cargo bikes, stylish steel/singlespeed, gravel grinder/curb hoppers)

3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main inconveniences you deal with now?
Driver behaviors when sharing the road- esp during peak traffic times, but will plan my route to avoid if possible. Also, road surface conditions (broken glass, potholes, slippery surfaces) steep topography, weather, lack of bike racks at my destination. Lucky my employer has a great bike cage and showers.

4. How long have you been commuting by bike?
5 years

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike?
Morning bunch (road) rides

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable?
Probably having four really great bikes to choose from! All different (road, singlespeed, CX and mini velo)- always something to fit my mood.

HardyWeinberg

turning the pedals over and over and over and...

ptempel

I lock it up daily on one of the two bike racks that are up and off of the street. They are also behind a security guardhouse so that also helps. No indoor storage, unfortunately. At least not for those of us without a separate office. Never had a bike stolen from here yet. Knock on formica...

Abe_Froman

1) Getting outside, getting exercise, taking time 'for me.' And minimal time commitment. 24 miles round trip commuting only costs me about 40 minutes total vs driving.

2) Same as #1. But, depends on commute location/route. A lot of places bike commuting will be faster than driving. But again....by far most convenient way to get regular exercise...at least for me.

3) Mean spirited drivers. I deal with it through internalizing rage.

4) Off and on for ~20 yrs.

5) Chicago North Shore botanical garden trail...~40 miles round trip for me. Various breweries around the city.

6) #1 FENDERS. #2 FENDERS. Seriously....makes slightly icky days where it is not currently raining, but roads are wet a perfectly pleasant commute. I hate getting all geared up in rain gear if I can avoid it. And I hate getting wet. #3 Flashy christmas lights for visibility:

SlimAgainSoon

Fresh air, being outside, feeling the seasons change, watching the night fall, exercise, pollution-free commute. Biggest problem — drivers who hassle me. Still a few folks behind the wheel who think cyclists don't belong on the road and feel empowered to harass cyclists (honking, punishment passes, etc.). Heat in the summer (it gets hot where I live, in the Deep South).

Retcar

I'll take a crack at #2

I live about 3 miles from campus. The transit alternatives are bike, bus, or car. I've raced the bus and my roommates cars by leaving at the same time and arriving at the destination first, if traffic is bad the difference increases with the bike becoming faster relative to the other options. Sure its more physical effort, but it is a time saver, cardio, and leg day all in one.

JPow90

1. It actually helps to get me in the right frame of mind and feeling good for the day ahead of me.
2. I'd just say if you live close enough go for it... it's good for you and if it takes another car off the road that can only be a good thing!
3. Drivers, especially at rush hour, can be inconsiderate and can get too close. It it rains, you do kind of turn up to work looking a little worse for wear.
4. About 6 months, before that was a SAHM and before that I had to use public transport, but now I work close enough to home to cycle.
5. Local beauty spots
6. Raincoat, helmet, high visibility clothes

sotoo

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.

dmitchell

1. Chance to get outside, enjoyable exercise, my commute is almost all trail so I get to see a lot of wildlife

2. I would just relay my experiences of relaxation, fitness, and how easy it is to get addicted to it.

3. Since most of my normal route is via bike trail, it seems that when there are construction projects along the route, they tend to remove the trail first, and it's always the last bit to be replaced. It's like they view it as recreational only, and no one depends on it.

4. How long have you been commuting by bike? 7 years

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike? Fun destinations such as farmer's markets and tap rooms

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable? Lights!, I especially appreciate a good headlight, I'm considering studded tires in the winter

takenreasy

1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike? Not driving

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept? To each their own

3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main inconveniences you deal with now? Formulating the correct attitude

4. How long have you been commuting by bike? 20 years

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike? Most places since I don't enjoy driving

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable? Gear commensurate with the weather

ItsJustMe

1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike?

Stress relief. Big time.

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?

I don't convince people of things. I do what I want, and if people see me doing it and are interested, they'll do it too. I'm not a salesperson for bicycling.

3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main inconveniences you deal with now?

As a novice, just lack of understanding of what I really needed. Now, mainly flat tires.

4. How long have you been commuting by bike?

12 years

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike?

That's the only time I'm ever on a bike.

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable?

In no particular order: Good luggage system with quick release (waterproof, varying storage capacity). Good rain gear. Good lighting. Good tires.

baron von trail 

Tell Me What you like Most about Commuting by Bike!

Eating lunch

Bikewolf

Today was a ‘code orange’ due to mainly strong winds.

On the way home I coincidentally met a fellow ‘yellow jacket’ (high-visibility), another commuter! We rode together for while actually enjoying the weather: no rain, sunshine and ... wind in the back!

Commuting is fun :-)

blue192

#1 Biking by the cars stuck in rush hour traffic whilst I am in a clear bike lane.
#2 The money I say on petrol, insurance, other car costs (I am in Canada we are anal ***** in this area).
#3 More money to buy beer now because of reason #2.

Heavy Duty

Here's a few big reasons why I commute.

I can skip the gym. I've been obese my entire adult life. Gyms never work out due to being lazy after a couple weeks of having to actually go to the gym. I decided to bicycle commute a few years ago and all I have to do is get on the bike in the morning. I dont have much choice to ride home from work no matter how tired or lazy I'm feeling.

I can keep miles off my F-250. That thing drinks fuel. So I save roughly $1200.00 in fuel costs every year.

Less sick days from work.

FBinNY 

One of the nicest thing about being a bike commuter is the sense of community. I have this 6 mile long very skinny village I ride through, where I know the "neighbors" and they know me.

Most of the time I ride the same route going to work in the morning, and have slow to say hi to a bunch of people I see daily. When I switch to an alternate route for a few days the next time they'll comment on my absence and ask if everything is OK.

It's similar going home in the afternoon, but I use different routes so it's a totally different crowd, but likewise, we get to "know" each other in passing.

Jim from Boston

Tell Me What you like Most about Commuting by Bike!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty904

…Anyway,I'd love some input from anyone here in the commuting forum. Feel free to answer as many questions as you want and be as brief or thorough as you want!...

I REALLY appreciate everyone's time on this, any input from you guys will help me immensely, like I mentioned above, feel free to answer as few or as many of these questions as you like!

Thanks again!

Dittoes to everything above. FWIW, I’m responding mainly with some points not expressed in the above responses, and not necessarily what I like most:

1. What are your favorite [favored] aspects of commuting by bike?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

…I’m car-lite too, mostly due to family activities,but I’m the most amenable to car-free. My major motivation to ride is not sociopolitical, or environmental, but physical. However, a useful and enjoyable side benefit, it enhances my reputation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

… My cycling reputation, mundane as my cycling might be to the hard-core cyclists, is always a source of amusement and conversation with my friends and acquaintances; e.g. in bad weather, “You didn’t ride your bike today, did you?,” or at fancy social events, “Did you ride your bike here?.” Always asked with amusement and respect.

I in turn often ask people where they live, because invariably I have ridden in their neighborhood, and that question usually sparks an engaging converstion.

One of the nicest compliments I have received at work is that I am credible, and I think my steadfast cycling reputation probably supports that image.

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

Frankly, I have posted that I would not be inclined to encourage, unless by example (nor discourage) someone to cycle-commute, but if they so chose, I would freely and gladly give any advice...I would not want the recriminations of a personal endorsement if something bad happened…

FWW, I’m not advocatin’ against, just sayin’

4. How long have you been commuting by bike?
About 30 years with varying frequency. I also have a very convenient Commuter Rail option, including to transport the bike with me. I frequently stay over (comfortably) at work to save commuting time on my busy job.


5.Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike? Besides commuting to work, a major reason to cycle is for fitness. Nearly all my cycling is my commute, and I have four nice routes with many extensions that take me through some of the best cycling in Metro Boston. Even my long Saturday rides are usually to work, for a few hours at my convenience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

…I do have the advantages of a very nice minimum 14 mile one way commute that is easily extended; and a high end,very comfortable carbon fiber road bike that encourages riding…

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsl

…I was concerned about getting decent miles in…It takes me 50 miles a week just to feel good and normal, I feel fantastic over100 miles a week, and like Superman over 150

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

I particularly agree with your assessment of weekly mileage,though at over 150 miles per week, I call it hyper-fit…

Kindaslow

I had a rough day at work yesterday and it was pouring rain on my commute yesterday, the commute in the rain felt great! What a way to let go of the stress!

PaulH

1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike?
Directly experiencing the passing of the seasons and changing weather. It also helps me pass my flight physical.

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?
I started commuting because, given the traffic and parking difficulties here, it is far easier and faster than driving. It allows one to conserve one's car, especially during the salty winter months. For example, I have had the same car for 31 years. With proper winter tires, you can make it home when driving is not possible, as when the city shuts down fromm a snowstorm.

3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main
inconveniences you deal with now?
As a novice, my biggest annoyance was that what I thought of as convenient-to-use "normal bikes" -- upright, with chainguards, rack, and lights -- were hard to find. Now, I would say that hostile motorists are the main annoyance, although they are rare on my current route.

4. How long have you been commuting by bike?
The last 19 years.

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike?
Restaurants, parking.

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable?
Gor-tex hooded coat, rain pants, and Neos overboots.

OnyxTiger

1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike?

Everything that compels any commuter to ride, mostly. Fresh air, exercise, enviro-friendly... commuting 24 miles round trip to university, that means not paying parking fees for limited parking space, not dealing with rush hour traffic, not paying for parking just to end up walking 2 miles to get to class anyways. The endorphin boost in the morning is better than any coffee I've taken.

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?

See answers to number 1 above. Then just overcome the objections. Concerned about money? You're saving money if you just draw out how much you spend in gas each year, and mark that against a budget for a bike. You can get a bike as low as free if you look for it.

3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main inconveniences you deal with now?

As a novice it was about gear. Backpack was too much for my back. Running shoes would end up numbing my pedals on longer/faster rides. T-shirt would get sweaty. Crotch would get numb. Rack and panniers, cycling shoes, cycling jersey/sports shirts, cycling shorts fixed that. The inconveniences now are just the things that could go awry naturally; flat tires mostly. Gatorskins fixed that.

4. How long have you been commuting by bike?

2 years.

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike?

All over town on my road bike. New trails on the MTB. Towing my little princess with my wife behind me on her cruiser when we want fresh air and a picnic.

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable?

Cycling clothing, definitely. Rack and panniers, though for now my Osprey Radial 34 backpack/Arkel Tailrider trunk bag combo has been my go to. In sunny Arizona there's not much need for too much weather-specific gear, so it's a simple. That said, commuting by road bike is the way to go, for me at least.

StinkyTheGrump

1. What are your favorite aspects of commuting by bike?

I get a great workout, save time, and save money.

2. If you were trying to convince someone to start commuting by bike, how would you "sell" the concept?

I don't really try to sell it but when people ask I let them know that it's not as hard as it may seem and anyone can do it. We have a shower at work and bike paths and lanes all over the place so I let them know that it's doable. I even told a guy he can put his bike in my office if he likes since he's in a cubicle.

3. What were your principal annoyances as a novice rider/commuter? What are the main inconveniences you deal with now?

Getting sweaty and having to change/shower. Now it's that my route sometimes gets covered in water during low tide and sometimes pit bulls from the homeless camps along my route like to scare the hell out of me.

4. How long have you been commuting by bike?

Intermittently for 25 years.

5. Other than commuting to and from work, where are your favorite places to travel by bike?

The mountains of colorado.

6. What products do you use that make your commute easier or more enjoyable?

Ride tracking iphone app and heart rate monitor.

ussprinceton

losing weight and saving gas