View Poll Results: What is your main reason for commuting by bike?
Cheaper than driving
16
9.64%
Avoid traffic jams
12
7.23%
Easier to find parking
4
2.41%
Protect the environment
5
3.01%
Stay healthy or lose weight
38
22.89%
Improve athletic performance
6
3.61%
Love the outdoors and/or riding
54
32.53%
How it makes you feel about yourself
17
10.24%
Provide an example for others
0
0%
Other reason
14
8.43%
Voters: 166. You may not vote on this poll
What is your main reason for commuting by bike?
11-05-17, 01:15 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What is your main reason for commuting by bike?
Of course, there are many reasons why I prefer cycling to driving.
If I had to pick one I would say that riding to work on a nice day is very enjoyable, while being stuck in traffic is a hassle. I want to enjoy my mornings and afternoons!
How about you?
If I had to pick one I would say that riding to work on a nice day is very enjoyable, while being stuck in traffic is a hassle. I want to enjoy my mornings and afternoons!
How about you?
11-05-17, 02:35 PM
#2
born again cyclist
I guess the main reason is because I love it.
And because I don't want to buy a 2nd car.
Riding a bike to work beats being stuck in rush hour traffic gridlock and it also beats being at the mercy of some one else's schedule (transit).
A bicycle is freedom, and freedom is awesome!
And because I don't want to buy a 2nd car.
Riding a bike to work beats being stuck in rush hour traffic gridlock and it also beats being at the mercy of some one else's schedule (transit).
A bicycle is freedom, and freedom is awesome!
11-05-17, 07:46 PM
#5
Senior Member
Originally because I like riding, but now I've gotten a bit more gung-ho and do it to lose weight.
11-05-17, 09:20 PM
#6
Hack
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Where's the 'save time'?
11-05-17, 09:39 PM
#8
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Other Reason:
I love the idea that I am commuting under my own power. The bike may be the mechanical facilitator, but I'm the engine. It's what fuels my commuting and my road riding. I love that I'm moving myself forward under my own power.
The secondary benefits include improvements to my physical and mental health and the ecological benefit to the environment. I would like to say that it is financially beneficial too, but I did the math. I purchased a new touring bike to commute, including a set of panniers, lights and other accessories. I want to do some touring too, but I made the purchases when I started commuting to work. But based on the two to three times a week commuting I do, it will take me four and a half years to make up for the gas and maintenance on the car I'm not using. BTW: I did emphasize the financial benefit to my wife when I made all the purchases-- at least the ones she knows about.
I love the idea that I am commuting under my own power. The bike may be the mechanical facilitator, but I'm the engine. It's what fuels my commuting and my road riding. I love that I'm moving myself forward under my own power.
The secondary benefits include improvements to my physical and mental health and the ecological benefit to the environment. I would like to say that it is financially beneficial too, but I did the math. I purchased a new touring bike to commute, including a set of panniers, lights and other accessories. I want to do some touring too, but I made the purchases when I started commuting to work. But based on the two to three times a week commuting I do, it will take me four and a half years to make up for the gas and maintenance on the car I'm not using. BTW: I did emphasize the financial benefit to my wife when I made all the purchases-- at least the ones she knows about.
11-05-17, 11:17 PM
#10
vespertine member
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I chose "cheaper than driving" because most places I've worked have not offered free parking, and relying on a car meant I had to pay money to keep a functioning car.
I also really enjoy cycling, and being a dedicated bike commuter forces me to keep in shape year round!
I also really enjoy cycling, and being a dedicated bike commuter forces me to keep in shape year round!
11-06-17, 07:29 AM
#12
Full Member
Easy and very enjoyable way way to get my cardio in first thing in the morning 
11-06-17, 09:28 AM
#13
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Definitely to stay healthy. I'm not overweight, but I do sit all day at work and sit at home as well. I really dislike going to the gym. Biking is loads more fun so I'd rather do that.
11-06-17, 09:42 AM
#14
Senior Member
I like bike. Where is the ' Cheaper than therapy button?"
11-06-17, 10:44 AM
#15
aka Tom Reingold
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My response would be all of the above. Plus, since I get an hour's workout for no time cost, I'm saving time. I ride surprisingly little on weekends, so my bike commuting is where I put in most of my miles. My commute is 13.4 miles each way, and sometimes I wish it were shorter, but I sure have a lot of miles on me now. I've already clocked 2,900 in 2017.
My alternate commuting mode is taking the subway. The travel time is the same, but there is more preparation and clothing changing when I take the bike, so cycling does actually cost me a little time. The subway is $2.75 each way, so I'm saving money, but not a huge pile.
I used to ride a bike mostly because I enjoyed it, and I was happy that I got the health benefit incidentally. Now that I'm in my 50s, fitness has become a focus, so I pay attention to how strongly I ride, and I'm doing various things to get stronger.
My alternate commuting mode is taking the subway. The travel time is the same, but there is more preparation and clothing changing when I take the bike, so cycling does actually cost me a little time. The subway is $2.75 each way, so I'm saving money, but not a huge pile.
I used to ride a bike mostly because I enjoyed it, and I was happy that I got the health benefit incidentally. Now that I'm in my 50s, fitness has become a focus, so I pay attention to how strongly I ride, and I'm doing various things to get stronger.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
11-06-17, 10:52 AM
#16
Zip tie Karen
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I looked for "stokes my smug self-satisfaction" or "makes me morally superior to co-workers" but didn't find those. So, I chose that it makes me feel good about myself as a substitute...
11-06-17, 11:12 AM
#17
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My answer would be "fitness." It's free miles.
11-06-17, 11:20 AM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
11-06-17, 11:21 AM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
11-06-17, 02:06 PM
#21
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It started out as a way to lose weight, then I started to really like it. Now, with the absolutely crazy way the company I work for is run, it's become my stress relief valve.
11-06-17, 02:15 PM
#22
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I ride my bike to ride my bike.
11-06-17, 02:25 PM
#23
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
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I just find getting to work under my own power to be extremely satisfying. That, and I really like being different from the crowd. Biking to work is quite rare around here.
So I'm gonna say "How it makes me feel about myself" is the closest answer for me.
So I'm gonna say "How it makes me feel about myself" is the closest answer for me.
11-06-17, 02:54 PM
#24
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Heh. I also get to (and like to) "pig out" on dinner at home. But the bad side is that I don't lose any weight. 
I selected to stay in shape. I can still be overweight and do fairly well on the hills. 
But like others, its almost all of the above except "protect the environment" and "how it makes you feel about yourself." Change "how it makes you feel about yourself" to "how it makes me feel (in general)" and I would have voted for that.
I selected to stay in shape. I can still be overweight and do fairly well on the hills. But like others, its almost all of the above except "protect the environment" and "how it makes you feel about yourself." Change "how it makes you feel about yourself" to "how it makes me feel (in general)" and I would have voted for that.
Last edited by ptempel; 11-06-17 at 02:58 PM.
11-06-17, 03:04 PM
#25
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That and the local YMCA now charges $850/yr for membership. Really? That's a used Cannondale CAAD 10 every year. Sheesh.Rates and Membership Options | YMCA of Montclair
Only thing I miss there is the spin class in the winter. But at that cost, fuhgettaboutit!