one month of commuting = ?$$
#26
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NorCal
Posts: 123
Bikes: Public D8, Marin Hamilton 29er, (stolen: Trek 7.3, Electra Amsterdam)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I quit smoking at the same time i started bike commuting. That alone financially makes it very worth while. And indeed i credit biek riding as what finally allowed me to stay "quit." Also since i no longer stop to buy smokes every morning, i no longer pickup an energy drink and donut, or other snack. All together i was spendign about $10 a day on just smokes and stuff... add in $30 or so for gas a week, and I'm saving well over $200 a month.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,242
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I quit smoking at the same time i started bike commuting. That alone financially makes it very worth while. And indeed i credit biek riding as what finally allowed me to stay "quit." Also since i no longer stop to buy smokes every morning, i no longer pickup an energy drink and donut, or other snack. All together i was spendign about $10 a day on just smokes and stuff... add in $30 or so for gas a week, and I'm saving well over $200 a month.
I think you're saving more than that (unless you only commute 8 days a month. If so, you must be going a long distance to save $30/week in gas).
Irregardless, it sounds like this has been a financial and health boon to you. Hat's off.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Heck yes. Ajmstilt is probably more in the $400 range a month. Not to mention the decrease in potential diseases \ sicknesses. Hats off to him\her!
I quit smoking almost 10 years ago and still remember how difficult it was. Heck, I still get the urge occasionally.
I quit smoking almost 10 years ago and still remember how difficult it was. Heck, I still get the urge occasionally.
#30
Prefers Cicero
My alternative to bike commuting is taking public transit, which I usually do in January and parts of February. Tickets are $2.25 ($4.50 round trip), but 2 or 3 times a week I take the express bus one way for an extra fare. So my transit costs average out to about $5.35/day. So if I ride 150 days a year I can spend close to $800 per year on bike stuff before it actually costs me anything. Most years I spend well under that.
However the biggest financial benefit of bike commuting is realized when it allows you to sell your car, (or one of your cars if your family has two or more). Those fixed insurance and depreciation costs are a big burden to shed.
However the biggest financial benefit of bike commuting is realized when it allows you to sell your car, (or one of your cars if your family has two or more). Those fixed insurance and depreciation costs are a big burden to shed.
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I still have my used vehicle that was already paid for when I started commuting a few years ago. So, my only saving are gas (about 1 gallon per round trip, right now that's about $3.45) and the deferred maintenance costs by driving less. The insurance isn't that much, and the registration is pretty cheap too. Still, I think it is certainly worth commuting by bike. Like others have mentioned, there are many more benefits that the direct monetary ones.
#32
nashcommguy
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: nashville, tn
Posts: 2,499
Bikes: Commuters: Fuji Delray road, Fuji Discovery mtb...Touring: Softride Traveler...Road: C-dale SR300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This right here was one of the many reasons I started cycle-commuting. In 1987 in Chicago a Transit Pass was 50.00. I was spending 2.5-3 hrs per day either on the bus or waiting at the stop. I remember the day very well. It was in the morning and freezing cold...I was on the bus w/a bunch of unhealthy, unhappy people and a guy goes by on a bicycle and had a big smile on his face. Suddenly, I think...50.. per month...tons of time...I HATE THIS!!...I got a bicycle from some friends I was helping move that very next weekend. Spent the next week borrowing tools from neighbors, got some lithium grease, WD-40, a cresent wrench, pliers...I've still got my 1st 8,9,10mm and 3d hand. My first rain gear was 3 Hefty trash bags, 2 plastic grocery bags, rubber dish gloves and an old shower cap on one of those 'old school' white Bell helmets I found at a thrift store for .95. Can't imagine how much money I've saved over the years.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 869
Bikes: 2008 Dawes Haymaker 20XX Leader LD515 TotoCycling Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
19 Posts
This right here was one of the many reasons I started cycle-commuting. In 1987 in Chicago a Transit Pass was 50.00. I was spending 2.5-3 hrs per day either on the bus or waiting at the stop. I remember the day very well. It was in the morning and freezing cold...I was on the bus w/a bunch of unhealthy, unhappy people and a guy goes by on a bicycle and had a big smile on his face. Suddenly, I think...50.. per month...tons of time...I HATE THIS!!...I got a bicycle from some friends I was helping move that very next weekend. Spent the next week borrowing tools from neighbors, got some lithium grease, WD-40, a cresent wrench, pliers...I've still got my 1st 8,9,10mm and 3d hand. My first rain gear was 3 Hefty trash bags, 2 plastic grocery bags, rubber dish gloves and an old shower cap on one of those 'old school' white Bell helmets I found at a thrift store for .95. Can't imagine how much money I've saved over the years.
#34
simply bikin'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 404
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Roubaix Pro; 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport; 2009 Specialized Rockhopper 29er Comp; 2006 Flyte Arsenal; 2001 Bianchi Reparto Corse Boron XL; 2007 Raleigh One Way; 1986 Raleigh Alyeska Touring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have personally found that saving money by riding instead of driving is a total myth.
But that's because I don't do it right.
I ride expensive, high maintenance bikes. I buy way more clothing gear than I actually need. I eat more expensive, nutrient rich food to replace the calories I burn than it would cost to simply fill my tank with gas.
On the other hand, I never tried to convince anybody that I was in this to save money.
And on the other, other hand, I had a triple angioplasty 5 years ago that ran up about $40000 in total medical costs. That from being a big fat lazy slob who drove 2 hours roundtrip to work everyday and worked 60 hours a week sitting at a computer.
So maybe I am saving money... it's just in the lack of medical bills?
Depends on how much the knee replacements cost.
But that's because I don't do it right.
I ride expensive, high maintenance bikes. I buy way more clothing gear than I actually need. I eat more expensive, nutrient rich food to replace the calories I burn than it would cost to simply fill my tank with gas.
On the other hand, I never tried to convince anybody that I was in this to save money.
And on the other, other hand, I had a triple angioplasty 5 years ago that ran up about $40000 in total medical costs. That from being a big fat lazy slob who drove 2 hours roundtrip to work everyday and worked 60 hours a week sitting at a computer.
So maybe I am saving money... it's just in the lack of medical bills?
Depends on how much the knee replacements cost.
#35
Thread Killer
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Marfan Syndrome-Clyde-DFW, TX
Posts: 1,845
Bikes: Fuji Touring Xtracycle, Merlin Road, Bacchetta Giro 26 (Sold), Challenge Hurricane, Cruzbike Sofrider
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Last year for what I spent on bicycles and bicycle stuff I could buy gas for my commute for the next 30 years at $3 a gallon.
#36
Prefers Cicero
I know you were being facetious, but for the benefit of others, you're probably more likely to need a knee replacement if you don't cycle, and instead walk around overweight. As long as you adjust your seat height properly, spin, and generally look after yourself, your knees should tolerate cycling forever.
#37
Recreational rider
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 115
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Globe
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now I have to factor in (this years purchases):
Studded tires $200.
Lobster gloves $75.
Winer cycling boots $270. (well worth it!!)
Balaclava $25.
Shoe covers $30.
Misc clothes $60.
Better light $350. (part of it is a b-day present- so minus say $75ish)
Hand warmers for season $12.
Clip-in pedals $35.
So I've spent about $1000 so far this year. So in 2.5 months, I will break even. LOL
Studded tires $200.
Lobster gloves $75.
Winer cycling boots $270. (well worth it!!)
Balaclava $25.
Shoe covers $30.
Misc clothes $60.
Better light $350. (part of it is a b-day present- so minus say $75ish)
Hand warmers for season $12.
Clip-in pedals $35.
So I've spent about $1000 so far this year. So in 2.5 months, I will break even. LOL
For the car, I figure I've spent around $46,000 in the last 11 years and 165,000 miles I've had it if you increase the gas price to today's dollars.
Car + financing: 18000
Gas @ $3/gal: 14100
Insurance: 9900
Maintenance: 3000
Repairs: 1000
Total: $46000
$46,000 / 165,000 miles = $0.28/mile
My bike on the other hand I've spent $1078 on so far and logged 360 miles. I won't document exactly how I've managed to spend $1078 when the bike itself was only $348 other than to point out what you and everyone else knows, which is that accessories add up.
Bike: $348
Accessories so far: $730
Total: $1078
$1078 / 360 miles = $2.99/mile
So yeah, right now my bike is 10 times as expensive as my car BUT in theory I could probably log at least 5000 miles or so and only rack up another $400 or so in expenses. That brings it to $1500 / 5000 = $0.30. At that point the two are in price parity and over time the bike will get even cheaper per mile while my car on the other hand is getting very close to the end of it's useful lifespan.
So.. yeah. Bikes are a LOT less expensive up front, cost nothing to insure as long as you have excellent health insurance coverage that covers road accidents on a bicycle and once you've logged enough miles, the overall cost potential of a bike is to be cheaper per mile. Now if you factor in the fact my bike seats only me, while I can put my whole family in my car, well then... it becomes clear why I'm not able to give up owning a car completely, but I do think it's a fine idea to have both a car and a bike and use each appropriately.
#38
domestique
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For me, the real savings of bike commuting are when you can eliminate the need for a whole car. It doesn't necessarily have to be car-less. If your family can reduce their number of cars by 1 because of household members sometimes bike commuting, then you come out way ahead.
#39
Artful Dodger
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 208
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmmm, all this healthiness is going to drive our insurance costs up in the long run ......
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2953 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,242
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now see that's exactly what I've been looking at myself. I've had my Honda Civic for 11 years now and done a pretty good job of tracking expenses. I look at it on a cost per mile basis and at least so far, my car is cheaper, but I figure that the bike would be cheaper eventually. Well, eventually.
For the car, I figure I've spent around $46,000 in the last 11 years and 165,000 miles I've had it if you increase the gas price to today's dollars.
Car + financing: 18000
Gas @ $3/gal: 14100
Insurance: 9900
Maintenance: 3000
Repairs: 1000
Total: $46000
$46,000 / 165,000 miles = $0.28/mile
My bike on the other hand I've spent $1078 on so far and logged 360 miles. I won't document exactly how I've managed to spend $1078 when the bike itself was only $348 other than to point out what you and everyone else knows, which is that accessories add up.
Bike: $348
Accessories so far: $730
Total: $1078
$1078 / 360 miles = $2.99/mile
snip.
For the car, I figure I've spent around $46,000 in the last 11 years and 165,000 miles I've had it if you increase the gas price to today's dollars.
Car + financing: 18000
Gas @ $3/gal: 14100
Insurance: 9900
Maintenance: 3000
Repairs: 1000
Total: $46000
$46,000 / 165,000 miles = $0.28/mile
My bike on the other hand I've spent $1078 on so far and logged 360 miles. I won't document exactly how I've managed to spend $1078 when the bike itself was only $348 other than to point out what you and everyone else knows, which is that accessories add up.
Bike: $348
Accessories so far: $730
Total: $1078
$1078 / 360 miles = $2.99/mile
snip.
That looks like a good estimate of car costs.
That said, the bike estimate is highly skewed by the limited miles. I've got a $700 into my bike, with about $400 in accessories/maintenance since I got at the end of 2005. But I've ridden over 3300 miles. 1100/3300= 33 cents/mile. Before Christmas of '05, I used a 17 year old bike that cost $200. I rode it to work for 5 years or so, with just a few expenses. I'll ignore that part of it.
Plus, the new bike will last as long as the car, if not longer, and the accessory costs will slow down. My bike came with pretty much everything. I'm spending money on studs, upgraded parts, helmets, cyclecomputer, special underwear/clothes, maintenance (I usually do this myself). I'd estimate that going forward I'll put in $125/year.
So, for 10 years I'll assume I'm spending $2100. I'll likely ride 15,000 miles. That will be 14 cents per mile. Using your method, I'd be saving a good 30 cents a mile vs the car.
Note that this is my biggest hobby, too. I'd be spending the money on it regardless, since I love to bike. In a lot of ways, my bike expenses are only slightly altered by by commuting.
Net effect of this detailed analysis: bike commuting is free!
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 56
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey DC, just wanna show support as a Miami native (Hialeah). It can't be easy to commute out there. Every time I'm down visiting, I try to imagine how I would make it work if I lived there again. Mind if I ask what area you live in, and what the traffic/lane scenario is?
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 63
Bikes: Giant Sedona
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's not so bad.. I live in Coral Gables, about a mile from a MetroRail station, so if I wimp out, I can catch the train.. but for the past couple of weeks I have been riding both directions. Work is downtown, about an 8 mile trip. For the most part, I ride on the Mpath a MUP under the train tracks, and traffic downtown is actually not that bad.. thanks for the shout out.. and you must be crazy to deal with the hills of San Fran!
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 56
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The hills are no joke for real. The trick is finding ways around the ones you can avoid!
That sounds like a pretty solid route man, big props for doing it. Having lived in that city for most of my life, I know how car-centric it is. Worst drivers in the world...
That sounds like a pretty solid route man, big props for doing it. Having lived in that city for most of my life, I know how car-centric it is. Worst drivers in the world...
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Posts: 183
Bikes: Azor Mechanic Series 108
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree with your comment about the ultimate savings being the elimination of the car. I tried and failed over the last year to convince my wife to get rid of the car if I could commute the entire year without it. I almost made it, but had to drive five times.
#46
simply bikin'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 404
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Roubaix Pro; 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport; 2009 Specialized Rockhopper 29er Comp; 2006 Flyte Arsenal; 2001 Bianchi Reparto Corse Boron XL; 2007 Raleigh One Way; 1986 Raleigh Alyeska Touring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I know you were being facetious, but for the benefit of others, you're probably more likely to need a knee replacement if you don't cycle, and instead walk around overweight. As long as you adjust your seat height properly, spin, and generally look after yourself, your knees should tolerate cycling forever.
And yes, I was definitely kidding. I know waaaaaaay more people who have had knee replacements from being overweight than from riding.
BTW... my soreness is from trainer riding, climbing and skiing, not from commuting.
#47
simply bikin'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 404
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Roubaix Pro; 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport; 2009 Specialized Rockhopper 29er Comp; 2006 Flyte Arsenal; 2001 Bianchi Reparto Corse Boron XL; 2007 Raleigh One Way; 1986 Raleigh Alyeska Touring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bicycling Wastes Gas?
Makes the argument that the extra calories we need to burn to ride a bike instead of drive costs more in energy consumption than simply driving a car, given the typical American diet. Why? Because cows eat far more grain than they produce in beef. In other words, it's somebody pushing a vegetarian agenda.
#48
Year-round cyclist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Montréal (Québec)
Posts: 3,023
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
...For the car, I figure I've spent around $46,000 in the last 11 years and 165,000 miles I've had it if you increase the gas price to today's dollars.
Car + financing: 18000
Gas @ $3/gal: 14100
Insurance: 9900
Maintenance: 3000
Repairs: 1000
Total: $46000
$46,000 / 165,000 miles = $0.28/mile
My bike on the other hand I've spent $1078 on so far and logged 360 miles. ....
Bike: $348
Accessories so far: $730
Total: $1078
$1078 / 360 miles = $2.99/mile
Car + financing: 18000
Gas @ $3/gal: 14100
Insurance: 9900
Maintenance: 3000
Repairs: 1000
Total: $46000
$46,000 / 165,000 miles = $0.28/mile
My bike on the other hand I've spent $1078 on so far and logged 360 miles. ....
Bike: $348
Accessories so far: $730
Total: $1078
$1078 / 360 miles = $2.99/mile
For both vehicles, fixed costs are very important. My car costs are currently almost twice as high as yours because I have driven only 190 000 km (118 000 miles) in the last 11 years, and nearly two thirds of that mileage was done in the first three or four years.
On the other hand, I have a touring bike bought in December 2000 for 1400 $, plus nearly 500 $ of accessories (different cassette, racks, lights and lights upgrades) and another 300 $ of maintenance and parts (winter tires, replacement tires and a couple of chains), and I have ridden 35 000 km with it. So it comes to:
Total cost: 2200 $
Distance covered: 35 000 km
Cost per kilometre : 0,063 $/km or 0,1012 $/mile
#49
Big Doofus
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cascadia
Posts: 1,007
Bikes: Trek 830 MTB, Fuji S10-S
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Let's see:
Used Huffy MTB at Goodwill, 2003: $25
Various bits (racks, mirrors, blinkie etc.), from Goodwill or yard sales: $30
Tires and tubes for various bikes $150
Bells and headlights $60
Labor to set up new bike (warranty replacement, bike was free) $70
Rain jacket, pants, gloves$120
Helmets $70
Wald paperboy rack, Craigslist $20
Bike trailer, will use this year for grocery runs etc: $30
Total for me so far (est): $575
I started commuting by bike part-time in 2006, and went full-time in April of 2007. I live 2 miles from work and 5 miles from school, but that was deliberate, so I could easily commute by bike. I swapped that first 10-speed Huffy at the local bike co-op for a 21-speed Huffy, which I gave back to the co-op when I got my (free) Trek 830 MTB, which got replaced under warranty when the head tube cracked. That replacement bike, a Trek 820 with Conti road slicks, is my main ride. I have three other bikes, all of which were freebies as well.
I'm not trying to be critical or judgmental of all you big spenders, because everybody has a different situation and different needs. But at the same time I want to put it out there that it can be done rather cheaply; I wouldn't want any would-be commuters put off by thinking the start-up cost will be prohibitive.
Used Huffy MTB at Goodwill, 2003: $25
Various bits (racks, mirrors, blinkie etc.), from Goodwill or yard sales: $30
Tires and tubes for various bikes $150
Bells and headlights $60
Labor to set up new bike (warranty replacement, bike was free) $70
Rain jacket, pants, gloves$120
Helmets $70
Wald paperboy rack, Craigslist $20
Bike trailer, will use this year for grocery runs etc: $30
Total for me so far (est): $575
I started commuting by bike part-time in 2006, and went full-time in April of 2007. I live 2 miles from work and 5 miles from school, but that was deliberate, so I could easily commute by bike. I swapped that first 10-speed Huffy at the local bike co-op for a 21-speed Huffy, which I gave back to the co-op when I got my (free) Trek 830 MTB, which got replaced under warranty when the head tube cracked. That replacement bike, a Trek 820 with Conti road slicks, is my main ride. I have three other bikes, all of which were freebies as well.
I'm not trying to be critical or judgmental of all you big spenders, because everybody has a different situation and different needs. But at the same time I want to put it out there that it can be done rather cheaply; I wouldn't want any would-be commuters put off by thinking the start-up cost will be prohibitive.
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Boston
Posts: 4,556
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
After about one month of commuting 3-4 days a week, the financial impact is evident...
Our credit card bill that we use for gas purchases was $150 dollars less than the previous
month. With gas prices estimated to increase .40-.50 this summer, the savings will continue to grow.
After just two months of commuting I will have saved equal to the money I paid for my bike
($140@craigslist) and the gear and clothing I have purchased... I don't think I have ever done
an activity that so quickly showed a return on investment- and that doesn't take into consideration
the health benefits.
A big "thank you" to all the posters here for their advice and information, and post how much money you think you save monthly by commuting...
Our credit card bill that we use for gas purchases was $150 dollars less than the previous
month. With gas prices estimated to increase .40-.50 this summer, the savings will continue to grow.
After just two months of commuting I will have saved equal to the money I paid for my bike
($140@craigslist) and the gear and clothing I have purchased... I don't think I have ever done
an activity that so quickly showed a return on investment- and that doesn't take into consideration
the health benefits.
A big "thank you" to all the posters here for their advice and information, and post how much money you think you save monthly by commuting...
I use this to get an estimate of the cot of commuting. Unfortunately it only does newer cars:
https://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController