What are YOUR pros and cons of bike commuting?
10-10-09 | 08:36 PM
#76
Tell a thousand lies...
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: In Philly for the time being
Bikes: Cheap-o MTB, 1980 Fuji Gran Tourer SE
Originally Posted by TwoHeadsBrewing
-After poker night, riding to work hung over SUCKS!
10-10-09 | 09:18 PM
#77
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
Pros:
The excerise
being outdoors
stress relief
getting past traffic
health benefits
joy of cycling
Cons
changing clothes
having to be more organized
stupid drivers
checking the weather more carefully
Gas, the price of a can of beans
The excerise
being outdoors
stress relief
getting past traffic
health benefits
joy of cycling
Cons
changing clothes
having to be more organized
stupid drivers
checking the weather more carefully
Gas, the price of a can of beans
10-10-09 | 09:30 PM
#78
Ridin for the sweat
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: College Point
Bikes: Giordano Libero
[QUOTE=looie;9813428]Pro:
Con:
* The ride is only 9 miles each way. I think 12 or 15 each way might be perfect.
* I'm still pretty slow. Typically takes me 35 minutes. I'd like to get it well under 30.
according to Ride the city my commute is:
Total distance: 9.7 miles
Time estimate: 58 to 78 mins.
and takes me 47 to 50 mins. You are not slow you ride pretty fast, well I must admit, going over the Brooklyn bridge slow me down alot, I sometimes need to stop and drink and wipe my sweat.
Con:
* The ride is only 9 miles each way. I think 12 or 15 each way might be perfect.
* I'm still pretty slow. Typically takes me 35 minutes. I'd like to get it well under 30.
according to Ride the city my commute is:
Total distance: 9.7 miles
Time estimate: 58 to 78 mins.
and takes me 47 to 50 mins. You are not slow you ride pretty fast, well I must admit, going over the Brooklyn bridge slow me down alot, I sometimes need to stop and drink and wipe my sweat.
10-10-09 | 10:49 PM
#79
Velocommuter Commando
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 38
From: Houston, Texas
Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid
I'm sure you've been asked countless times about the pros and cons about why YOU bike commute.
It's definitely not as simple as better fitness or lower cost. Some do it for fun, some do it for convenience, etc.
Let's hear your TRUE reasons for bike commuting as well as your TRUE hates of bike commuting. No sugar-coating for the general public here.
It's definitely not as simple as better fitness or lower cost. Some do it for fun, some do it for convenience, etc.
Let's hear your TRUE reasons for bike commuting as well as your TRUE hates of bike commuting. No sugar-coating for the general public here.
The Pros:
Much healthier mode of transport as I burn 1500 Calories a day which in a car would require a gym trip.
Cycling is a natural de-stressor it is also allows you to be more in tune with the environment (smell the smells, experience the local climate)
No need to leave a 3,000 lbs piece of property in a parking lot exposed to the elements and vandalization. (Bike is parked in my office)
Deeper sleep from exercising.
Saving an eighth of a tank of gas every day.
Being able to eat more do to caloric depletion.
The cons:
Having to wake up at 4:00am to beat the traffic.
Getting less sleep.
Needing special clothing to cope with the Texas heat.
Having to be super organized and obsessed with detail so nothing I need gets left behind either at home or the office.
The perpetual maintenance of the bike (Changing dirty for clean clothes, cleaning and lubing the chain, checking tire pressure, charging lights)
The prep time to return home.
Contending with ignorant red-necks and women who never learned how to get around road hazards without freaking out.
b. Contending with ignorant rednecks and others who have forgotten the contents of the Texas Driver Handbook
10-10-09 | 11:21 PM
#80
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 3
From: Burnaby, BC
Pros: Exercise and fun!
Cons: Well rain sucks. I sometimes worry about dying (being run over). I'm a bit sweaty when I get to work, but I don't think I'm smelly. It's impossible to pick up young ladies on a bicycle - for me anyways.
Cons: Well rain sucks. I sometimes worry about dying (being run over). I'm a bit sweaty when I get to work, but I don't think I'm smelly. It's impossible to pick up young ladies on a bicycle - for me anyways.
10-10-09 | 11:32 PM
#82
Ha ha HA! Me likey bikey!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Bikes: Trek 7.2 FX
Aside from my roomates, the nearest of my friends is 14 miles away. No, I can't just hop on my bike and ride over there whenever. Time and energy IS an important consideration for me.
10-10-09 | 11:51 PM
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Germany
I have a very short commute to work (5 km RT to one building and 6.8 km RT to the other). Most of the pros and cons have already been mentioned. Here are mine:
PROS:
* It's a good way to wake up and get the blood going in the morning and a nice way to end the workday.
* Cycling is environmentally-friendly and reduces my personal carbon footprint.
* I reduce wear and tear on my car. The short drives to work and back are actually bad for my car because the engine doesn't have a chance to warm up properly.
* Just about all of the parking for cars in my town is pay parking. It's free to park a bike and easier.
* It's good cross-training for running.
* Bike commuting is a normal thing here because so many people do it. Local motorists know to watch out for people on bikes.
* It's fun.
CONS:
* Heavy rain, snow, and ice. (I admit to being a weather wimp.)
* Having to wash up and change clothes in the bathroom at work on warm days.
* When it has been damp out and I miss a spot wiping my seat before my ride. It looks like I wet myself.
PROS:
* It's a good way to wake up and get the blood going in the morning and a nice way to end the workday.
* Cycling is environmentally-friendly and reduces my personal carbon footprint.
* I reduce wear and tear on my car. The short drives to work and back are actually bad for my car because the engine doesn't have a chance to warm up properly.
* Just about all of the parking for cars in my town is pay parking. It's free to park a bike and easier.
* It's good cross-training for running.
* Bike commuting is a normal thing here because so many people do it. Local motorists know to watch out for people on bikes.
* It's fun.
CONS:
* Heavy rain, snow, and ice. (I admit to being a weather wimp.)
* Having to wash up and change clothes in the bathroom at work on warm days.
* When it has been damp out and I miss a spot wiping my seat before my ride. It looks like I wet myself.
10-11-09 | 01:34 AM
#85
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 9,352
Likes: 4
From: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
My loves of bike commuting:
#1) Fun and environmentally responsible. Fun factor is the biggest one for me. I actually really enjoy being that crazy late-night biker with all the lights and getup on the road. It's like an adventure every day, especially during the later hours. I also love window-web shopping for bike upgrades (even though I rarely upgrade.)
#2) Convenience - In LA, traffic can get horrendous during rush hour. Parking is equally bad. So bike commuting is a big plus. However, this can be offset by the crush of cars trying to run you over on non-bike friendly streets.
#3) Cost - While it definitely costs a lot less to ride a bike than to drive, I could take the local bus for similar cost. Still, it makes me happy to be using a fixed-cost expense rather than something oil-dependent. I still don't like the cost argument though, as it would mean that you would drive just because you could afford it - which I don't think is valid.
HATES:
1) Having to change out of bike clothes. God I hate this part. I feel like a homeless person when I'm changing from bike clothes to normal clothes in a bathroom.
2) Lack of secure storage for shopping, etc. - Shopping is severely limited by my lack of a trunk to store things. Of course, this comes with the benefit of not buying too much useless stuff!
3) Slow factor - In almost all situations for me, the bike is slower than my car. Even in hellacious LA traffic, I can only beat my car time by minutes. My bike commute is short, so it's not a big deal for me but for me, the car is undoubtedly faster, even with the parking hassle.
#1) Fun and environmentally responsible. Fun factor is the biggest one for me. I actually really enjoy being that crazy late-night biker with all the lights and getup on the road. It's like an adventure every day, especially during the later hours. I also love window-web shopping for bike upgrades (even though I rarely upgrade.)
#2) Convenience - In LA, traffic can get horrendous during rush hour. Parking is equally bad. So bike commuting is a big plus. However, this can be offset by the crush of cars trying to run you over on non-bike friendly streets.
#3) Cost - While it definitely costs a lot less to ride a bike than to drive, I could take the local bus for similar cost. Still, it makes me happy to be using a fixed-cost expense rather than something oil-dependent. I still don't like the cost argument though, as it would mean that you would drive just because you could afford it - which I don't think is valid.
HATES:
1) Having to change out of bike clothes. God I hate this part. I feel like a homeless person when I'm changing from bike clothes to normal clothes in a bathroom.
2) Lack of secure storage for shopping, etc. - Shopping is severely limited by my lack of a trunk to store things. Of course, this comes with the benefit of not buying too much useless stuff!
3) Slow factor - In almost all situations for me, the bike is slower than my car. Even in hellacious LA traffic, I can only beat my car time by minutes. My bike commute is short, so it's not a big deal for me but for me, the car is undoubtedly faster, even with the parking hassle.
10-11-09 | 01:49 AM
#86
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 9,352
Likes: 4
From: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Pros:
We have a six-month waiting list for the parking deck here - I jumped it by taking the bike instead and parking it on the rack inside the deck.
Riding clears my head at the end of the day
Saving tons of money that I can spend on things like our impending baby
Local university campus is on my ride home, and has nice "scenery"
Cons:
I sweat a LOT. That in itself isn't a bad thing, but having to change into work clothes afterwards is.
The roads are in horrible condition around here, and that hurts the boys
Need a more effective laptop-carrying solution.
We have a six-month waiting list for the parking deck here - I jumped it by taking the bike instead and parking it on the rack inside the deck.
Riding clears my head at the end of the day
Saving tons of money that I can spend on things like our impending baby
Local university campus is on my ride home, and has nice "scenery"
Cons:
I sweat a LOT. That in itself isn't a bad thing, but having to change into work clothes afterwards is.
The roads are in horrible condition around here, and that hurts the boys
Need a more effective laptop-carrying solution.
10-11-09 | 08:40 AM
#87
Lone Ranger
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
From: Middlesex County, NJ
Bikes: Trek 7200FX(unfortunately)
I think all of the requisite pros and cons about saving money, exercise, changing clothes, etc. have all been mentioned. Here are few that stand out for me:
Pros:
I can get out of some social engagements like tupperware parties, baby showers, etc. because I tell them biking 35 miles there would be a hardship.
I can have the extra beer at the bar and not worry about a cop sitting in the parking lot just waiting to bust someone for that .001 over.
I can go places and explore that I couldn't with a car because of lack of parking, such as trails, places to pick berries, old fields and farms, etc.
I enjoy finding the shortcuts that only a bike can take advantage of! And telling people in cars that they have to take the long way.
There are places here that charge admission by the carload, but bicyclists are free. (Parks and beaches)
Looking forward to the commute at the end of the day instead of dreading the "deadtime" sitting in a car.
Cons:
Carrying a ton of clothing around. Commuters need cycling clothes they can work in!!
Getting laughed at by the kids waiting at the bus stops because I don't match or I'm wearing a reflective vest or because my bike looks like a pee-wee herman special.
Having a longer suburban commute - 12 miles e/w. I'm right in between the urban cycling and the touring categories. Can't bike in my street clothes, can't commute on a heavy comfy dutch bike. It would be nice to commute on a pretty bike with a sundress, but its impractical. I hate having to go somewhere and change into "normal clothes".
LONELY! I rarely see another cyclist. I don't get the joys of meeting other people on bikes; no friendly races, no one to affirm what I do. It gets very lonely when you feel like you are the only one on a bicycle surrounded by SUVs.
There is no bicycle infrastructure here - no bike lanes, no sharrows, no MUPs. People who cycle here put their bikes on their car racks and go to the park to do loops. Sometimes on the road here, I feel like an early mammal in the world of jurassic giants, scrambling along, trying not to get stepped on.
In suburbia, everything is far away. Everything requires planning, time, energy. Makes me wish for a hub motor sometimes. Takes the spontenaity out of things.
Pros:
I can get out of some social engagements like tupperware parties, baby showers, etc. because I tell them biking 35 miles there would be a hardship.
I can have the extra beer at the bar and not worry about a cop sitting in the parking lot just waiting to bust someone for that .001 over.
I can go places and explore that I couldn't with a car because of lack of parking, such as trails, places to pick berries, old fields and farms, etc.
I enjoy finding the shortcuts that only a bike can take advantage of! And telling people in cars that they have to take the long way.
There are places here that charge admission by the carload, but bicyclists are free. (Parks and beaches)
Looking forward to the commute at the end of the day instead of dreading the "deadtime" sitting in a car.
Cons:
Carrying a ton of clothing around. Commuters need cycling clothes they can work in!!
Getting laughed at by the kids waiting at the bus stops because I don't match or I'm wearing a reflective vest or because my bike looks like a pee-wee herman special.
Having a longer suburban commute - 12 miles e/w. I'm right in between the urban cycling and the touring categories. Can't bike in my street clothes, can't commute on a heavy comfy dutch bike. It would be nice to commute on a pretty bike with a sundress, but its impractical. I hate having to go somewhere and change into "normal clothes".
LONELY! I rarely see another cyclist. I don't get the joys of meeting other people on bikes; no friendly races, no one to affirm what I do. It gets very lonely when you feel like you are the only one on a bicycle surrounded by SUVs.
There is no bicycle infrastructure here - no bike lanes, no sharrows, no MUPs. People who cycle here put their bikes on their car racks and go to the park to do loops. Sometimes on the road here, I feel like an early mammal in the world of jurassic giants, scrambling along, trying not to get stepped on.
In suburbia, everything is far away. Everything requires planning, time, energy. Makes me wish for a hub motor sometimes. Takes the spontenaity out of things.
Last edited by Minerva; 10-11-09 at 08:44 AM.
10-11-09 | 10:06 AM
#88
Two Wheeled Truth Seeker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Papillion, NE
Bikes: 2008 Specialized Crossroads Sport
Pros:
Fresh air and sun (or fog - this is the Central Coast
)
Fitness - Just enough to wake up and get the blood pumping
Fuel savings (not that significant with such a short commute - 4mi each way)
Food savings - helps force me to carry lunch in instead of going out
Extra time to decompress on way home - let work be work/home be home
Cons:
Coastal Headwinds
Changing clothes (riding in uniform is WAY too hot)
Coastal Headwinds
Harder to run errands at lunch/on way home
Coastal Headwinds
Extra time in the morning - after PT on M/F don't have time to ride and make it to morning meeting
Have I mentioned coastal headwinds?
Fresh air and sun (or fog - this is the Central Coast
)Fitness - Just enough to wake up and get the blood pumping
Fuel savings (not that significant with such a short commute - 4mi each way)
Food savings - helps force me to carry lunch in instead of going out
Extra time to decompress on way home - let work be work/home be home
Cons:
Coastal Headwinds
Changing clothes (riding in uniform is WAY too hot)
Coastal Headwinds
Harder to run errands at lunch/on way home
Coastal Headwinds
Extra time in the morning - after PT on M/F don't have time to ride and make it to morning meeting
Have I mentioned coastal headwinds?
01-03-13 | 02:15 AM
#89
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
This is why some bike clubs around the country exist when the law permits. I love them overall.
Last edited by nuen; 01-03-13 at 02:28 AM.
01-03-13 | 02:58 AM
#90
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
Pros:
1. Additional exercise (can really focus at work)
2. Great infrastructure to use
3. Extra time with gf on the bike
4. sSwer at work so I'm fresh and ready to go
Cons:
1. More money spent on food (1000kcal extra/day for two people = roughly €5/day or €150/$200 per month).
1. Additional exercise (can really focus at work)
2. Great infrastructure to use
3. Extra time with gf on the bike
4. sSwer at work so I'm fresh and ready to go
Cons:
1. More money spent on food (1000kcal extra/day for two people = roughly €5/day or €150/$200 per month).
01-03-13 | 11:35 AM
#93
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I am going to start commuting to university by bike now. The train journey is about 40-50 minutes door to door.
Pros:
Allows me to keep fit without having to find time to cycle after I get back from university. The way I see it is, if I cycle into work even though it takes me a bit longer I wont need to go cycling outside of work to keep fit.
Ill be more awake in the morning (fingers crossed)
Cons:
I have commuted to work before, that being said the distance was shorter but my appetite for food shot through the roof so I guess that is a con.
Pros:
Allows me to keep fit without having to find time to cycle after I get back from university. The way I see it is, if I cycle into work even though it takes me a bit longer I wont need to go cycling outside of work to keep fit.
Ill be more awake in the morning (fingers crossed)
Cons:
I have commuted to work before, that being said the distance was shorter but my appetite for food shot through the roof so I guess that is a con.
01-03-13 | 02:45 PM
#94
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
Pros:
1. More awake and alert at the end of the commute.
2. Depending on the route, commuting can be more leisurely and relaxing (I used to ride home along the canal towpath on summer afternoons)
3. Don't have to worry about parking.
4. The commute is combined with exercise- gym membership is unnecessary and time is not wasted at the gym.
4a. If you didn't go to the gym previously, you can lose weight without cutting down on food (or eat more without gaining weight)
5. Save money on fuel/public transport fares.
6. Heavy traffic is less of a problem.
Cons:
1. Have to plan more for the weather conditions.
2. Finding the motivation to head out in the cold and wet.
3. Carrying lots of stuff can be an issue.
4. Have to deal with occasional blind/incompetent/half-asleep motorists
1. More awake and alert at the end of the commute.
2. Depending on the route, commuting can be more leisurely and relaxing (I used to ride home along the canal towpath on summer afternoons)
3. Don't have to worry about parking.
4. The commute is combined with exercise- gym membership is unnecessary and time is not wasted at the gym.
4a. If you didn't go to the gym previously, you can lose weight without cutting down on food (or eat more without gaining weight)
5. Save money on fuel/public transport fares.
6. Heavy traffic is less of a problem.
Cons:
1. Have to plan more for the weather conditions.
2. Finding the motivation to head out in the cold and wet.
3. Carrying lots of stuff can be an issue.
4. Have to deal with occasional blind/incompetent/half-asleep motorists
01-03-13 | 03:43 PM
#95
Acts 2:38
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: '10 Marin Lucas Valley, '13 Scott Speedster 20
Pros: Freeeeedom and exercise.
Cons: I have to be in bed by 9 pm to be up 4 am to be at work by 5:15 am; time spent readying my gear (tire inflation, bike inspection, changing batteries, laundering kit, making sure my cameras are clear of previous day's recordings, etc.); hazardous route (riding an expressway).
Cons: I have to be in bed by 9 pm to be up 4 am to be at work by 5:15 am; time spent readying my gear (tire inflation, bike inspection, changing batteries, laundering kit, making sure my cameras are clear of previous day's recordings, etc.); hazardous route (riding an expressway).
01-03-13 | 04:35 PM
#96
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,231
Likes: 6,489
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Pros:
It's fun!
It's scary, so I get a feeling of great triumph every time I succeed, especially when the conditions are bad.
I feel great.
I get to look like a superhero to my cow-orkers.
Cons:
It takes planning to set up my gear.
In bad conditions, it can be uncomfortable.
I don't do it often enough.
I find it funny that some serious cyclists around here ride long distances for fun or exercise but are impressed that my bike commute is 13 miles each way. That sounds like a lot to them. The difference between their ride and mine is that mine is useful. So usefulness makes a ride seem longer? Isn't that funny?!
It's fun!
It's scary, so I get a feeling of great triumph every time I succeed, especially when the conditions are bad.
I feel great.
I get to look like a superhero to my cow-orkers.
Cons:
It takes planning to set up my gear.
In bad conditions, it can be uncomfortable.
I don't do it often enough.
I find it funny that some serious cyclists around here ride long distances for fun or exercise but are impressed that my bike commute is 13 miles each way. That sounds like a lot to them. The difference between their ride and mine is that mine is useful. So usefulness makes a ride seem longer? Isn't that funny?!
__________________
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.
01-03-13 | 07:43 PM
#97
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Pros: Like most said, it's cheap, easy and fun way to to get in your exercise. Lost 30 lbs and am now the same weight as I was when I graduated from high school 20 some odd years ago. I also get a kick out of the coworkers reaction when they come to work in their winter jacket and I'm on my bike!
Cons: I lost 30 lbs, so now most of my work clothes don't fit, which means shopping and I. Hate. Clothes Shopping. Indiana Jones like snakes more than I like shopping. Also trying to dress for those spring/fall days when it's 30 in the morning but 60-70 in the afternoon. My backpack can only hold so much!
Cons: I lost 30 lbs, so now most of my work clothes don't fit, which means shopping and I. Hate. Clothes Shopping. Indiana Jones like snakes more than I like shopping. Also trying to dress for those spring/fall days when it's 30 in the morning but 60-70 in the afternoon. My backpack can only hold so much!
01-03-13 | 08:25 PM
#99
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
Hmm... what fuel am I replacing? Food! American food - highly processed using lots of energy.
Even if you discard that arguement, there's another big plus for ebikes in regards to the environment.
There's been many occasions where I would've taken a car instead had I not had the bionx because I was either too tired, the trip would've taken too long by regular bike, my load was too heavy, or I had some sort of injury or illness.
I only need 350Wh to charge it fully to help me ride 60 miles. That's the amount you use to watch an hour and a half of TV on a 40" LCD screen. And compared to the additional car miles it replaces, it's drastically smaller.
Even if you discard that arguement, there's another big plus for ebikes in regards to the environment.
There's been many occasions where I would've taken a car instead had I not had the bionx because I was either too tired, the trip would've taken too long by regular bike, my load was too heavy, or I had some sort of injury or illness.
I only need 350Wh to charge it fully to help me ride 60 miles. That's the amount you use to watch an hour and a half of TV on a 40" LCD screen. And compared to the additional car miles it replaces, it's drastically smaller.
Too bad you have to defend the electric bike. That's a lot of distance for a little juice. Plus you are moving with about 50 to 70 pounds as opposed to 2,000 to 4,500 in a cage.
01-03-13 | 08:36 PM
#100
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN