What are YOUR pros and cons of bike commuting?
01-03-13 | 11:39 PM
#101
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 34
From: Central Illinois
Bikes: 2008 Dawes Haymaker 20XX Leader LD515 TotoCycling Road Bike
Pros: Saves money on gas and reduces mileage on my car. Can take certain routes and shortcuts that I couldn't in a car.
Cons: Miserable and wet in rain, can't carry much, takes longer. Not enjoyable to ride when very tired.
Cons: Miserable and wet in rain, can't carry much, takes longer. Not enjoyable to ride when very tired.
01-04-13 | 12:13 AM
#102
or tarckeemoon, depending
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 2
From: the pesto of cities
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
Pros:
saves money (we have one car, and commuting by bike allows us to keep it to that). Out commutes are both bus-able. Bike is still cheaper
My short commute is often faster, and certainly not significantly slower than driving
"free" exercise/stress management
family time - often in the summer my wife and I will ride together home. She tows our son to day care in the trailer and I tow him home. I have great memories of this.
Instead of sitting in traffic for an hour + I'm home at 6 and have enough time to make most meals from scratch. A less obvious health benefit.
Cons:
we knew we both wanted to live a bike-commutable distance from work. To do that with our budget we had to buy a smaller and less pristine house to live where we wanted. I'm also not sure I would want to work somewhere I could not ride to, so I'm limiting my career prospects too I suppose.
Danger. A few people have been killed along the route I take. It takes me over one of the sketchiest bridges in the city for cyclists.
It keeps me engaged in the world of bike nerdery. I have to go to the bike shop to get tubes or whatever and see all the shiny things.
saves money (we have one car, and commuting by bike allows us to keep it to that). Out commutes are both bus-able. Bike is still cheaper
My short commute is often faster, and certainly not significantly slower than driving
"free" exercise/stress management
family time - often in the summer my wife and I will ride together home. She tows our son to day care in the trailer and I tow him home. I have great memories of this.
Instead of sitting in traffic for an hour + I'm home at 6 and have enough time to make most meals from scratch. A less obvious health benefit.
Cons:
we knew we both wanted to live a bike-commutable distance from work. To do that with our budget we had to buy a smaller and less pristine house to live where we wanted. I'm also not sure I would want to work somewhere I could not ride to, so I'm limiting my career prospects too I suppose.
Danger. A few people have been killed along the route I take. It takes me over one of the sketchiest bridges in the city for cyclists.
It keeps me engaged in the world of bike nerdery. I have to go to the bike shop to get tubes or whatever and see all the shiny things.
01-04-13 | 12:16 AM
#103
or tarckeemoon, depending
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 2
From: the pesto of cities
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
Despite living and commuting in Seattle I don't consider the weather a major con. I certainly don't love it every day, but unless it's icy I'm generally fine with it. The feeling like a badass balances out feeling like a drowned rat for the most part.
01-04-13 | 12:26 AM
#104
Mmm hm!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Oregon
Pros: I get to my destinations much faster than using public transit; I save $$$ by not using public transit or a car; I stay sexy & fit; the bike commute is my needed meditation in a chaotic world.
Cons: none. Ok, sometimes I ***** about riding in the rain...
Cons: none. Ok, sometimes I ***** about riding in the rain...
01-04-13 | 10:07 PM
#105
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 317
Likes: 7
From: Santa Barbara
Bikes: 2011 Surly Cross Check
Big pro: Day like today where on a whim I decide to go for a lunch time ride and have just a fantastic time for an hour or so. Can't do that when I drive (which is basically never or I am surfing or the weather is horrible)
con: not getting to ride
con: not getting to ride
01-05-13 | 12:31 AM
#106
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Bikes: Pure Fix Romeo
Pro:
Fun while riding
Great way to exercise
No gas needed!
Easier to park
Can ride through traffics
Saves money.
Cons:
Having to deal with rain, wind, and heat while riding a bike on a commute
Dealing with mud and whatnot when the road is wet
Chance of flats
Drivers and peds being a d*ck
Dealing with bad road condition
Can get tiring
There's more but those are my main ones lol.
Fun while riding
Great way to exercise
No gas needed!
Easier to park
Can ride through traffics
Saves money.
Cons:
Having to deal with rain, wind, and heat while riding a bike on a commute
Dealing with mud and whatnot when the road is wet
Chance of flats
Drivers and peds being a d*ck
Dealing with bad road condition
Can get tiring
There's more but those are my main ones lol.
01-05-13 | 02:39 AM
#108
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
Bikes: Specialized Rock Hopper
Pros: I get to my destinations much faster than using public transit; I save $$$ by not using public transit or a car; I stay sexy & fit; the bike commute is my needed meditation in a chaotic world. all true
01-05-13 | 06:21 AM
#109
xtrajack
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
01-07-13 | 07:52 AM
#110
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
PaulR:
No - on the contrary. I didn't like the fact that someone condemned his choice of ride. I believe that an electric bike is a great way to get around (I don't have one though, but always interested) and my post suggested that it is way better than driving a multi-ton vehicle to move +-150 pounds of human.
We are all part of the same movement - electric, road, utility, mtn, fixie, recumbant, trike, hybrid, touring, etc.
No - on the contrary. I didn't like the fact that someone condemned his choice of ride. I believe that an electric bike is a great way to get around (I don't have one though, but always interested) and my post suggested that it is way better than driving a multi-ton vehicle to move +-150 pounds of human.
We are all part of the same movement - electric, road, utility, mtn, fixie, recumbant, trike, hybrid, touring, etc.
Last edited by Ridefreemc; 01-07-13 at 09:07 AM.
01-07-13 | 11:16 AM
#111
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
PaulR:
No - on the contrary. I didn't like the fact that someone condemned his choice of ride. I believe that an electric bike is a great way to get around (I don't have one though, but always interested) and my post suggested that it is way better than driving a multi-ton vehicle to move +-150 pounds of human.
We are all part of the same movement - electric, road, utility, mtn, fixie, recumbant, trike, hybrid, touring, etc.
No - on the contrary. I didn't like the fact that someone condemned his choice of ride. I believe that an electric bike is a great way to get around (I don't have one though, but always interested) and my post suggested that it is way better than driving a multi-ton vehicle to move +-150 pounds of human.
We are all part of the same movement - electric, road, utility, mtn, fixie, recumbant, trike, hybrid, touring, etc.
The only time I have a beef myself is against those small number of people who seem to buy one for the ego rush of passing a bunch of other people with little effort on their part. That situation just creates an arms race based on money and no real effort whatsoever.
But I agree with you, for sure, in every other situation that an electric bike is a great way to get around for:
- People who need to assistance to keep up on a ride with their friends
- People who need it to get to work not being exhausted
- People who just want a fallback for riding to work in case they're feeling tired that day
- Guest bike (I'm thinking of getting one so people can keep up with me, haha)
- People who like to tinker with new tech
- Etc, etc, etc...
01-08-13 | 08:19 AM
#112
Old and in the way.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 355
Likes: 47
From: Eugene OR
Bikes: Jamis Renegade and Kona Jake
I like the exersise and the alone time when I bike... I hate that my office is 22 miles from my house. Especially on the way home. That combined with the hours I work and the fact that I spend most of my work day outside make it impractical for every day, as I just don't have that kind of energy. Also right now with the winter weather I hate getting ready for the ride, it feels like I moved out west with less **** than I need to pedal across town.
01-08-13 | 09:40 PM
#113
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
What an awesome thread! Thanks for getting it back in circulation.
My commute is a 30-miler round trip, and I do it two three times per week.
Pros:
Fun (there's really no other way to describe it.)
Makes me feel a bit closer to my community
Health benefits
Helps prepare me for long distance touring
In a small way, I'm doing my part for the environment
Cons:
Lack of facilities at the office for cleaning/changing
Heat in central Texas during the dog days of summer
My commute is a 30-miler round trip, and I do it two three times per week.
Pros:
Fun (there's really no other way to describe it.)
Makes me feel a bit closer to my community
Health benefits
Helps prepare me for long distance touring
In a small way, I'm doing my part for the environment
Cons:
Lack of facilities at the office for cleaning/changing
Heat in central Texas during the dog days of summer
01-11-13 | 12:13 AM
#114
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
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.
01-11-13 | 12:18 AM
#115
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
Pros:
1. Feel good about myself at the end of the ride
2. Saves on gasoline
3. I can beat my fellow co-workers to work
4. I can keep an eye on my bike because I bring the bike into my office
5. I am not expected to do unexpected family errands because I am on my bike.
6. Saves on gym costs
Cons:
1.Dumb comments from fellow co-workers
2. Rain and ice
1. Feel good about myself at the end of the ride
2. Saves on gasoline
3. I can beat my fellow co-workers to work
4. I can keep an eye on my bike because I bring the bike into my office
5. I am not expected to do unexpected family errands because I am on my bike.
6. Saves on gym costs
Cons:
1.Dumb comments from fellow co-workers
2. Rain and ice
01-11-13 | 07:30 AM
#116
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
I talked about my bike commuting with two cow-orkers recently. They thought it was brilliant, since I don't need time to work out.
A third saw me ride in one day when it was 40F outside. He said, "Are you CRAZY? It's freezing outside!"
Perhaps the difference in their attitudes is their backgrounds. The first two are Chinese immigrants. I'm sure they're familiar with the concept of bike commuting. The third weighs 350 pounds and thinks climbing one flight of stairs is stupid.
A third saw me ride in one day when it was 40F outside. He said, "Are you CRAZY? It's freezing outside!"
Perhaps the difference in their attitudes is their backgrounds. The first two are Chinese immigrants. I'm sure they're familiar with the concept of bike commuting. The third weighs 350 pounds and thinks climbing one flight of stairs is stupid.
__________________
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.
01-11-13 | 07:56 AM
#118
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 317
Likes: 7
From: Santa Barbara
Bikes: 2011 Surly Cross Check
To me, it is interesting how the quantity of dumb comments has decreased in the past few years. Not sure if it is related to the price of fuel increase, or people are just used to me being a dumb bike commuter. 
I will say that doing this for 25 years has saved a TON of $$, about 50,000 miles worth of driving. I estimated my cost of biking at around $5000 for 25 years, as I am a one bike at a time kind of person. I figure I have been about break even in what I would have spent on gas in those 25 years, but have saved on cars, maintenance and extra trips I would have done if I had driven. Other than gas, I wonder how much I saved riding 2,000 miles a year for 25 years?
I will say that doing this for 25 years has saved a TON of $$, about 50,000 miles worth of driving. I estimated my cost of biking at around $5000 for 25 years, as I am a one bike at a time kind of person. I figure I have been about break even in what I would have spent on gas in those 25 years, but have saved on cars, maintenance and extra trips I would have done if I had driven. Other than gas, I wonder how much I saved riding 2,000 miles a year for 25 years?
01-11-13 | 09:07 AM
#119
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
To me, it is interesting how the quantity of dumb comments has decreased in the past few years. Not sure if it is related to the price of fuel increase, or people are just used to me being a dumb bike commuter.
I will say that doing this for 25 years has saved a TON of $$, about 50,000 miles worth of driving. I estimated my cost of biking at around $5000 for 25 years, as I am a one bike at a time kind of person. I figure I have been about break even in what I would have spent on gas in those 25 years, but have saved on cars, maintenance and extra trips I would have done if I had driven. Other than gas, I wonder how much I saved riding 2,000 miles a year for 25 years?
I will say that doing this for 25 years has saved a TON of $$, about 50,000 miles worth of driving. I estimated my cost of biking at around $5000 for 25 years, as I am a one bike at a time kind of person. I figure I have been about break even in what I would have spent on gas in those 25 years, but have saved on cars, maintenance and extra trips I would have done if I had driven. Other than gas, I wonder how much I saved riding 2,000 miles a year for 25 years?
That many miles I'd think you've done better than break even on gas. For total cost of driving the IRS thinks it's 56.5 cents per mile this year, up from about 35 cents a decade ago, 31.5 in 1997. I don't know earlier than that, so guessing 35 cents as the average (close enough for government work
) you've saved over $17,500, which puts you up over $12,000! You're doing pretty well I'd say.ps, if you include saving from the extra trips you might have taken, were you driving instead, it would be way more. Probably more than double that, given the number of miles people drive around locally in general.
Last edited by wphamilton; 01-11-13 at 09:11 AM.
01-11-13 | 09:50 AM
#120
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Bikes: Diamondback Copperhead (hardtail, winter bike), 2014 Giant Rapid 2, 2015 Kona Big Rove ST
Pros:
- It's fun. I've always enjoyed riding a bike.
- Good balance between freedom of movement and travel speed.
- My commute is now my cardio exercise time so I don't have to do it at home.
- I don't have to drive. I hate driving.
- Faster than public transit.
Cons
- Imapatient drivers, cyclists & pedestrians
- Clueless drivers, cyclists & pedestrians
- Riding in rain, snow & ice. I ride in the winter but I eagerly await the return of spring.
- Having to change in & out of more layers when it's cold.
Cost doesn't really factor in for me. The money I'm not spending on a transit pass or a parking pass ends up being spent on bicycle upgrades, maintenance, gear, and clothing.
- It's fun. I've always enjoyed riding a bike.
- Good balance between freedom of movement and travel speed.
- My commute is now my cardio exercise time so I don't have to do it at home.
- I don't have to drive. I hate driving.
- Faster than public transit.
Cons
- Imapatient drivers, cyclists & pedestrians
- Clueless drivers, cyclists & pedestrians
- Riding in rain, snow & ice. I ride in the winter but I eagerly await the return of spring.
- Having to change in & out of more layers when it's cold.
Cost doesn't really factor in for me. The money I'm not spending on a transit pass or a parking pass ends up being spent on bicycle upgrades, maintenance, gear, and clothing.
Last edited by DJ Shaun; 01-11-13 at 11:52 AM. Reason: typos as usual
01-11-13 | 11:27 AM
#121
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Bikes: Bianchi circa late 1980s, Surly Cross Check, Kona Blast
I talked about my bike commuting with two cow-orkers recently. They thought it was brilliant, since I don't need time to work out.
A third saw me ride in one day when it was 40F outside. He said, "Are you CRAZY? It's freezing outside!"
Perhaps the difference in their attitudes is their backgrounds. The first two are Chinese immigrants. I'm sure they're familiar with the concept of bike commuting. The third weighs 350 pounds and thinks climbing one flight of stairs is stupid.
A third saw me ride in one day when it was 40F outside. He said, "Are you CRAZY? It's freezing outside!"
Perhaps the difference in their attitudes is their backgrounds. The first two are Chinese immigrants. I'm sure they're familiar with the concept of bike commuting. The third weighs 350 pounds and thinks climbing one flight of stairs is stupid.
People on this sports team I was on used to be absolutely BAFFLED to the point of confusion that I'd cycle or run/jog to our games.
01-11-13 | 12:15 PM
#122
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 317
Likes: 7
From: Santa Barbara
Bikes: 2011 Surly Cross Check
I've noticed the same thing after almost three years at this job. My theory is they've just gotten used to it, at work anyway. But by coincidence I got a dumb comment this morning when I stopped at a convenience store on the way in, the first in recent memory.
That many miles I'd think you've done better than break even on gas. For total cost of driving the IRS thinks it's 56.5 cents per mile this year, up from about 35 cents a decade ago, 31.5 in 1997. I don't know earlier than that, so guessing 35 cents as the average (close enough for government work) you've saved over $17,500, which puts you up over $12,000! You're doing pretty well I'd say.
ps, if you include saving from the extra trips you might have taken, were you driving instead, it would be way more. Probably more than double that, given the number of miles people drive around locally in general.
That many miles I'd think you've done better than break even on gas. For total cost of driving the IRS thinks it's 56.5 cents per mile this year, up from about 35 cents a decade ago, 31.5 in 1997. I don't know earlier than that, so guessing 35 cents as the average (close enough for government work
) you've saved over $17,500, which puts you up over $12,000! You're doing pretty well I'd say.ps, if you include saving from the extra trips you might have taken, were you driving instead, it would be way more. Probably more than double that, given the number of miles people drive around locally in general.
01-11-13 | 12:58 PM
#123
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
Did anyone notice (or care) that there was a 3+ year lapse from post #88 and #89? I don't care, but think it is funny how we can just take up a subject after that much time and simply carry on without a hitch (except for my reply).
01-11-13 | 01:03 PM
#124
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
Ah, you might want to redo your wording as I was genuinely confused.
The only time I have a beef myself is against those small number of people who seem to buy one for the ego rush of passing a bunch of other people with little effort on their part. That situation just creates an arms race based on money and no real effort whatsoever.
But I agree with you, for sure, in every other situation that an electric bike is a great way to get around for:
- People who need to assistance to keep up on a ride with their friends
- People who need it to get to work not being exhausted
- People who just want a fallback for riding to work in case they're feeling tired that day
- Guest bike (I'm thinking of getting one so people can keep up with me, haha)
- People who like to tinker with new tech
- Etc, etc, etc...
The only time I have a beef myself is against those small number of people who seem to buy one for the ego rush of passing a bunch of other people with little effort on their part. That situation just creates an arms race based on money and no real effort whatsoever.
But I agree with you, for sure, in every other situation that an electric bike is a great way to get around for:
- People who need to assistance to keep up on a ride with their friends
- People who need it to get to work not being exhausted
- People who just want a fallback for riding to work in case they're feeling tired that day
- Guest bike (I'm thinking of getting one so people can keep up with me, haha)
- People who like to tinker with new tech
- Etc, etc, etc...
I did observe myself being judgemental yesterday though. Two electric bike riders came through downtown in a rush and blew through a stop sign at about 20 mph. I thought, hey when I blow through it I have an excuse - I need to power back up on my own and should get a pass! However, they had it easy....come on!!
01-11-13 | 01:38 PM
#125
tougher than a boiled owl
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 1
From: Rocky Coast of Maine
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Nice to bring back an old post.
Pros: getting my excersize
fun
saves gas and wear on car
allows us to remain with one car
stress relief
people think I'm tougher than a boiled owl when its 0F outside
Cons: changing out of cycling clothes to work clothes at the office
rainy weather
cars that honk at me even when I'm on the far right hand side of the lane
haven't saved any money as I spend my savings on upgrades and clothing
Pros: getting my excersize
fun
saves gas and wear on car
allows us to remain with one car
stress relief
people think I'm tougher than a boiled owl when its 0F outside
Cons: changing out of cycling clothes to work clothes at the office
rainy weather
cars that honk at me even when I'm on the far right hand side of the lane
haven't saved any money as I spend my savings on upgrades and clothing