Hate the car now?
#1
Hate the car now?
I started commuting by bike about seven months ago. For the first time today since then I had to drive in (not by choice) and I absolutely hated it. I didn't make it to work any faster, I still had to deal with ****ty drivers, and I certainly don't feel as good physically nor as mentally alert as I normally do after my ride in. This whole commuting by car thing seems like a really poor way to start the day, how do people manage to do it all the time?
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 151
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From: San Antonio, TX
Bikes: Gary Fisher Tassajara, Trek 520, Trek Earl, Nashbar Hounder, Ciocc (name unknown)
I don't know. on days when I have to drive I feel physically sick and I'm an ******* all day. Since so many people drive every day, perhaps this explains why the world is such an unpleasant place?
#6
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,787
Likes: 3
It took a while of commuting to get to the "hate the car" point, but I did hit it -- about three days before calling the junkyard for that little pile o' shat. The thought of getting ANOTHER car -- now THAT I hate! It's why I haven't done so!
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
My alternate commute is usually the metro, and yes, I have grown to be quite resentful of not being able to ride my bike on days when I'm not able to ride my bike. Takes twice as long, costs money...
#9
I commute by bike to avoid the (sometimes unpredictable) traffic that fouls my 4.7 mile trip home into an hour-long ordeal. Cars are useful for all sorts of things, but my commute isn't one of them.
#10
I think it depends on a few things... your route and your car. Part of my route should I drive goes along coastal highway. And I don't consider my Stage II WRX a jalopy.
It's actually quite fun.
It is important to mix it up. Biking in and driving in keeps the mundane away. I like both.
It's actually quite fun.It is important to mix it up. Biking in and driving in keeps the mundane away. I like both.
#11
I end up driving to work about 0.5 times a month. On the days I do drive in, I really do not enjoy it. My commute takes me through one of the most congested freeways in the metro area. I usually do a bike-bus-bike commute, so I like letting the bus driver deal with the congestion.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,237
Likes: 75
From: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France
Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike
Often freeway traffic was moving along at single digits. Or even stopped. I'd have to wait up to 10 minutes to exit the freeway , when the exit lane was backed up due to traffic volume on the adjoining city street.. When on the bike , i just breeze by all this miserable congestion.. When driving the car, I'd arrive frustrated and mad. On the bike happy with the world. Happy with the world is a far better way to start your work day grind. And need to cope with office politics.
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Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living

^ Since January 1, 2012
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living
^ Since January 1, 2012
#14
#15
born again cyclist
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 88
From: Chicago
Bikes: I have five of brikes
i sold my last car 10 years ago and have hated the automobile ever since. i'm one of those anti-car fundamentalists that hates every single aspect of the 4-wheeled steel coffin.
but as for the days when, for one reason or another, i'm forced to trade in my daily bike commute for a ride to work on the train, i do sorely miss the bike ride. i don't exactly hate the train commute, it's just billions of times less fun than being on a bike.
but as for the days when, for one reason or another, i'm forced to trade in my daily bike commute for a ride to work on the train, i do sorely miss the bike ride. i don't exactly hate the train commute, it's just billions of times less fun than being on a bike.
#16
Señior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
This. I really don't feel well and can't concentrate much when I drive.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Memphis, TN
Bikes: KHS Urban Express
I wasn't able to drive today. When I got to work I was dragging and was sooo tired. Been off work for a couple hours now and I still haven't woken up fully yet. Been riding for about a month now and I strongly dislike taking the car.
#18
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
I enjoy driving very much....only to pick up my newly purchase bike at my LBS.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo - set up as a utility bike, Peter Mooney Road bike, Peter Mooney commute bike,Dahon Folder,Schwinn Paramount Tandem
It's funny, I haven't driven to work in over 10 months now, but tomorrow I am going to have to drive in to work. I have found myself being distracted all day thinking about routes, if I leave early, perhaps I can avoid dealing with....
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 6
From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
My commute takes about the same amount of time either biking or driving. Unfortunately I did have to take my car into work 3 times this year. Can't say i've gotten to the "I hate my car" attitude yet. I just prefer my bike.
#21
So you have to use Google maps to find a route you can drive to work? Man, it has been a long time. Myself, I would just take the same route I ride each day... unless there's a MUP involved.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 0
From: Erie, PA
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20, Trek 7000, old Huffy MTB, and a few others
I discovered I didn't like driving around town, even on the weekends. I would get impatient and anger easily. For some reason since I could get there faster, I felt like I had to get there faster.
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
I think it must depend on where you live. I'd always prefer to ride my bike to work, but with kids' schedules and my wife and I both working it's not always possible. I only ride to work 3x a week, sometimes 4.
My ride is 14 miles, takes about 45 minutes. If I have to drive I take a different route - about 8 or 9 miles, and about 12 minutes. If I lived where there's traffic and that 8 or 9 miles took an hour, I'd get rid of the car entirely - and be happy about it.
My ride is 14 miles, takes about 45 minutes. If I have to drive I take a different route - about 8 or 9 miles, and about 12 minutes. If I lived where there's traffic and that 8 or 9 miles took an hour, I'd get rid of the car entirely - and be happy about it.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
I usually only drive when the weather is crappy, so I can honestly say that I enjoy driving on those days. I don't get any enjoyment out of cycling during a thunderstorm or icy roads. Driving also gives my legs a break. I cycle almost every day over hilly terrain, and sometimes my legs get tired and need some rest. I usually take those rest days when it's rainy. I take advantage of my driving days by restocking food in my office, clean towels and other clothes, and taking home dirty laundry.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 7
From: Sunnyvale, CA
Bikes: '84 Centurion Accordo RS, '06 Gary Fisher Marlin, '06 Schwinn Fastback 27, '06 Litespeed Teramo
Unfortunately, I've been driving in to work for the most part the past few weeks because of a cough I can't seem to shake off. What's kept me sane is leaving for work 15 to 20 minutes early everyday. That way I don't have to worry about being late to work and I can take my time and just relax.
That's right. I'm the slowass driver taking the left lane.
That's right. I'm the slowass driver taking the left lane.




