MNBiker

Plenty good advice and encouragement has already been given.

You said you were "not in good health" and I don't see that anyone directly commented on your medical condition. Only you (and your doctor?) know how bad "not in good health" is for you. So consider if it's prudent to see your doctor to get his approval for your biking. The distance you're talking about does not really put much stress on the normal person's body however, so unless you're in quite bad shape I don't see how that should be a hindrance. Just pace yourself at first. Just know we are not doctors when we give our advice.

AdamDZ

First, you might consider checking with a doctor if this will be safe for you. A small scooter/moped doesn't require a DL in many states and it might be a reasonable solution as well.

Anyways, 4 miles each way is not a lot.You can walk that far in just over 1h. If it's not hilly, average person can do this in 20-30 minutes eeeeasily. First few days might be hard before your body gets used to it. You may hurt and be sore a little bit. Just take it easy and improve gradually. Oh and yeah: make sure your bike is set up properly. Don't ride with your saddle all the way down, with worn out chain and under-inflated tires Check my blog (banner in the signature) for some more tips on how to prepare for bike commuting.

I hope, you will like biking and you will evolve past simple commuting: shopping, weekend rides, touring, etc. and that riding a bike regularly will change many things for the better for ya. So when you get your DL back you won't run yelling "yeeeeehaaaaaw!" back to your car

Who knows, biking may even improve your health and change the way you see the world and the way you live, so losing your DL might turn out to be the best thing that happen to you in a while. So don't think of it as simply "commuting", there is a lot more to cycling that most people want to believe. Again, check my blog for inspiration. Many common questions I have answered on this and other forums are discussed there in detail.

Good luck!

Adam

earth2pete

americanlt2, give it a shot. it will take a little while to build up your legs, but it will happen. in the beginning, you will feel stiffness and/or pain in your legs. eat well, it feeds your muscles. rest as much as you can on days off until 4 miles doesn't feel difficult anymore. don't be discouraged by the time it takes to build yourself up, be patient. you'll see some results quickly, more results later. after a while, you'll be the most energetic and fit person on the job.

since you said you weren't a fit person right now, this might be the best thing that's ever happened to you. too bad most americans never get to experience the joys of physical fitness that cycling can bring, on and off the bike.



oh, and in the beginning, you might want to take your bike on the bus on the ride to work, if your buses have racks for bikes on them. that way, it will give you more time to build up your muscles.

make sure that homeward trip at night you are highly visible, use a reflective vest, if you have to, tape a flashlight to your handlebars and point it at the road so you can see hazards.

listen, i rode my bike to work for over a decade religiously, starting in my mid-30's. i started small, just to the bus stop, a couple of miles each way. eventually, i ended up riding something like 15 miles each way. your body will adapt, it's in your heredity to exercise for endurance. but i am not talking down to you, because after being off the bike for over two years, i found i had to start all over again, so i know how it feels!

AdamDZ

Yeah, after two years, it's almost like starting over. A month off the bike is enough for me to make feel a lot weaker.

Deal Extreme has cheap flashlights and cheap handlebar mounts, but decent. For under $20 you can get a decent LED flashlight and a a mount. You may even squeeze a LED tail light for that price.

crhilton

OP,

Your body will adjust. You might even start to like it.

Take it easy, it's not a race. Follow the same rules you would in your car. Except, stay clear of parked cars keeping in mind that the doors could open suddenly. Otherwise stay to the right. Don't hug the curb, you need to be comfortable in your place on the road more than they need to get around you. Spend a little time on maps.google.com looking for a good route. There's a "bicycle" button that will show your local trails/bike routes/bike lanes if your city has been mapped.

If you feel your safer on the sidewalk fine (it's your choice), but take it easy there. You're in plenty of danger from turning vehicles there. If you can find a lower traffic route and ride on the street (WITH TRAFFIC, not against) that often makes for a much nicer and possibly safer ride.

Lock your bike up when you get there. They even steal crap bikes.

exile

Just ride it. It will get easier soon enough. It will only be as difficult as you make it. Just ride at a leisurely pace and enjoy it.

treebound 

+1 on checking in with a good doctor.

+1 on locking your bike while you're on the job.

Where in the world are you located? Could make a difference in what people recommend. Are you in a decent area, or a high crime area, high traffic volumes on the roads, low volume rural roads, are the streets well lit or dark at night, is there a safe bike path near by?

For me, under two miles to work and I'd consider walking, 2-3 miles and walking is still an option, 3-10 miles is just getting good, and 15 miles is just about ideal to get all the exercise benefits of cycling (in my opinion and experience).

And if you're over 200Lbs then also look in the Clydesdale section for more tips and ideas.

c3hamby

Do it! It will help your health, and in no time 4 miles will seem like nothing.

My commute is...

...17 miles one way!!