Why Do You Commute?
07-11-12 | 08:00 AM
#26
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I love cars and motorbikes but I like to drive/ride them and not beeing stuck in a traffic jam. I live in the middle of Stockholm in Sweden and it takes me about 20 min with bike to work, 30 min with subway and 40 min with car :-)
I get my daily excerse on the bike, I have only 6 km to work but on the way home I have a couple of diffrent rounds from 6 to 55 km.
I get my daily excerse on the bike, I have only 6 km to work but on the way home I have a couple of diffrent rounds from 6 to 55 km.
07-11-12 | 08:03 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
A little over four years ago the answer was "save money." We went car-free, and I was out of shape and getting old and I did not enjoy the first few months of that. But it saved money.
Long story short I have a much better job now, not car-free and a longer 9.5 miles to work. I still ride no matter what the weather is, and saving money is way down the list. For me, there's nothing not to like about it; in fact it feels inconvenient and sometimes takes longer when I do have to drive. Once you reach the point where the distance seems trivial, literally everything else is a plus. Clearing your mind, the energy boost, the better health, improved self-esteem, the money saved, and just being outside for awhile. Plus, actually enjoying the commute and looking forward to it as opposed to the daily drudgery of fighting traffic.
Long story short I have a much better job now, not car-free and a longer 9.5 miles to work. I still ride no matter what the weather is, and saving money is way down the list. For me, there's nothing not to like about it; in fact it feels inconvenient and sometimes takes longer when I do have to drive. Once you reach the point where the distance seems trivial, literally everything else is a plus. Clearing your mind, the energy boost, the better health, improved self-esteem, the money saved, and just being outside for awhile. Plus, actually enjoying the commute and looking forward to it as opposed to the daily drudgery of fighting traffic.
07-11-12 | 10:30 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 24
From: Southern CaliFORNIA.
Bikes: KHS Alite 500, Trek 7.2 FX , Masi Partenza, Masi Fixed Special, Masi Cran Criterium
Now, a year and a half later, I race that bus.
My main reason for bike commuting at first was I didn't want to be putting 130 miles per day on my car. The bike made taking a commuter train more convenient. Now I do it for fun and fitness. Last month I did a Solstice ride where I commuted by bike after work, all the way to where I had parked my car to get on the train that morning; 54 miles. I made it with a half hour of daylight to spare.
07-11-12 | 11:35 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, VA to Fort Belvoir by VRE and bike
Bikes: 2006 Trek 1000 SL, 1995 Performance 505 MTB, 2012 Trek 520 (my daily commuter)
Over the years, way to many years driving and sitting stopped on I-95 in Northern Virginia. For the past 10 years I've worked local, less than 30 minutes from home. Started a new job this past March which can average 1:30 one way to NoVA. I now pedal 2 miles to the train, (VRE) board my bike, get off 40 minutes later and ride the 7 miles to my office. Yes, it's averaging 2 hours door to door but factor in the 1:30 minutes each day of biking and 80 minutes of reading or napping and it's worth it. Not to mention I'm 20 pounds lighter then last year. I'm 61 and I want to be ready to really retire and hit the road on my Trek 520.
Last edited by Trek_geek; 07-11-12 at 11:41 AM.
07-11-12 | 11:56 AM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
07-11-12 | 12:20 PM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 24
From: Southern CaliFORNIA.
Bikes: KHS Alite 500, Trek 7.2 FX , Masi Partenza, Masi Fixed Special, Masi Cran Criterium
07-11-12 | 01:06 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 6
From: Falls City, OR
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Fargo 2, Rocky Mountain Fusion, circa '93
07-11-12 | 01:08 PM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: North Attleboro, MA
Bikes: 2011 Steamroller; 1998 Cannondale F-400; 1981 Motobecane Jubilee Sport
I don't usually, but the other day I saw a sign that said gas $3.35. Has gas come down in price? I thought it was around $4.00.
One of the side effects of car free living, I don't know what's hip or current with the combustion engine crowd.
I've never felt more like Yehuda Moon....
...Must fight urge to paint bike lanes on roads.
One of the side effects of car free living, I don't know what's hip or current with the combustion engine crowd.
I've never felt more like Yehuda Moon....
...Must fight urge to paint bike lanes on roads.
07-11-12 | 01:53 PM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: NashVegas
Bikes: 1979 Schwinn Caliente - 2002 Trek 4900 Alpha
For 15 years I worked about 5 miles from my house, out on a 2 lane road that was 55 mph
with little shoulder in the middle of VERY flat Nebraska.
Never thought of biking this due to the amount of commercial trucks that ran this route.
Then I moved to Nashville 2 years ago and got a hardtail MTB from my son.
When I got a job downtown, thought I'd give commuting a shot.
A little worried about the hills and heading toward my 60th BD and out of shape.
Not a long commute, just 6 miles each way, but that hill in the middle was a bear.
I'm getting better and stronger, but I think my mind is what has changed the most.
This morning part is my time; think about anything.
My route is fluid, a basic direction, but my side streets change constantly.
Not really the way most would approach it, but for me the journey is more important than the arrival.
If I had to ride for speed and shortest route, probably won't feel as good and would jump back in my truck for the trip in.
Don't ride to save the planet, save money, or to make any kind of statement. Just a selfish thing on my part to free my thoughts.
with little shoulder in the middle of VERY flat Nebraska.
Never thought of biking this due to the amount of commercial trucks that ran this route.
Then I moved to Nashville 2 years ago and got a hardtail MTB from my son.
When I got a job downtown, thought I'd give commuting a shot.
A little worried about the hills and heading toward my 60th BD and out of shape.
Not a long commute, just 6 miles each way, but that hill in the middle was a bear.
I'm getting better and stronger, but I think my mind is what has changed the most.
This morning part is my time; think about anything.
My route is fluid, a basic direction, but my side streets change constantly.
Not really the way most would approach it, but for me the journey is more important than the arrival.
If I had to ride for speed and shortest route, probably won't feel as good and would jump back in my truck for the trip in.
Don't ride to save the planet, save money, or to make any kind of statement. Just a selfish thing on my part to free my thoughts.
07-11-12 | 02:15 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
I moved to the US a little more than 3 months ago. When I landed here, I had no car. I also had an out-of-state license that was valid only for 10 days by California law, and renting a house, buying a car etc in that much time just didn't seem feasible. So the day after I landed, I went to Target and bought a cheapish Magna Excitor (with the currency exchange rate, even that seemed expensive!). The idea was, I would ride the bike for the 2 to 3 weeks that it takes me to get a license and a car. Well, I actually managed to do all that in 7 days - but on the 8th day, I just kept biking. I discovered that I like biking a lot. At the end of the day, it is a very stress-relieving way to get home. It also helps that I take less time to come home on a bike than I take in the car. My commute, if I take the shortest distance, is 2.5 miles each way. I have already lengthened it to 3.2 miles each way (found a trail that is nicer to bike on) and once I get the Giant Escape, I will be changing the route once again to make it about 6 miles one way, at least when returning home.
It's just a lot more fun
It's just a lot more fun
07-11-12 | 02:15 PM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
From: Milpitas, CA
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Rockhopper Disc; Trek 7.5 FX
My commute is 10 miles each way.
I commute for several reasons:
1. Lose weight (currently ~270lb)
2. Save gas money
3. I get to ride my bike.
I'm usually pretty busy with other responsibilities on the weekends, so my weekday commutes give me opportunities to get on the bike and ride.
I live right next to the foothills, so on the ride home, sometimes I'll do a few climbs to get my heart rate up, and add a few miles.
I commute for several reasons:
1. Lose weight (currently ~270lb)
2. Save gas money
3. I get to ride my bike.
I'm usually pretty busy with other responsibilities on the weekends, so my weekday commutes give me opportunities to get on the bike and ride.
I live right next to the foothills, so on the ride home, sometimes I'll do a few climbs to get my heart rate up, and add a few miles.
07-11-12 | 03:27 PM
#42
Chieftain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Oakland
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale CAADX 105; Wabi Classic Fixed Gear
Pretty much all the reasons that I commute have been touched on already.
Mainly: I live 3.5 miles from work, it's faster, it's fun (driving just makes me angry), and it's a cheap way to get my weekly mileage up!
It's worked out so well since moving to the Bay Area that I've sold my car. If you can ride to work, to the store, and to baseball games, what more do you need?
Mainly: I live 3.5 miles from work, it's faster, it's fun (driving just makes me angry), and it's a cheap way to get my weekly mileage up!
It's worked out so well since moving to the Bay Area that I've sold my car. If you can ride to work, to the store, and to baseball games, what more do you need?
07-12-12 | 01:45 AM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Savannah, GA
Long story short- lost my driving privileges due to some very poor choices.
I knew when that happened I would have to completely embrace the bicycling lifestyle. Which I have done. Minimum 10 miles every day of the week. Now I wonder why I didn't start riding a long time ago.
Now if I could only quit smoking.
I knew when that happened I would have to completely embrace the bicycling lifestyle. Which I have done. Minimum 10 miles every day of the week. Now I wonder why I didn't start riding a long time ago.
Now if I could only quit smoking.
07-12-12 | 04:02 PM
#46
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 180
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Bikes: 2011 Trek 7.2 FX & 2015 Bianchi Volpe
These are some really great answers! I own a car and really do enjoy driving it, but I do not enjoy the stop and go traffic, which occurs while going to work. Riding is much more enjoyable. Also, since my trip is only two miles, the car doesn't even have a chance to fully warm up. Such short trips are hard on cars.
Plus I feel much better with the consistent exercise! Additionally, if I can get to work without having to pay for gas, I will.
Plus I feel much better with the consistent exercise! Additionally, if I can get to work without having to pay for gas, I will.
07-12-12 | 04:34 PM
#47
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
From: Milpitas, CA
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Rockhopper Disc; Trek 7.5 FX
It looks like I'll be commuting more by bike now...my wife just called me and told me that she took my car today (a real beater of a '91 Escort that I use to get to work on days that I don't ride my bike), and burnt up the clutch. She's getting it towed home.
07-12-12 | 10:31 PM
#49
Probably Injured
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Bikes: Kona Paddywagon, Surly Crosscheck
Oy, this is going to be a long post.
1. My truck broke last September. I was still paying child support a the time (it's done now, thank goodness) and the repair was an expensive one. I started riding Houston Metro. An average day was two hours bus stop to bus stop, and that didn't take into consideration the time spent walking to the bus stop. Add another twenty minutes each way. A bad day was three hours stop to stop. I tried riding my bike to the bus stop and then putting it onto the bike rack on the front of the bus, but far too often the bus I needed would show up w/ two already in the rack, which meant another half hour wait to catch the next bus.
2. I went to the doctor, stepped onto the scale and found I had broken the 300 lb barrier. I moped about that for a couple more months.
3. I started hearing people who were about my age (47) complaining about the pills they were taking for high blood pressure, cardiac disease, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. According to my doctor my blood work numbers were good, but it was a bit spooky to hear that my brother (two years younger than me) had started taking Lipitor, or that my brother-in-law (three years older than me) had a defibrillator implanted in his chest.
4. One day I was at the bus stop after work and the bus was 45 minutes late. I thought "This is ridiculous. I could ride a bicycle home faster than I could make it taking the bus, and I'd probably lose weight. I bet it would help stave off all those health issues that I keep hearing about from others as well...."
1. My truck broke last September. I was still paying child support a the time (it's done now, thank goodness) and the repair was an expensive one. I started riding Houston Metro. An average day was two hours bus stop to bus stop, and that didn't take into consideration the time spent walking to the bus stop. Add another twenty minutes each way. A bad day was three hours stop to stop. I tried riding my bike to the bus stop and then putting it onto the bike rack on the front of the bus, but far too often the bus I needed would show up w/ two already in the rack, which meant another half hour wait to catch the next bus.
2. I went to the doctor, stepped onto the scale and found I had broken the 300 lb barrier. I moped about that for a couple more months.
3. I started hearing people who were about my age (47) complaining about the pills they were taking for high blood pressure, cardiac disease, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. According to my doctor my blood work numbers were good, but it was a bit spooky to hear that my brother (two years younger than me) had started taking Lipitor, or that my brother-in-law (three years older than me) had a defibrillator implanted in his chest.
4. One day I was at the bus stop after work and the bus was 45 minutes late. I thought "This is ridiculous. I could ride a bicycle home faster than I could make it taking the bus, and I'd probably lose weight. I bet it would help stave off all those health issues that I keep hearing about from others as well...."
07-13-12 | 05:58 AM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Now if I could only quit smoking.
Don't promise yourself a whole new bike at the end of the year - upgrade your bike each month, using the money you saved that month by not smoking. Just take it one month at a time, and keep those upgrades going. Don't look at it as quitting for ever - quit one day at a time. That's how I did it (without the bike incentive though).