Commuting gives my riding a sense of purpose. I still like to go on club rides on the weekends and charity rides, but commuting makes riding a bike seem more "for real". So, what do you like about commuting?

It's the best way to fit in 45-60 min of cardio into my day. The morning ride also helps with the early morning blahs. When I used to drive to work it seemed to take all morning before I really felt alive. Now I feel awake and aware when I get to work. The morning is actually enjoyable.

The first couple cranks of the pedals when I start my morning commute...

Definitely narcissistic, but I like the way people get envious when they learn I ride to work.

I like not being stuck in traffic and travelling at my own pace. I also enjoy the scenery, the exercise, the perfect parking spot, and the reduction in stress.

I LOVE clear, frosty, pitch dark mornings with thousands of stars in the sky. So beautiful and serene.

I feel like I have a better sense of my city than if I drove every day, particularly by freeway.

I like the fact in getting in killer shape, i'm slow enough to enjoy the ride and take careful note where everything is, hard to do at 45, and enjoy the surroundings.

I get to avoid the sights, sounds, and yes, the smells, of my city bus.

It's also nice to start the day with a little workout. It's invigorating.

Things I like about commuting by bicycle...

Daily cardio to keep the lungs and the ticker healthy;
In the summer it is easy, in the winter/rainy season it is difficult for the fair weather cyclists, all the more for me to keep going year round;
Justification for expensive purchases, like merino wool for warmth, and other fun accessories like high lumen lights and gadgets;
To enjoy the urban/natural surroundings, the air, the trees, to hear birds and other wildlife;
I get to work faster than if I took Trimet (the public transportation here in Portland);
Save $$$$ and reduce my carbon footprint by not owning a car;
To smile and greet the other cyclists on any road I pass;
Meditation while on my bicycle.

Even better are the first strokes on the way home.
I discovered long ago that's the best part of any ride. It also holds true for other forms of self-locomotion: paddling, sailing, cross-country skiing ... It's the shove-off that starts the adventure.

There is an amazing since of purpose and accomplishment in commuting to work.

It makes my truck, planet, and body last longer.
All while supporting a cycling hobby with the gas money saved.

Pretty much everything mentioned here, and especially the "sense of purpose".

I also love the feeling of being sneaky and "cheating the system" since I live very close to a bridge which can take 15 minutes to get onto by car in the morning, and only 3 minutes by bike.

I love laughing at people stuck in traffic jams, strapped into their seats like prisoners listening to propaganda and commercials on the radio.

I love that I've lost 3 inches off my waist and have the energy of a kid again.

I love crossing paths with other commuters on the way home who probably feel the same way as I do.

I love looking into the subway train from the outside on the Manhattan bridge where the bike lane is right next to the tracks, instead of the other way around. When i'm on the train I'm always wishing I was out there and I'm never wishing I was in there.

^Kinda like this.

Also I have a long commute that is done mostly by rail. I drive with the bike to my home side station in the dark, then ride from the work side station five miles to work. It is a cure for freeway burnout, and I have made several friends among fellow bike/rail commuters.

You don't get to hear the city coyotes howling when you're stuck in traffic on the highway with the radio on. And all the things that implies...

And also everything that PartsMan said.

Not to be the negative guy in a positive post, but I wish other Denver commuters (I'm talking to you Cherry Creek trail commuters), who think it's a timed race. Leave 5 minutes earlier and enjoy the scenery, laugh at the traffic on Speer, and take some deep breaths of this cold morning and evening air we've had the last week. Enjoy yourselves!

Top 3 things I like about commuting:
- inexpensive form of transportation
- riding is fun
- easy way to release stress

I like some of the comments above about the sense of purpose and the importance of helping the environment. While I don't identify with these reasons, I can see how they are great motivators.

I started to save a couple of bux but I have really learned to love the ride and the way I feel afterwards. Due to school zones and campus speed limits I am usually as fast or faster than when I drove anyway.

I do it to start my day in a calm peace, and end the same way. big plus is to be out riding in the wind or rain or heat or humidity. Just love to be out. riding.

As much as I tried, I simply could not motivate myself to workout after work. After years of failing, I realized I don't have time to be trapped in a steel cage for an hour a day so I started biking instead. Now I get 2 hours of good exercise each day and save a ton on fuel and wear on my pig heavy truck.

I've only filled my gas tank once since August and I still have half a tank. My truck still has under 14000 miles I think it is actually appreciating in value. And I have lost about 30 pounds in the process. This is a real life changer indeed. It just makes so much sense--I can't believe I waited so long. I ride everywhere; not "just" to work. My bank lets me park inside the lobby--either that or I'll take my business elsewhere. I shop local fruits and veggies in open air markets where I can have my bike at my side--I only do business with those that are biker friendly. F the rest.

+100 on everyone's opinion!

most important to least important:

* steady drop in weight, definitely in better shape
* feel fully awake when arriving at the office; less need for coffee
* faster commute than car/public transport
* use to need 1/2 hour to find parking at work, and another 1/2 at home too
* have saved a TON of money on gas/car expenses
* better understanding of the community where I live and work since I get to actually see it!
* feel and am more sociable since I frequently stop and chat with other cyclists/commuters, something I would have never done while driving or on public transport.

the only downside is that most businesses don't have bike stands or don't allow bikes inside, and with the rate of thefts rising dramatically, I can't really shop at larger department stores and tend to shop at small grocery or convenience stores where I have a good view of the bike.

Nice post and good thoughts.

I view this as an upside. Whatever I need from any department store I can buy on ebay for a fraction and have it mailed to me. I'd rather support small local businesses than slave labor corps like Walmart--those that allow me to either bring my bike inside or lean it against glass where I can watch it while inside.

- I love riding in the dark, just me in the cold, quiet morning air, in my island of light
- I love arriving energized and ready for my day, my body swimming in endorphins
- I love being able to stay healthy and fit in my mid 40's, and feel better now than I did in my 20's

I enjoy annoying the motorists with the idea that maybe they too don't NEED to drive.

I like commuting for all of the above reasons. Most importantly: riding a bike for any purpose always makes me feel incredibly happy and grateful!