Personally, I wouldn't consider running errands on a bike to be "bike commuting." It seems more along the lines of utility cycling, but it doesn't matter and you are welcome here. I think of bike commuting as strictly riding to work (or school, perhaps) instead of getting there by some other means.

My question began as one of those random thoughts that come to me when I'm riding alone, I guess I was wondering what a commuter really is. During my working years, I was never able to commute to work as I was always required to wear a suit and there was no shower available at work. Texas is no place to ride to work, change into a suit and then work all day unless you don't mind offending coworkers with your earthy aroma. I was always jealous of people who could hop on a bike and pedal off to work. I always thought riding home would be a great way to unwind after a tough day at work. So now that I am retired I try to take my bike when I go to town to check the mail or pick up a few items from the grocery or hardware store. And to the person who asked about a daily trip to the post office, many of us who live in tiny towns do this. It is better than a mail box on a rural road that anybody can access.

Thanks for all the responses, I enjoy using this forum because of all the good information commuters have and share about bicycles and bicycling. Think I'll hang out here for a while.

Good! :thumb:

I would say that you're a utility cyclist, strictly speaking. But I try to focus on our similarities, not differences, as they say. ;)

I know... I hope I didn't read/sound too serious.

This year... the weather was just crappy. But next year I really do plan on riding in to my former employer to celebrate "bicycle to work day". It would be more of an act of advocacy... than anything else. Although... I do have lifetime use of the facilities (like the gym) so I could still save gasoline by "commuting via bicycle".

:thumb: