View Poll Results: How are you recieved at work as a bike-commuter
Very well - Coworkers encourage me to ride, and my work has plenty of indoor/covered bike storage



41
30.37%
Well - Coworkers appreciate my bike-commuting, and my work has limited indoor/covered bike storage



34
25.19%
Moderately Well - Coworkers are somewhat indifferent, and office has some storage in the building



24
17.78%
Average - Coworkers are indifferent and my workplace has outdoor bike racks



30
22.22%
Moderately poor - Coworkers are indifferent and my workplace is near public bike racks



1
0.74%
Poor - Coworkers are mildly critical of my bike-commuting and there is access to public bike racks



2
1.48%
Very Poor - My coworkers are critical of my bike-commuting and there is no access to bike racks



3
2.22%
Voters: 135. You may not vote on this poll
Commuting and Workplace Wellness
#76
Full Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 20
From: The White Mountains of AZ
I voted well. We have an near-empty outdoor bike rack that I have never used. My bike stays in my office. We have shower facilities and can take a .5-hour fitness break on the clock.
Last edited by Bug Shield; 01-18-15 at 06:38 AM.
#77
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 2017 Giant Trance 2, 2016 SOMA Wolverine, 2015 Diamondback Haanjo Comp
Rant aside, I ranked my specific workplace as Very Well on the poll. My office building on base has outdoor bike racks, and a large area under an indoor stairwell to park bikes. The indoor location does not have a "rack" per se, but several people in the office park our bikes there, and no one has mentioned that we shouldn't. My office also has a large locker room, and everyone has a full size locker - like the tall ones in schools. We have showers and changing areas. My co-workers and supervisors are all supportive of bike commuting.
My Command requires that we spend an hour three days a week doing a "fitness" activity, which for the majority of my unit means going to the gym on base. I was granted permission to go for a bike ride, provided that I can verify that I was riding my bike and not skipping the workout and going straight home.
When I retire from the CG, I know I am going to miss the small perks of being in the military.
Last edited by SpeedyStein; 01-10-15 at 09:07 PM.
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Hannibal Mo.
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD 9, Cannondale Super 6, Cannondale CAADX disc
I voted "Very well" I couldn't ask for a better situation. Im allowed to keep my bike in the break room, we have showers and lockers, even though I'm 300 lbs (and falling) I still try to commute as much as I can, it's a 36 mile rt, when the CEO visits he always asks how much I've lost and if I feel better. It's a very positive experience.
#79
I'm that guy who my coworkers see duck walking in bike shoes and wearing spandex through the lobby every day and I am treated very well. Have a secure bike locker right outside my office building and we have a full locker room with showers in the basement for commuters.
Other benefit is my coworkers and company executives know I commute daily so not uncommon for me to be in a late afternoon meeting and Director will make sure to take care of any business with me first so I can get out and on my way home before it gets too dark.
Other benefit is my coworkers and company executives know I commute daily so not uncommon for me to be in a late afternoon meeting and Director will make sure to take care of any business with me first so I can get out and on my way home before it gets too dark.
Last edited by 1242Vintage; 01-11-15 at 10:15 AM. Reason: edit
#80
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
As an Active Duty member of the Coast Guard, I can tell you that it is sad how much higher the smoking rate is with servicemembers than with the civilian population. I can only imagine how pissed one of those "Old Guard" sailors would be if they stumbled off the boat over to the Exchange to buy smokes/dip and find that they are not allowed to sell it on base anymore. Yes, I am specifically calling out about 1/3 of the senior enlisted by saying that, but they are the ones buying tobacco on base... other than the fresh out of boot camp 18 year olds who take up smoking because their "cool chief" smokes too.
I never wanted to smoke and didn't understand the desire til I went to college somewhere cold. Then I sort of envied the guys tromping to class through the snow with a cigarette. I'm glad I never picked it up.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#81
Senior Member



Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,691
Likes: 2,572
From: Jacksonville, FL
Bikes: Trek Checkmate, Lynskey Elysium, Trek FX 5 Sport
My only complaint where I work is the rack is semi covered. We have 2 huge parking garages and an elevator, they have the bike racks outside under an overhang and all it takes is a little bit of wind and the bike is sitting in the weather. I have asked to have the rack moved into the garage completely out of the weather near the motorcycle parking which typically goes unused, but as of yet, I have not gotten a reply back. On the plus side...they rack is more visible and might hinder theft attempts or vandalism. My employer has a gym with lockers and showers, so that is a nice plus. Worth the $10 a month in the summer time when the humidity is off the chart in the morning.
#82
I'm treated reasonably well. But it's more 'benign neglect' than approval. If anyone is wondering if more of us should be bicycle commuting, then they're not making it obvious to me. And no one really joins me valuntarily. Though there have been a few folks over the years who were pretty decent fair-weather bike commuters. Not for years on end like me. But they rode a bit. I can think of two of them off-hand. One's not around anymore. I'm not sure of the other. But I haven't see him or his bike in a while.
I have pretty good facilities available to me for storing my bike and for hanging up my sweaty clothes to dry out. But it's because of my job. Some people in some jobs might have access to similar spots. But most employees would not have much in the way of facilities.
There are a handful of employees who do have access to these 'secure' areas. But only as a pass-through. Unlike me they have no reason to actually do anything there. Occasionally I'll get wind of the fact that one of them is complaining about my stuff. The bigwigs they complain to, to their credit, have so far ignored these complaints and have left me alone. I've been around long enough now that I feel pretty sure that they'll never give me trouble over this. (Unless some new guy with a chip on his shoulder shows up, I suppose.)
I only bring my bike inside in the very worst weather. That's because I just know that one of the busybodies will complain that this would be a 'bottle-neck" in an emergency. I do have at my disposal an area that is surrounded by four walls and is behind locked doors. But it's open to the sky. I have a key. So do just a few other people. And one of the busybodies once complained about my bike being a bottle-neck there. Nothing ever came of that. Upper management sided with me.
Such small-minded complaints. We're talking about segregated areas here. Even in an emergency there won't be any foot traffic there. Even if there were a fire right where my bike was parked, the bike would be only one of many obstructions for the fire fighters. They'd just kick everything out of their way. It wouldn't even occur to them to wonder why a bicycle is sitting there. But then jerks can always find a reason to be a jerk, can't they?
Most of my fellow employees are mildly admiring once they realize that I'm doing it voluntarily and actually could drive a car to work if I chose to. But that wears off. Every now and then I'll detect a whiff of snideness or mocking attitude on the part of someone new. But that goes away when they perceive that most of the people around think pretty highly of me.
Many who've known me for a long time will say something like, "I hope you didn't ride that bike today" when the weather's really bad. But they have a feeling that I did. They have a good natured laugh when I confirm.
One guy who knew me quite well (we worked together) turned around and saw me coming in on a very cold and snowy day. In my winter get-up I look about like a skier or a snowboarder. A big grin appeared on his face. He might have been close to laughing. He said, "Did you have a nice flight?"
Another guy, virtually identical situation, said, "What'd you do? Parachute in?"
But that sort of stuff is in fun, of course. I'm fine with that.
Fellow employees and management are not hostile. But management doesn't seem inclined to provide any support. And, other than a very few who've made some attempt, no one considers doing the same thing.
Even though it would benefit them so much. It's hard to figure.
I have pretty good facilities available to me for storing my bike and for hanging up my sweaty clothes to dry out. But it's because of my job. Some people in some jobs might have access to similar spots. But most employees would not have much in the way of facilities.
There are a handful of employees who do have access to these 'secure' areas. But only as a pass-through. Unlike me they have no reason to actually do anything there. Occasionally I'll get wind of the fact that one of them is complaining about my stuff. The bigwigs they complain to, to their credit, have so far ignored these complaints and have left me alone. I've been around long enough now that I feel pretty sure that they'll never give me trouble over this. (Unless some new guy with a chip on his shoulder shows up, I suppose.)
I only bring my bike inside in the very worst weather. That's because I just know that one of the busybodies will complain that this would be a 'bottle-neck" in an emergency. I do have at my disposal an area that is surrounded by four walls and is behind locked doors. But it's open to the sky. I have a key. So do just a few other people. And one of the busybodies once complained about my bike being a bottle-neck there. Nothing ever came of that. Upper management sided with me.
Such small-minded complaints. We're talking about segregated areas here. Even in an emergency there won't be any foot traffic there. Even if there were a fire right where my bike was parked, the bike would be only one of many obstructions for the fire fighters. They'd just kick everything out of their way. It wouldn't even occur to them to wonder why a bicycle is sitting there. But then jerks can always find a reason to be a jerk, can't they?
Most of my fellow employees are mildly admiring once they realize that I'm doing it voluntarily and actually could drive a car to work if I chose to. But that wears off. Every now and then I'll detect a whiff of snideness or mocking attitude on the part of someone new. But that goes away when they perceive that most of the people around think pretty highly of me.
Many who've known me for a long time will say something like, "I hope you didn't ride that bike today" when the weather's really bad. But they have a feeling that I did. They have a good natured laugh when I confirm.
One guy who knew me quite well (we worked together) turned around and saw me coming in on a very cold and snowy day. In my winter get-up I look about like a skier or a snowboarder. A big grin appeared on his face. He might have been close to laughing. He said, "Did you have a nice flight?"
Another guy, virtually identical situation, said, "What'd you do? Parachute in?"
But that sort of stuff is in fun, of course. I'm fine with that.
Fellow employees and management are not hostile. But management doesn't seem inclined to provide any support. And, other than a very few who've made some attempt, no one considers doing the same thing.
Even though it would benefit them so much. It's hard to figure.
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 1
From: Kherson, Ukraine
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
I work for a small company (on-line publication) in a small office building (maybe 60 people in the building); I bike commute daily and have good support, if not some good-natured ribbing (like yesterday riding my fatbike to work when it was -12F). The building was sold last year and the new building owners added an indoor rack to encourage their employees to bike.
Back in 2009 I biked to work less often to a much larger industrial company (roughly 1,000 employees), they were very supportive with bike rack right outside the door leading to the locker rooms. The worst issue, the racks could fill up on a nice day. I never had any issues with management or co-workers.
To the OP comment, my wife works for a VERY large health insurance company, they basically discourage bike commuting. No place to change, no place to lock up a bike, not allowed to bring a bike into the building. She is not working in a leased building, I think the situation would be better in the corporate owned buildings.
What is WRONG with health insurance companies????
Back in 2009 I biked to work less often to a much larger industrial company (roughly 1,000 employees), they were very supportive with bike rack right outside the door leading to the locker rooms. The worst issue, the racks could fill up on a nice day. I never had any issues with management or co-workers.
To the OP comment, my wife works for a VERY large health insurance company, they basically discourage bike commuting. No place to change, no place to lock up a bike, not allowed to bring a bike into the building. She is not working in a leased building, I think the situation would be better in the corporate owned buildings.
What is WRONG with health insurance companies????
I didn't select an option in the poll as mine didn't seem to fit the choices exactly:
* cage in the parking garage for our bikes
* shower and locker room, albeit old, run down, and a neglected after-thought
* theoretically towels available in the locker room, but often this gets neglected
* co-workers are not negative. I wouldn't say they exactly encourage me though.
#84
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 131
From: Durham, NC 27705 USA
Bikes: '18 S-Works Tarmac (white letters), '18 S-Works Tarmac (black letters), '22 Allez Elite, '16 Emonda SL, '12 SS Evo HiMod team, '12 SS Evo HiMod 2, '03 fuel100, '14 adventure3, '19 BMC TeamMachine SLR01
I lost a lot of weight couple of years ago, down to 170lbs. A fellow rider commented that I looked sick and looked better at 200lbs. I intend on staying below 170lbs, regardless of what people say
#85
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
#86
I voted average. I work at a non-profit health clinic & cannot bring my bike in the building. No showers. I have to drive to offsite/community meetings a few times a month & that means I drive those days. I hate it when it's rainy for most of the week & then nice weather on the day an offsite meeting is scheduled...
Some coworkers are supportive or curious about my biking. Most are indifferent. Some people express concern for my safety, especially when I ride home after dark in winter.
The thing that gets me is that I work in a very large building with many environmental non-profits. There is a huge parking lot and everyone drives in solo. No carpools or anything. It's been 5 years & I am the only person who bikes in. We are in an area with many cyclists and good bike routes.
Some coworkers are supportive or curious about my biking. Most are indifferent. Some people express concern for my safety, especially when I ride home after dark in winter.
The thing that gets me is that I work in a very large building with many environmental non-profits. There is a huge parking lot and everyone drives in solo. No carpools or anything. It's been 5 years & I am the only person who bikes in. We are in an area with many cyclists and good bike routes.
#87
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,252
Likes: 70
From: Kansas
Bikes: This list got too long: several ‘bents, an urban utility e-bike, and a dahon D7 that my daughter has absconded with.
The trouble here is your AND statement. I would have selected this:
However, while my cow-0rkers are very supportive (not that they would do it themselves) the storage is a rack outside. That being said, the first time it rained, with my bike outside, the custodian put a tarp over my bike. I told him not to bother the next time.
I suppose that I could bring it in, today I will bring my trailer in. However, in truth I want people to see it so that they can see that it is a real, viable, transportation alternative (and the time I had it in my classroom the students kept tring to play with it and I was worried it would fall on one of them).
Well - Coworkers appreciate my bike-commuting, and my work has limited indoor/covered bike storage
I suppose that I could bring it in, today I will bring my trailer in. However, in truth I want people to see it so that they can see that it is a real, viable, transportation alternative (and the time I had it in my classroom the students kept tring to play with it and I was worried it would fall on one of them).
#88
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Northeast, USA
Bikes: 2015 All-City Spacehorse, 2014 Specialized Allez Race, Mid 80s Takara Acknowledge Fixed Gear
I'm that guy who my coworkers see duck walking in bike shoes and wearing spandex through the lobby every day and I am treated very well. Have a secure bike locker right outside my office building and we have a full locker room with showers in the basement for commuters.
Other benefit is my coworkers and company executives know I commute daily so not uncommon for me to be in a late afternoon meeting and Director will make sure to take care of any business with me first so I can get out and on my way home before it gets too dark.
Other benefit is my coworkers and company executives know I commute daily so not uncommon for me to be in a late afternoon meeting and Director will make sure to take care of any business with me first so I can get out and on my way home before it gets too dark.
#89
I voted average. I work at a non-profit health clinic & cannot bring my bike in the building. No showers. I have to drive to offsite/community meetings a few times a month & that means I drive those days. I hate it when it's rainy for most of the week & then nice weather on the day an offsite meeting is scheduled...
Some coworkers are supportive or curious about my biking. Most are indifferent. Some people express concern for my safety, especially when I ride home after dark in winter.
The thing that gets me is that I work in a very large building with many environmental non-profits. There is a huge parking lot and everyone drives in solo. No carpools or anything. It's been 5 years & I am the only person who bikes in. We are in an area with many cyclists and good bike routes.
Some coworkers are supportive or curious about my biking. Most are indifferent. Some people express concern for my safety, especially when I ride home after dark in winter.
The thing that gets me is that I work in a very large building with many environmental non-profits. There is a huge parking lot and everyone drives in solo. No carpools or anything. It's been 5 years & I am the only person who bikes in. We are in an area with many cyclists and good bike routes.
#90
I work for an environmental non-profit. Taking alternative forms of transportation is definitely encouraged. You can get bus passes for free. What I do find a little surprising though is that the organization also subsidizes or completely covers parking costs for a significant number of employees. Some people do need to drive in order to do their work and in those cases it makes sense. Others get parking paid for as a perk and that I think that sends a bad message.
#91
In lieu of free parking, I opted to get a "GO" card instead which lets me take a metro bus or train any where at any time. I'm sure it doesn't cost them as much as the parking, but I'm not complaining and it comes in handy.
#92
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: Valley of the Sun AZ
Bikes: '88 Centurion Ironman, '97 Jamis Eclipse,'84 Ron Stout, '89 Miyata 1400, '82 Miyata 1000,'88 Schwinn Tempo, '84 Fuji Touring Series IV
I voted very well. I work for a minicipality. There are about 20 people in our building. Only two of us commute on our bikes. We park our bikes in a covered area in the front part of the building out of the weather. No need to lock the bikes the area is secure.
We have showers and lockers. There is some incentive for alternative transportation. I have won free movie tickets three times in the last year or so. Coworkers are pretty supportive of my bicycle commuting. Most are impressed that I ride in shorts every day, and they think it is such a long commute (~20 miles rt).
Living in the desert, I get to ride on dry pavement almost everyday. Kudos to all you who brave real winter conditions. It does get a bit warm in the summer here though.
We have showers and lockers. There is some incentive for alternative transportation. I have won free movie tickets three times in the last year or so. Coworkers are pretty supportive of my bicycle commuting. Most are impressed that I ride in shorts every day, and they think it is such a long commute (~20 miles rt).
Living in the desert, I get to ride on dry pavement almost everyday. Kudos to all you who brave real winter conditions. It does get a bit warm in the summer here though.
#93
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 3
From: Cascadia
Bikes: Jamis Quest Comp
Average here. Nobody cares. There's 3 gyms within a mile of work, most of us are college students. Showing up with hair wet from a post workout shower is super common, as is coming to work in workout clothes and going to the gym afterwards.
Bike rack outside. 0-4 bikes on it(besides mine) isn't unusual. A couple of managers ride a couple times a week, and keep their bikes in their office.
My personal manager has noted that my mental health and quality of work has improved since I started riding, so he's super supportive. I have some FMLA/disability exceptions going on, and riding has made me a bit lower maintenance, actually. So my boss/HR are pretty supportive, but on the whole, my employer is pretty indifferent if you're on time.
Lots of them do. Not even allowed in the parking lot! Or on-campus housing.
I think the 'not even in the parking lot' or not a single designated smoking area is a bit much, but whatever. I've quit not married to a smoker anymore, nor any smoker roommates/friends I see regularly, so no longer an issue.
Bike rack outside. 0-4 bikes on it(besides mine) isn't unusual. A couple of managers ride a couple times a week, and keep their bikes in their office.
My personal manager has noted that my mental health and quality of work has improved since I started riding, so he's super supportive. I have some FMLA/disability exceptions going on, and riding has made me a bit lower maintenance, actually. So my boss/HR are pretty supportive, but on the whole, my employer is pretty indifferent if you're on time.
Lots of them do. Not even allowed in the parking lot! Or on-campus housing.
I think the 'not even in the parking lot' or not a single designated smoking area is a bit much, but whatever. I've quit not married to a smoker anymore, nor any smoker roommates/friends I see regularly, so no longer an issue.
#94
Used to be fast
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Bikes: 85 Specialized Expedition, 07 Motobecane Immortal Spirit built up with Dura ace and Mavic Ksyriums, '85 Bianchi Track Bike, '90 Fisher Procaliber, '96 Landshark TwinDirt Shark Tandem, '88 Curtlo
I'm a high school teacher and I've always been allowed to stash my bike behind my desk in my classroom. It is incredibly secure that way, and my students see how often I ride and in what conditions. Students and faculty alike are disappointed when I drive, so it is a good motivator to keep on pedaling. Also my principal is a triathlete so I get nothing but encouragement from him. Everyone just knows that I'm the bike guy.
I teach middle school and keep my bike behind my desk. I can change in my classroom before and after school. I commute in full kit because I like to ride hard and fast, and get very sweaty. The kids and other teachers like that I ride and always notice if I don't ride. I usually ride 185 out of 190 work days.
#95
kipuka explorer

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 2
From: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
One problem I have with "bike perception" at work is that currently most of the bikes scattered around the dark corners of the office building are rarely if ever ridden, which gives the impression to people that the bikes are a toy consuming "company storage space" and cluttering the hallways rather than a transportation device. If these bikes were visibly in use it would be an entirely different impression.
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
#96
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Istanbul, Turkey
Bikes: Cube Cross Race
As one of the very few people who commute by bike in Turkey my colleagues generally are very impressed and like what I am doing. Even tho there are no bike parks or racks I am allowed to put my bike in car park under the building. There is a gym and showers too. So I generally come about an hour early do my daily exercise take my shower and start a fresh day.
However this is the story of the last 3 months.
On my former work place even tho I was again allowed to put my bike in a closed room in the car park there were no showers. I had to go to work by subway to not to sweat and returned back home riding. Later on tho I got a shower built in one of the basement floors. Everyone there also admired how I commute by bike in this maybe the least bike friendly city (here see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qizi3JYOvxs) There were people who I didn't know but who knows me as "the cyclist guy"
However this is the story of the last 3 months.
On my former work place even tho I was again allowed to put my bike in a closed room in the car park there were no showers. I had to go to work by subway to not to sweat and returned back home riding. Later on tho I got a shower built in one of the basement floors. Everyone there also admired how I commute by bike in this maybe the least bike friendly city (here see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qizi3JYOvxs) There were people who I didn't know but who knows me as "the cyclist guy"
#97
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Tryon
Bikes: Trek 1.2 & Single Speed Rain Bike
I work for the government. I get $20 reimbursed monthly to ALL my bike purchases. My work has a gym w/shower so I just walk in, drop my stuff off and hit the showers. My bike sits right next to me in my cube. When I started biking in, I just sat it next to me and didn't ask for permission.
I have been asked to "carry" it in..lol..ok, I can track more garbage on my shoes that my tires, but ok. I also have a beach towel on the floor that I put my bike on top of to "look nice". Also, my clothes hang/dry right on the edge of my wall on hangers
Co-workers mention stuff only when it dips into the 40s or 100s and still see me riding in. They think its cool.
I have been asked to "carry" it in..lol..ok, I can track more garbage on my shoes that my tires, but ok. I also have a beach towel on the floor that I put my bike on top of to "look nice". Also, my clothes hang/dry right on the edge of my wall on hangers

Co-workers mention stuff only when it dips into the 40s or 100s and still see me riding in. They think its cool.
#98
Dart Board

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 1
From: Happy Valley Oregon
Bikes: 13 Super Six EVO Red, 2005 Six13, 2024 TREK DOMANE SL 6 GEN 4, 1986 COLNAGO Master
I am a CAD draftsman and I have been lucky enough (and strange enough for other peoples taste) to be able to ride to work and shower and leave my bike near my desk. We CAD guys seem to be the keep Portland Weird type so they expect us to be different. Our Plant GM came by and told me that he could see me for a mile the other day on his commute in his car and really appreciated the lengths that I have gone to be visible on the street. I consider that a comp. Our plant hires about 300 people and of those 7 to 8 commute. 10 to 15 ride after work when the weather is nice. We are small be we have the green light.
V
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#99
This is less of a call for advice or a rally for a cause, but more of a poll.
So I work for a small Healthcare company (around 20 people) in downtown Boston. Most of us are between 23-32 years old. And when I ride to work, I get not outright criticism, but my efforts to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while fully employed are not taken well. My work has regularly told me that I will need to lock my bike up on the street (as in to a stop sign, there are no bike racks near our office), that I cannot come into work in my riding clothes (we share a bathroom with 6 other offices and the door does not lock, nor are there showers), or generally just being made fun of for biking to work.
Is this how other people are recieved at their work as commuters? I want to assess the general experience.
So I work for a small Healthcare company (around 20 people) in downtown Boston. Most of us are between 23-32 years old. And when I ride to work, I get not outright criticism, but my efforts to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while fully employed are not taken well. My work has regularly told me that I will need to lock my bike up on the street (as in to a stop sign, there are no bike racks near our office), that I cannot come into work in my riding clothes (we share a bathroom with 6 other offices and the door does not lock, nor are there showers), or generally just being made fun of for biking to work.
Is this how other people are recieved at their work as commuters? I want to assess the general experience.
#100
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern CT
Bikes: 1994 Barracuda A2E, 1991 Specialized Rockhopper, 1993 Marin Bear Valley, 1995 Nishiki Cascade, 1970 Raleigh Sports (project)
I work at a bookstore that is mostly outdoors, so there is no indoor parking for my bike (unless it's nasty weather). But my boss rides everyday (he lives on the property) so he is cool with it and my coworkers are very encouraging. I also use my utility trailer to deliver books to our satellite locations about a mile away, and my coworkers are understanding of the delay.
I used to work for a medical device manufacturer, and although I worked with a bunch of unhealthy people who teased me for my riding, they gave me a space to keep my bike in the warehouse.
I think it's a matter of looking at your company policies and doing as much as you can within those boundaries, if your work is not welcoming.
I used to work for a medical device manufacturer, and although I worked with a bunch of unhealthy people who teased me for my riding, they gave me a space to keep my bike in the warehouse.
I think it's a matter of looking at your company policies and doing as much as you can within those boundaries, if your work is not welcoming.



