Commuting by Bicycle
Using your bike for transportation can be quite rewarding. Besides
the obvious benefits of saving gas, reducing impact on the environment
and getting some exercise, most bicycle commuters agree that there
are certain mental benefits as well.
Fresh air, being out in nature, not being in the car and expending
physical energy can allow the commuting cyclist to transition a
little easier from work place to home and family. Most commuter
cyclists describe this as "decompression," and that it helps them
to lead a happier and more balanced life.
Great reasons to ride your bike to work, right?
Well, even the most experienced cyclist brings up pretty much the
same objections to riding to work. Clearly, if you've got a very
long commute and no alternate routes or public transportation to
fill in some of the distance, or you have to travel as part of employment,
bicycle commuting may not be the answer. However, if you have a
reasonable distance to ride (we aren't discussing actual mileage
because one person's "reasonable" commute isn't the same for everyone
else) or can augment the ride with public transportation you can
ride to work or school. Check out MARTA, both busses and trains
are capable of taking bicycles.
Successful bicycle commuting is all about planning. Correct clothing
and equipment, good route, properly maintained bicycle appropriate
for the route. Bicycle South outfits many cyclists for commutes
of a few miles to more than 30 miles a day. Several of our staff
and many of our clients commute exclusively by bicycle, through
congested urban areas and ride year round as well. The majority
of these commuting cyclists are just ordinary people, not athletes
or endurance cyclists. Come in and see us and let us know what you
are planning, we can help!
We
hear the same 5 excuses over and over again. Lets look at what those
excuses are and how to address them.
The
ride is too long, it's going to take too much time
It's a matter of priorities. If you think of bicycle commuting as
a work out - you might find that the time you put into riding for
exercise and commuting to work, comes out about even. For example,
If it takes you 20 minutes extra a day to ride 10 miles to work
and 20 minutes extra to ride that 10 miles home, and you try to
get an hour of exercise a day - you've accomplished both and saved
a little time. If you add in the time it takes to change at work,
you probably come out about even.
But I have to wear business clothes…
You still can. Even if you are seeing clients or have to really
get dressed up for work. You can leave suits, dress shoes and blazers
at the office, bring in clean shirts (get them "boxed" at the cleaners)
in a pannier. If you drive one day a week, you can restock your
work wardrobe. A bicycle commuter we know keeps several pairs of
dress pumps and an extra pair or two of hose in her desk.
I need to take a shower after I ride
Check and see if your building has a shower, see if a building
in your business complex has a shower, (if you have any kind of
fitness facility, chances are you do) investigate health clubs,
and the Y. Don't rule out the wash cloth in a zip lock bag trick.
Chances are pretty good that you can find an arrangement that will
work. Also, remember that sweat doesn't stink. If you're clean when
you leave home and you change into clean clothes at the office,
you certainly won't have any odor. Hair is another story, but we
know plenty of commuting cyclists who manage with all hair lengths.
Unless you have a beehive, a little styling gel can correct most
cases of "helmet hair." With the right breathable cycling clothing
on your way to work and if you don't have to climb steep hills on
your commute, you may not even sweat at all.
It's too cold/wet/hot/dry to ride my bike to work.
Sure, your fingers will freeze in January without correct gloves.
Riding in a hurricane is dangerous. We don't recommend riding during
an ice storm. However, most cycling clothing, any good article of
"technical" clothing can be purchased to deal with the elements.
Rainwear that breathes, layers that insulate as well as wick moisture,
shoe covers that keep toes warm, there are plenty of options. We
can make many recommendations as to the correct clothing for riding
year round. Quality cycling clothing should last several seasons
or more.
I've got no place to keep my bike at work
There may be some local ordinance about this. Check into it.
Ask your office facilities people, your building management or even
your own management. Ask, because if parking is provided for cars,
there should be bicycle parking. Be creative, we know cyclists who
keep bikes in janitors closets, copy rooms, even their office! Just
remember, unless your bicycle is in a secure place, lock it, remove
your easily removed accessories such as pumps and lighting.
So
consider commuting by bicycle. There may be tax and insurance benefits,
and even special bonuses from the city or your place of your employment.
The benefit to your health and mental well being is priceless.
Commute Friendly Bike Paths:
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