Two Wheels Good
I’m inspired to write about cycling to work by just experiencing some of the worst riding weather mother nature has served up this winter. My socks have barely dried out and my toes are yet to thaw, but I still have it in me to plant a bike riding seed.
I re-committed to regularly riding about six months ago. A twice-daily 20 minute ride has since been great for me because:
- it’s faster than commuting by public transport;
- it’s more reliable than commuting by public transport;
- it’s cheaper than public transport;
- it’s good for the environment; and
- it makes me feel good.
Yes, there have been mornings on which I’ve found it difficult to motivate myself to push out the garage, but that feeling has never lasted beyond the turn at the bottom of my street. By the time I get to work I always feel clear-headed and ready to go.
I’d tell you to buy proper apparel and safety equipment, but the only two things I really consider essential for the business commuter are a good pair of fenders (for dryness) and a place at the office to keep business attire.
Please think about riding to work. Save the whales!
Photo by Victoria Pickering and made available under creative commons.
This article resonated with me. I have been cycling in Vancouver for six weeks. This morning when I awoke to the sound of rain battering on the roof, I found it difficult to get motivated, but felt I very virtuous once I arrived at the office!
Vancouver has a fantastic series of cycle lanes but, nevertheless, I would strongly recommend proper apparel and safety equipment. At the very minimum: skid lid, lights and hi-viz jacket or vest.
I’ve been commuter cycling for many of the reasons Dan states for years. A day without biking (snow or ice ont he road) is a day without sunshine. Decent gear does make a difference between a great ride and a good ride, however.
Oh yes. Do wear a helmet. Thanks for the comments!
However, one should not feel that one needs to be an all-weather-whatever-the-weather enthusiast in order to get the benefit of cycling. I myself leave the bike in the garage when the roads are icy or when snowbanks limit the width of the road available to me to get out of the way of cars. I have seen too many cyclists slip or just fall over from hitting an unexpected slippery patch to want to be one of them. But I still get 150+ bike days a year, and vastly prefer them to the TTC for reasons that Dan mentions (and it drives me crazy that people inside won’t move into the middle of the car when other people are jamming the doorways).
I decided to move closer to downtown when I sold my house last spring so that I could walk to work. It’s only about 30 minutes door-to-door, and takes me through some lovely old neighbourhoods. It’s a low-stress alternative to the TTC, and a habit I’ve loved forming!