Why do you bike to work?

[Steve O]

@Subby 81154 wrote:

For the chicks.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5070[/ATTACH]

[brendan]

@dasgeh 81126 wrote:

It got me thinking, though, what my real, soundbite appropriate answer is. And I thought I’d throw it out to the forum-all stars.

It makes me happy.

B

[Steve O]

For many years my answer was that it allowed me to accomplish two things at the same time: get my exercise and get to work. I have to get to work anyway, so why not do both? So it’s a big time saver, since I don’t have to spend several hours a week running, going to the gym or getting exercise some other way. That was really helpful when the kids were small and time was at a premium. (People who claim they drive for this very reason–it gives them more family time–either get fat or end up giving up that time on the weekends to hit the gym or do their running or cycling or whatev.)

After about 12-14 years I shifted my answer (although the above is still true) to focus more on the happiness/mental health benefits even more than the physical health benefits. I think it underscores the mind/body connection. If your body is healthy, it makes your mind sharper and happier. I also very much appreciate the transition at the end of the day. Nothing like a bike ride to de-stress!

Lastly, on days that the weather is less than clement and people will comment on how “crazy” I am to be cycling. My response is generally, “You deal with traffic; I deal with weather, ” sometimes accompanied by that old canard, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.”

[Anonymous]

Because I’m going to go for a bike ride anyway, so I might as well get somewhere I need to go while I’m at it.

[OneEighth]

“Cuz, let’s face it, driving around here sucks.”

[DismalScientist]

I commute by bike in summer to train for Freezing Saddles.:rolleyes:

[americancyclo]

@Steve O 81161 wrote:

Lastly, on days that the weather is less than clement and people will comment on how “crazy” I am to be cycling. My response is generally, “You deal with traffic; I deal with weather, ” sometimes accompanied by that old canard, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.”

There’s no such thing as bad traffic, only bad commute choices.

[Dickie]

MTAP (Muffin Top avoidance program).

Actually, my therapist told me that I had to ride everyday or else I would be seeing her for many more years to come… that was 3 years ago, never been back! However, finding the time to ride everyday given my schedule was tough and my motivation eventually dried-up. Commuting makes all of this possible while still accomplishing the necessary task of getting to and from work. The alternative is un-healthy both mentally and physically, I just feel better when I’m riding which makes me a nicer person, better husband, and more productive worker.

[Geoff]

I’m happier when I ride regularly. My wife notices.
I’m happier when I am riding.
I’ll be sixty this summer. My resting heart rate is 50, my cholesterol, blood pressure, and waistline are all low. Getting older is mandatory, aging is optional.
I save money on Metro fares. Which I spend on bike stuff.
It’s training for century rides, which I do because I’m happier when I’m riding.

Sometimes I wonder how I can be a serious professional if I’m riding a bike to work. Then I shake my head and go for a ride.

[consularrider]

My answer has always been, “Why wouldn’t I?” And then elaborate most of what everyone else has already written.

[DaveK]

Because Capital Jetpackshare is not yet open.

[Justin Antos]

It’s faster than walking
It’s free
There’s no traffic ever
There’s unlimited free parking pretty much everywhere
I simply don’t have time to travel any other way!

[dasgeh]

@Justin Antos 81181 wrote:

There’s no traffic ever

You must not commute on the Custis…

[KelOnWheels]

Cos I’m not exactly sure where I left my car last… I haven’t seen it for a couple of weeks.

[americancyclo]

@dasgeh 81186 wrote:

You must not commute on the Custis…

You must commute on the Custis after 7am.

[Author]

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