Riding to Work
Wednesday April 2, 2008
Not everyone can ride to work, but many of us can for at least part of the year. I think It's something everyone should consider, and if it works for you, do it.
Giving it a try is easy. You know, it doesn't have to be a big thing. You can start by doing it just every once in a while, and see if you want to do it more often. There's no need to be the die hard commuter who's out there every day, rain or shine.
Like I said, it's not for everybody, but I find that riding to work energizes me for the day ahead, and with the way our environment is headed, I feel a little better for not pumping crap into the air every day.
Comments
I have been threatening to ride to work ever since gas hit $2. 7 1/2 miles one way, with some hills, I am bound to work up a sweat, I always pack a lunch, I often have errands to run during the day or after work. Time - takes 10 - 15 minutes in the car, would take 30 - 45 minutes on the bike.. I with they would come out with an all electric car.
For the past 5 years I’ve been riding at least 3 days/week during the summer. Distance is 11.5 miles each way. Since I lose 400ft elevation going TO work it takes 40+ minutes IN and 1 hour to get home.
Sure I’m sweaty when I arrive, but it sure feels great throughout the rest of the day!
It would be fun to ride to work, but around here you must have a death wish to ride on streets. NO safe place to ride, traffic fast. Last year two bikers, riding one in front of another, were killed on a Sunday morning. This was not rush hour on a weekday. I asked my policeman neighbor for the details, he said,”Lets just say there were entrails and limbs scattered around.” It is not my desire to leave my entrails on the street. Ride to work? Do you have a death wish? Have a great summer every body. Meet me in Fayetteville,WV for whitewater rafting on the Gualey river in October. Look it up on You-tube. Best wishes to all.!!
Luckily, I live in Chicago… a city that truly tries to be very biker-friendly. There are big paths on several major streets leading to and from the Loop. I will be riding my bike to work for the first time this season. My main fear is the people who street park and don’t look behind them before opening their door. I’ve heard so many bikers get hit that way!