Why Do You Commute?

NickInNC

I am always interested in why different people commute so tell me why!




My Reson:

I used to be a fat tub of lard, I stand 6'2" and I was 280lbs. About two years ago now I started running. And six months ago I bought my first bike since I was 13. I started cycling for sport and to train for some small triathlons. Well I got a new job shortly after I got my bike and its only about 7 miles one way and I decided you know to stay fit save gas I better commit to commuting on the bike.

I was given a new car the other day, I am excited to have it but it won't get mush use unless I have to take the kids somehwere.

Julian G.

I ride my bike to school even if there's a foot of snow (take out cheapo walmart BMX for this), simply becuase I can't stand school buses... don't ask me why, cause I don't even know why... just don't like em'.

Fatherzen

I am an avid bicycle commuter because of the money I save and because of the benifit to the environment.

I work in the U. S. Navy. Several years ago I was working on the USS Nimitz during her refueling overhaul. I spent a couple of years working long hours sitting at a computer and eating my meals mainly out of the snack machines in the hanger bay. I was in terrible physical condition. When I took my Physical Rediness Test, the Senior Chief monitoring the test was reviewing CPR in his mind while he watched me run the mile and a half because he did not expect me to make it.

I started bicycling to my next assignement and I got into much better condition. I also discovered that I was saving a great deal of money by not having to burn gasoline transiting to and from work. My bicycle has become my primary means of transportation and I use it for errands and grocery shopping. I only use my automobile when I am transporting passengers or travelling a distance that is beyond my cycling range.

xxamr_corpxx

Good fun and cheaper. My beater only cost a week's bus fares and I used it for 3 months commuting over the summer. I've saved enough to buy a new spa pool (not that I will).

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2005 Giant Elwood
ACE Folding Bicycle

Chavez

Not much different than the others; in order of their personal importance to me:

1) I was going about 5'9" 230 lbs; I think in many cases BMI isn't the whole story, but I was overweight and out of shape. My ride to work is about 3.5 mi one way, so that's a couple 15-20 minute bursts of activity (fairly strenuous - I might dog it a bit on the way TO work, but I try to push it on the way home) that I wasn't getting previous. Haven't hopped on a scale, but I can SEE the weight loss in my love handles and face, and have shrunk a couple pant sizes

2) I drove a pickup to and from work every day - granted, a 7 mi round trip isn't killing the household budget, but not having to gas up and current prices is simply wonderful.

3) Less gas used = better for the environment

azul_fahrrad

1. I hate being stuck in traffic
2. Less money on gas and cars means more money for bike stuff
3. The more I ride the nicer I am to others
4. Weight loss
5. Deep down inside me somwhere, there is a tree hugger.

rule62

Beats walking...much more fun than driving.

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ozzyphil

Ive only been commuting for about 3 months and I love it. Im a bit bleary to start with but by the time I get to work I'm much more alert than I would normally be if I sat in a bus/train/car. Its a lot of fun, Ive lost weight, Im generally happier, Ive used $75 of petrol in 3 months just at weekends.... also ... ride over sydney harbour bridge in the morning and evening and see how you feel! I do 12 kms each way and am fortunate enough to have a shower at work. If I have to change jobs it will have to have a shower facility... also .. it had better be further away than 12kms!

Hope this helps

Fatherzen

Some years ago I came across the moto:

Work to eat.
Eat to live.
Live to bike.
Bike to Work!

aubinmg

I commute because I like being on two wheels.
I'm 57 and have had a bike contuously since I was 5. In the early 80s I rode from May to October, 10Kms each way, on fairly busy roads. Life and work took me too far away to ride to work. I'm back in range now, 15Kms each way and have a beautiful route along the Rideau Canal from Hog's Back to downtown. Except for busy approach and departure roads its all on bike path. I hope to keep the May to October cycle going until I retire.

deedubya

Two primary factors:

1) Weight loss/fitness. Loss of 15 lbs this season's commuting season (I choose not to commute year 'round), during period of increased beer and bbq consumption. Similar loss last year, for a total change from 220 down to 185 over two years. Reduction in resting HR, and increased cardiovascular endurance.

2) Elimination of feelings of "road stress" experienced driving, especially when driving home, and/or elimination of "bus dread" experienced when taking public transit home. The distance I travel, combined with the traffic during evening rush hour makes my bike commute take about the same time as driving or taking public transport, but I enjoy the trip, instead of dreading it.

Financial factors don't affect me. I still need (choose) to insure and maintain a car. I have two children that need to be transported around the city. I take trips to Costco. Any savings not buying fuel for commuting don't noticibly affect my quality of life.

Environmental benefits don't really influence my decision either. I can't feel too proud of my carbon footprint reduction, as I use A/C at home, consume high "food miles" food, etc.

On a negative side, I've had one close call with a car (had to bail), resulting in a couple of cuts and abrasions, and a couple of self-infliced crashes (one falling over in the clips and one taking a header due to getting stuck in a streetcar track) resulting in minor injuries (road rash, cuts, bruises including one to the ego). All three cases made me reconsider my choice to commute via bicycle. The near collision happened while riding on a mixed-use trail - I could not have taken a "more safe" route that day.

Jonahhobbes

I live in New Zeland and the 16.5km journey in is very lovely. Commuting is the high point of my work day, a few times I've thought about throwing a "sicky" but then I think "Hey but I'll miss my bike ride!" I work shifts so coming back sometimes during the dead of night can be really peaceful. I like the change in the seasons and the wildlife. I pass a cemetary, a wildlife reserve and the sea on my journey in and home again. I've had some fun recently making my own 50watt headlight running off a 12v battery, its a blast! I lost alot of weight doing this and now I've knocked the beer on the head hope to lose some more.

I think people look down on cyclists-the thing is the never know what they are missing

Carnage

My commute takes me to about 30mph, the speed limt and somedays beyond making it much quicker on the way into work. But the slog back up the massive hills takes me about the same time as my car. Go figure!

Also its fun to overtake cars (and workmates) on the way in.

ps it makes me look hard walking in to the office in shorts, when there is 2 foot of snow outside. Hrrr

Carnage.

ranger39000

My reasons for commuting by bike change from year to year. For the past few yrs it has been because I lost my liscense until I pay back a tremendous amout of money, which I can't . I had already intermittently commuted by bike for several years anyway because I was in training all the time for triathloning (8 yrs worth, history now). Now, in my mind, not having a liscense forces me to stick with something I love anyway, if that makes any sense . I'm offered rides all the time because most people I know just can't fathom why I would want to do such a thing, especially on such dangerous roads as U.S.19 here in Pasco County, Florida. I guess the only people who understand r right here on this forum .

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