The Business Insider recently published an article on bicycle commuting, giving readers 13 reasons why they should start biking to work.
“Not only does biking to work have the potential to improve individuals’ health, wealth and standard of living, but the combination of more cyclists and fewer cars on the road could give the entire country a much-needed boost,” pens BI reporter Mandi Woodruff.
Reason #16: Biking makes you smile!
And here’s why:
- It is vastly cheaper than driving
- It’s a free gym on wheels.
- You won’t miss morning traffic jams.
- With bike sharing programs, you don’t even have to own a bike.
- We could save hundreds of millions on healthcare expenses.
- Businesses will save millions in lost productivity.
- It would make cycling safer for everyone. Much unlike cars, the more bicycles on the road, the safer it becomes for cyclists, research shows.
- You’re way more likely to get sick taking the bus.
- Uncle Sam will pay you to bike. Since January 2012, cyclist commuters have been entitled to a $20 per month tax-free reimbursement for bike-related expenses.
- Women could use the extra bone support.
- You inhale more harmful exhaust in your car than on a bike.
- You’ll never have to worry about a parking spot again.
- Our economy could use a boost.
Building on Woodruff’s list, I would add that
- Biking to work wakes you up and gets you going faster than a cup of coffee in a to-go mug ever will.
- It’s often faster than taking the bus.
- And most importantly, IT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE. (Confession: some mornings I make race car noises when riding on a windy downhill section to work.)
What were some of the reasons why you started bike-commuting, and what keeps you going?
All so true for me! RT @cascadebicycle: 13 reasons to bike commute to work. What would you add? http://t.co/4KO4YV4O #SEAbikes
@cascadebicycle reason number one no hurricanes in the pnw currently
And bikes do not contribute CO2 to our atmosphere, warming our waters which is one part of the creation of hurricanes!
[...] this article: Reasons to bike commute to work – Cascade Bicycle Club This entry was posted in Blog Search and tagged bicycles, bike, bus, cars, cyclists, make, pay, [...]
Reasons to bike commute to work http://t.co/CCHyf1x4
@cascadebicycle Because it’s WAY easier to say, “Hi there, care to join me for coffee” to pretty ladies on bikes than pretty ladies in cars
Riding makes me SMILE, and 15 other reasons to bike commute to work: http://t.co/cWBfbJuY via @cascadebicycle
There are lots of good reasons to commute by bike, but reason #10 (extra bone support) is not supported by the cited article, which says, ” Leisure time activities such as dancing and snow shoveling were also associated with a lower fracture risk, whereas occupational activity, training, and leisure walking or cycling were unrelated to fracture risk.” It seems to be a general finding that cycling does not provide enough stress on bones and muscles to offset osteoporosis
@cascadebicycle I’d rather be out in the elements experiencing and living life than sitting in a car
I like “it will make you smile.” Works for me and for many of the people I pass. Most of them smile back.
I’d add this reason: If it’s a rough weather day, by the time I arrive at the office, I feel as if I have already accomplished something. http://www.rockyhillside.net/Blogs/index.php/2006/10/27/riding_in_the_snow
#17 Lowers our dependence on oil! @cascadebicycle 13 reasons to bike commute to work. What would you add? http://t.co/MW419qmu #SEAbikes
#18 It’s Great for the environment! @cascadebicycle 13 reasons to bike commute to work. What would you add? http://t.co/MW419qmu #SEAbikes
#19 Decreases traffic congestion @cascadebicycle 13 reasons to bike commute to work. What would you add? http://t.co/MW419qmu #SEAbikes
[...] – Aside from the anti-bus one, I like these reasons to bike to work. [...]
For me the #1 reason is “no war required”, doing my little part for energy independence.
“Vastly cheaper than driving” has not been my experience. I save about $25 a week on gas, but spend more than that on gear. Bike light, fenders, more bike shorts, long-fingered gloves, wool base layers, light backpack for commuting, the list goes on. Still, I’m happy to be able to direct those funds to Northwest- or US-based companies where possible, instead of the money going overseas immediately.
you’re also saving on reduced routine maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups), possibly reduced insurance (rates are partly based on number of miles driven), not having to replace that car as soon, etc, etc.
and, a lot of my cycling gear did “double-duty”: rain jacket and pants for other rainy outdoor activities, ski gloves for those very cold biking days, wicking under layers for hiking and skiing, ditto for light wool head cover, wool gloves, wool liners, and on and on.
then there’s the savings on less medical bills and visits to the doctors and mental health practitioners; no need for a fitness club membership;…. i’ll stop here.