[Tyler]

Thoughts on buying a bike to commute to work to save money? How far would you be willing to commute?

When it gets warmer I was considering doing this so I don’t spend so much on gas (Plus would love to start biking some trails on the weekends).

It’s only 15 miles. Anyone have any insight or wisdom they can offer?

[Callie]

ONLY 15 miles?
I gotta ask… how often do you bike / in what kind of shape are you in / how long will it take you to work up to being able to ride your bike 15 miles a day (assuming the total is a round trip).

[Nesha]

What are the biking conditions? Are the bike paths or bike lanes or a lot of traffic?

We have e-bikes and ride them a lot of local errands about 9 months of the year. We have really good bike infrastructure, though.

[Anna]

Buy a good, used, cheap bike with at least 10 speeds. Just get a middle of the road brand, nothing fancy.

If you are locking it up outside while at work all day you don’t want it stolen.

[Melissa]

Consider a few other things: what will you do if it’s raining when you leave work? Is public transportation an option?

I’m in a city and lots of people have bike share or scooter share memberships.

Are these in your area?

[Mary]

Start out riding on weekends. Once you can do 15 miles easily pick one day to bike to work. Remember that you will be tired coming home so it may take longer.

Also, before you do it, make sure your route is safe. You don’t want to get hit by a car.

And I would not be biking in the dark or close to dark. Cars can’t see you as well.

I biked all summer one year, but it was only about 3 miles each way.

[Lisa]

maybe checkout ebikes… with pedal assist… I think it’s great! we got them a few summers ago and it allows us to explore farther…

[Dennise]

Wear reflective clothing, or at least a vest, My dad was hit by a car on a country road during the daytime because the driver didn’t see him.

[Stephanie]

If you can carry your bike on your car, start out doing a comfortable distance for you, say 3 miles.

Park the car and bike the rest.

Then increase the distance as you get fitter.

[Christine]

I had a co-worker who started biking to work, however, his child’s school called one time for an emergency. His wife was out of town and no other family to call.

He had to rush biking home so that he could rush to his child’s school. 15 miles is a little longer to rush home for.

[Doreen]

There are some FB pages for bicycle commuters FYI. I commute a few days a week on and off for health and exercise. It’s doable.

I would practice on the weekend and time yourself, and make sure you can do it without working your way up to the 15 miles.

If not ride on the weekends to work your way up to the 15. I take my wash & wear dresses, leave ballerina flats in my desk.

In the am sweating isn’t an issue for me. The commuter page has great feedback about rain coats for cyclists, backpacks, tool kits, diet for energy, etc.

I bought a specialized used for $600. Had it fitted at a bike shop, Go for it!!!

[James]

Dude! Yes! Long ago, my office did not offer showers on site. The bike ride was approx. 5 miles from home. I worked out a deal with a gym that was across the street to use their showers.

You can do this! It’s very uncomfortable being sweaty all day, but starting the day with a good bike ride gets your mind working.

You’ll be more productive, you’ll be more creative and overall your health will improve. Now for the downside, being sweaty, planning ahead.

For instance, because I was biking, getting to the grocery store on the way home was just not going to happen. Having a good commuter bag to hold your things.

Things have really changed since the days when I ran my breakeven analysis of how many days I needed to bike to pay for my monthly “shower.”

I recall getting into an argument with someone about my bike being in a cube since there were no bike racks anywhere.

[Kathy]

I did just that started riding my bike to work. I kept my car in storage for about 8 months while I tried this new way of life.

Then sold my car and relied solely on either bike, public transit and walking.

I’ve structured my life around not needing a car and love living a car free lifestyle.

The benefits are huge from weight loss (health), saving huge car costs $$$, and smaller environmental impact

[Doris]

Please make sure you can safely bike each way. Don’t risk your wellbeing if you’re uncertain of the safety aspect.

Otherwise…that sounds very doable.

[April]

That is my question how bike safe are the roads for me not so much as u am a runner and have run the 11 1/2 miles home that is the only reason that I don’t ride a bicycle in the summer

[Elizabeth]

15 miles is a lot. How far do you normally ride your bike? And you would have to do it again after working all day. Also is your area bike friendly?

Do you remember to check the weather to make sure you aren’t surprised by rain/snow?

What type of job do you have (is the inevitable sweat/BO/wrinkled clothes from riding the bike going to be a problem?)

Great idea but definitely think it though!

[Corinne]

It depends on many factors, how far you usually cycle (you will get used to the longer distance) what the roads are like, can you change/shower at work.

I used to cycle across London 12 miles each way when I was a lot younger (20/30s) with no problems – other than car drivers of course!

[Mary]

my bro in law likes to ride his bike, but has been rear-ended by cars. so do stay far offf the area that the cars use.

do some previews of your routes – 15 miles on a bike sounds long to me.

is there someone who can loan you a bike before you buy one??

[Dorie]

The traffic started intimidating me so I stopped. Not many bike lanes here and I had some really hairy moments.. My suggestion is to get you a mirror that attaches to your glasses or helmet so you can see what is coming up behind you.

And ride defensively.

Pretend every car is out to get you. And do you know what “doored” is?

[Author]

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