This is why bicycling to work is increasing in popularity. Bicycles are relatively cheap, and if you live within a reasonable bike ride to your work it can be very practical as well as healthy.
It may seem odd to many to think of riding to work, but there are a few tricks to make it more reasonable.
First, is your commute reasonable? This is a personal decision. For some 5 miles each way may be a maximum. Others may be willing to go 10 or more miles by bicycle to work.
Second, find out where at work you can keep your bicycle. While many employers will probably not have a bike rack available, you may get permission to store your bike someplace where you work. All you need is a place that's a bit out of everyone else's way. Talk to your boss.
Third, decide how you're going to transport your work clothes. Most people don't want to ride their bikes in the clothing they'd wear to work; it's too easy to sweat in those. But you can fold your clothes neatly into a backpack and change at work. If you're careful about it the wrinkles should not be severe. Think about clothes that resist wrinkling but still look professional.
Fourth, think about what kind of weather you are willing to ride in. The weather won't be perfect year-round just about anywhere. How will you cope with pouring rain? 100+ degree F weather? Does it snow in your area? Obviously some days will be much harder than others for riding a bike.
Will you need more than a bike?
You will want some basic equipment that you may or may not own already. A bicycle helmet is vital. Not all car drivers care to watch out for bicyclists, and I do know people whose lives have likely been saved by their bike helmets. The most recent case was used to show my niece what could happen if she didn't wear her helmet. A helmet all but split into pieces and a rider only lightly injured is a great object lesson.
Other equipment may or may not be needed. If you're going to be riding at dusk or night, a front and rear light is a very good idea. You do not want to be invisible. You'll also need regular maintenance on your bike to keep it in good condition.
And if you need to carry equipment to work, you're going to need something for carrying it. It may be the backpack you carry your change of clothes in or a pannier for your bicycle.
Don't forget a backup plan.
While you may hope to ride to and from work daily, sometimes a change in the weather may make it impossible to get home on your bike. Some places get rather sudden changes in the weather that you may not want to deal with.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to have a coworker who is willing to take you home. Or public transportation may be a practical option. You may even be able to have your spouse come get you if the weather is too bad. Whatever your solution is, plan it out in advance so you aren't struggling to figure it out when the need is urgent.
Riding a bike to work can result in significant monthly savings and help you to keep fit. As gas prices make it more painful to fill up your car, this option may greatly simplify your life.
There are many obvious benefits to cycling that many people choose to ignore. Sure, it seems like it would be faster to drive to the store during dinner time rush hour, but is it really? Chances are it is not faster. In fact, you could probably get to your destination within a much shorter period of time if you took your bicycle than if you drove your vehicle. Many people who live in big cities are finding that taking their bicycle to work is actually faster than driving there.
Of course there is the obvious benefit of saving money. Finances are a big reason that many people ride their bicycle instead of driving. Riding a bicycle is much cheaper than driving your vehicle. Whenever you start your vehicle, it uses gas. Driving it costs money in gas and oil as well. One little trip to the store can cost you a few dollars in gas where if you rode your bike it would cost nothing at all.
The maintenance on your vehicle likely totals at least a few hundred dollars a year, while the maintenance on a bicycle is a few dollars. Your bicycle only needs a little oil on the chain, air in the tires and maybe a bolt tightened here or there.
Another notable benefit of cycling is health. With a bike ride you get resistance training, endurance training and a cardiovascular work out all in one. The health benefits of riding a bicycle are amazing ? going out three or four times a week for an hour-long bike ride can improve your physical health immensely.
It is important to remember that just as your vehicle needs fuel to run, so does your body if you are cycling. It's important to drink lots of fluids and eat properly or you could find yourself running out of energy. Cycling without eating right and maintaining your fluid intake can be dangerous to your health, so be sure to ?fuel up? before heading out on a ride.
Having the proper cycling gear and apparel can also help with the benefits. Having comfortable clothing for your ride will help you ride longer and more efficiently. Proper cycling clothing is perfect for short or long cycling trips. Cycling apparel, especially pro issued apparel, is made to fit properly with padding in the right places for the best support and comfort. The material that bike clothing is made out of is breathable, which allows your body to expel its heat and allow air to flow through to your skin. The cycling clothing that is made today has also become more fashionable. Much of the custom cycling apparel available can be used as every day wear, which means you can get off your bike and pop into a store or the golf club and no one would be any the wiser.
Using your bicycle also aids the environment by lowering the vehicle emissions being released into the atmosphere. Even one day a week of bicycling would help make a difference in he community you live in. Riding greatly reduces the noise, congestion and fuel emission levels in your home town. You can be happy in knowing you are doing a small part to help the earth as well as your body when you choose to bike to work, school, or the store.
With all of the benefits of cycling, get out there, ride your bike and enjoy yourself!
Both Stephanie Foster & Ben Anton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephanie Foster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Shopping and Pets. Stephanie Foster runs to discuss bicycle riding. Find the bike. Stephanie Foster's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.
Ben Anton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Software, Home and Writing. Ben Anton is based in the Northwest and is a regular writer for Team Sales Cycling.To learn more about the benefits of