Perhaps you recently overheard a co-worker enthusing about the joys of riding a bike to work. The idea appeals to you because you’ve been looking for ways to be more active.
However, is biking to work worth it?
For some people, the idea is a winner. They love the idea of commuting while also getting in a workout.
Nonetheless, biking to work is not all sunshine and roses. Things can go wrong, so is biking to work worth it?
Bike to Work: Commute + Workout
For those who love it, there’s no substitute for cycling to work. They know that biking is an excellent cardio workout that can burn as much as 400 calories an hour. Cycling also makes your glutes, hips and legs stronger.
It’s further worth noting that if you have problems with your ankles, hips, knees or back, cycling is a gentle exercise.
More and more cities are including bike lanes on their streets to make it easier for you to get to and from downtown and other places where jobs are likely to be found.
If your commute is long enough, you may not even need much in the way of supplemental workouts.
Of course, you’ll want to incorporate some upper body strength training here or there.
Reasons Why Riding Your Bike to Work Is Great!
Everyone who cycles to work has their reasons for doing so. Usually, the number-one reason is that it’s fun.
Most people look back on their days of childhood bike riding with rosy-hued nostalgia. Riding a bike to work is one way to bring that feeling of freedom into your current life.
You may be riding toward the daily grind, but at least you get to feel some exhilaration on your way to and from the office.
Riding your bike gives you a unique opportunity to listen to the birds, look at the flowers and wave to your fellow cyclists. It’s an experience you can enjoy.
One of the other top reasons for biking to work is for fitness.
The number of calories that you’ll burn on your daily commute varies based on things like your body weight and how far and fast you ride.
However, you can be certain that you’ll burn far more calories than you would if you were behind the wheel of a car or sitting on a bus or commuter train.
Cycling is known to produce improvements in cardiovascular and aerobic fitness levels while also boosting your energy and lowering your blood pressure.
When your commute becomes a healthy, active habit, it kind of makes you feel like you’re cheating somehow!
It’s also worth considering that cycling to work might enhance your brain function.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the many benefits that moderate daily exercise can have on the human mind.
For instance, such activity might prevent cognitive decline or even improve your memory.
While riding to work will likely not turn you into a genius, it might help your brain continue to function optimally until you reach a ripe old age.
Cycling to work also can improve your household’s bottom line. Think about how much it costs to drive to work.
You spend money on gas, oil, general car maintenance and parking.
Don’t forget that you also have to maintain insurance, the rates for which can skyrocket depending upon how much you drive.
The average commuter who drives a car may spend about $9,000 on car payments, insurance, parking, gas, oil, maintenance and more.
However, you can buy a respectable bicycle for anywhere from $250 to $1,500. Of course, it’s possible to spend much less or much more than that, but this is an average cost based on the brand and components that you might desire.
Most cyclists will spend an average of about $50 each year on maintenance and parts. If you opt to do maintenance yourself, then you may spend even less.
The upshot is that biking to work can save you serious money.
Another financial component also may be worth examining. People who commute by bike usually get more physical exercise than people who use mass transit or drive. People who exercise more tend to be healthier overall.
This means fewer sick days and less reliance on expensive healthcare.
Even if you have an employer who foots the bill for much of your health insurance, poor health can lead to spending tons of money on doctor’s visits, tests, medications, physical therapy and much more.
Cycling to work might help you avoid much of this.
Save the Environment by Cycling to Work
When you cycle to work, you’re making a greener choice. On average, a driver in a common car in the U.S. will release approximately 1.2 pounds of CO2 every mile that they drive.
However, a cyclist is likely to release just 0.7 grams through breathing.
It’s a Convenient Choice
For many people, biking to work is a matter of convenience. They don’t want to struggle to find a parking space every day, nor do they look forward to getting stuck in a five-mile backup.
They appreciate that transit delays do not affect them, giving them a more predictable commute.
With accessories like cycling bags and panniers, they can carry a change of clothes, a laptop or other items to the office.
It’s Not All Sunshine and Roses
As mentioned earlier, cycling to work can be convenient, fun, environmentally friendly and even financially responsible. However, no commute is perfect.
Let’s take a look at some of the problems you might encounter when you choose to cycle to work.
One or more of these considerations may make you think that commuting by another means isn’t so bad after all.
The Weather Can Take You by Surprise
Some people will ride in any conditions. Rain showers and thunderstorms don’t faze them. They give serious thought to riding when snow and ice cover the ground.
Others are fair-weather cyclists. They don’t mind if the air is a little chilly, but they definitely don’t want to gear up enough to ride in the rain.
Plus, there’s always the chance that a day that starts out sunny and promising can turn stormy right about the time you’re getting ready to head home.
To overcome this problem, try to be prepared.
If you’d rather not ride in adverse weather conditions, then make the summer your cycling season and take the bus when the weather turns foul.
If you’re concerned that the weather will sour during the day, be sure to pack some rain gear with you.
Getting Started Can Be Expensive
Unless you’re already a cycling enthusiast with more than one ride in your garage, you’ll need to buy a bicycle.
The good news is that it costs thousands less than a new car. You might even find a great used bike for an astonishingly low price.
However, don’t forget that you’ll need extras like a pump in case one of your tires goes flat, new tires and tubes occasionally, a new chain and perhaps a derailleur from time to time.
You’ll also want to invest in a high-quality bike lock so that your ride doesn’t get stolen while you work.
Consider getting other essential items like a water bottle or hydration backpack, a backpack or panniers to transport your stuff and lights for when you’re riding at night or in the winter.
It’s not as expensive as a car, but it can add up pretty quickly.
Mechanical Issues Happen
How handy are you with common tools? The more comfortable you are with basic repairs, the better prepared you will be for the travails of the average commute.
The reality is that things happen while you’re riding. You get a flat tire, then realize that your hand pump is at home. A pedal falls off or your gears freeze up.
Are you prepared, and willing, to deal with emergency repairs when they unexpectedly crop up?
Usually, it makes sense to be able to do some emergency repairs yourself so that you can at least limp along to where you were going.
Many bike shops offer clinics that can clue you in on the basics.
If you’re not mechanically minded and feel like you’re all thumbs when it comes to basic tools, then biking to work may not be worth it to you.
On the other hand, you might see it as an opportunity to pick up some useful new skills.
Also, if you want to make breakdowns less likely on your commute, then it’s sensible to properly maintain your bike.
That might mean taking it in for periodic adjustments and servicing at your local bike shop and making sure that it’s clean and lubed on a regular basis.
You Have Too Much Stuff to Carry
If you’re like many people, then you may have your packages delivered to work.
It’s a sensible idea because you have the peace of mind of knowing that there’s always someone there to receive and secure your deliveries.
The problem is, how do you get those deliveries home?
If the package isn’t too bulky or heavy, then you may be able to carry it in your backpack or put it into your bike bags.
However, larger items will require some creativity. You may even find that you sometimes have to drive in to the office in the evening or on a weekend to pick up that particularly bulky item.
This can be a pain, so it’s worth thinking about how many deliveries you get at the office and how large those packages typically are before you decide whether or not it is worthwhile to bike to work.
You Will Get Sweaty
Even on a level surface, it’s pretty easy to work up a sweat while cycling. This means that you may not want to wear your work clothes on your commute.
Also, your hair can get messed up when you are wearing a helmet and sweating.
Does your office have shower and locker facilities that you can use? If so, you’re in luck. You can pack your work clothes and personal care essentials with you on your bike.
When you get to work, you can shower, change and fix your hair.
If your office does not have shower and locker room facilities, this can be a major problem.
How sweaty do you get when you exercise? Are you going to be worried about living in dried sweat all day?
This can be enough to turn off some people on the idea of cycling to work.
Commuting Can Be Aggravating
Even if you’re enjoying the freedom and fresh air from the seat of your bicycle, you may find that things are less than rosy.
You’ll have to contend with many potential obstacles, like pedestrians who seem determined to be in your path and drivers who ignore the rules of the road.
If you’re lucky, these encounters will only be aggravating. If you’re unlucky, they can be downright dangerous.
Mainly, this refers to the dangers of a collision with another cyclist or even a motorist. It’s the collisions with motorists that are particularly concerning.
Remember that they are encased in a steel cage while the bicycle rider is almost completely exposed. In any collision, the motorist has a distinct advantage.
The best advice for dealing with others on the commute is to relax, breathe deeply and ride defensively.
Always follow the rules of the road, and be on the lookout for drivers or others who might represent a hazard to you.
Recommended Folding Bikes For Commuting
| Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike | Schwinn Loop | EuroMini Folding-Bicycles Forte’ |
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| The Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike is the most affordable of the recommended bikes here and is super lightweight. | The Schwinn Loop is perfect for riders who have to ride uphill and has up to 7 speeds with a shifter. | What we like about the EuroMini Folding-Bicycles Forte’ is that it’s very sturdy, with a weight capacity of 300lbs and designed with plus-sized riders in mind. |
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Final Thoughts
Biking to work isn’t for everyone, but it does offer fantastic exercise, and many people enjoy it.
If you’re interested in using a bicycle for your commute, start looking for resources in your community.
Chances are good that your city has plenty of information about bike paths and lanes that will help you plan a fun, safe and active commute.
