bikecommuting

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Commute got you down lately? Depressed because you're spending hours each day stewing in your car in stalled traffic? Waiting for the multi-billion dollar light-rail system or monorail or new 520 Bridge (take your pick) to magically get built and make everything OK?

We've got news for you - none of the above solutions is going to materialize soon, and possibly not in our lifetimes. If and when they do come into existence, there will be that many more people in that many more automobiles to deal with.

There is a solution that you can implement now, and it won't cost billions of taxpayer dollars. If you are reasonably healthy, own a bike and ride it to work, we guarantee you'll never be stuck in traffic unless you choose to be, will raise your weekly mileage and fitness significantly, and will probably begin to find your daily commute the most pleasant part of your workday.

Sure, there's the shower issue, the clean clothes issue, the where-to-park-the-bike issue, and the co-workers staring at you like you're a lunatic issue, but these aren't really hard to resolve. Lobby for a shower at your work, build one yourself, or clean up with a washcloth at the sink. Drive once every week or two and bring a load of fresh clothes. Hang your bike from the ceiling, park it in a closet, think about a folding bike. Let your colleagues think you're a maniac, it'll give you leverage in group meetings. WHATEVER. Don't think about why NOT, think about WHY.

Why? Because you'll burn more calories, look better, and feel better. Because you can give up the gym membership with the Stairmaster and spinning classes, and really go somewhere. Because you'll glide through life in peace, leaving the drivers and their foul moods far away (except, perhaps, at intersections, where you should be especially wary of them).

Start in the summer or early fall, when the Seattle weather is the best of any place on earth. Start by riding to work one day a week. Work up to more days, more weather, more mileage. Add lights, foul weather clothing, and fenders as you need them. See what happens when you start putting 5,000 or more miles per year on your bike and leaving your car at home during that time - all ofthe people you see on this website do. Imagine what might be if 10%, or 20% or 50% of the driving population did likewise . . .

Team O'Brien

Washington State bicycle info page (local commuting info)

Self Propelled City page (non-motorized commuting info and articles)

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