THINK :: Commuter Biking

THE NEW DRIVE TO WORK

Summer has always been the perfect time for carefree weekend bike rides. An opportunity for exercise, stress-relief, and just plain fun. And for those that want to extend the experience to their daily grind, there’s a growing population taking part in what I like to call the new drive to work: commuter biking.

In much of the world, the bike is valued as a utilitarian vehicle; however, our American culture positions the bike as purely recreational, not for transportation. True, there are many reasons for our non bike-friendly mindset, but that’s slowly starting to change as commuter biking is being woven into the fabric of everyday life in metropolitan areas such as Portland, New York City, Austin, and Chicago.

As the weather has gotten nicer here in Chicago, I myself have transitioned from driving the 5 miles to work to riding my bike instead. I’ve quickly felt the benefits of reduced stress and anxiety, all while being invigorated each time I ride. And while I don’t bike to work every single day (I sometimes need the car for meetings and I’m a fair-weather cyclist not wanting to ride in the rain), I have found even three times a week results in limitless benefits.

As you’ll see, I’m not alone in my newfound interest.

Lance Armstrong, the racing titan, has opened a new bike store in the heart of Austin, Texas that will cater to the commuter biker rather than the hardcore racing cyclist. He explains his intentions and reasoning in an interview with the Austin American-Statesman. Gazing up at the towering 360 condos rising next to the site of his new shop, Armstrong stated: "This city is exploding downtown. Are all these people in high rises going to drive everywhere? We have to promote bike commuting." Seeing how his influence has permeated mainstream culture during his seven-year reign at the Tour de France, I think we could be at a tipping point.

There are several other indicators pointing to the rise of commuter cycling in many of the previously mentioned cities (view Chicago’s Bike 2015 Plan and NYC’s 2007 Bicycle Survey). My home town, the Windy City, has been a model for many cities based on its governmental support of biking, not to mention the notorious reputation it’s received for traffic congestion and limited (and often expensive) parking. These factors have contributed to the city becoming distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States. Chicago has also published a Bike to Work Guide and a Bike to Work Manual to encourage the promotion of commuter bike programs at work.

While “bike to work” programs are starting to become more commonplace in many cities, the concept isn’t anything new to Portland-based Opus Creative. On the company’s blog back in 2005, they posted an article discussing the Bike Commute Challenge, an event that allows Portland area companies to compete against each other for the most bicycle trips taken by their employees. The article also references a claim by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance that bicycling reduces stress and anxiety, and makes for happier employees. I have no doubt that’s true!

Based on my personal experience, I’d have to say that commuter cycling is something worth considering, if at all possible. My morning commute is no longer spent sitting in frustrating traffic, wasting gas, wasting money, and most importantly, wasting my time. By riding my bike to work, even a few days a week, I’m not only saving money on gas, I’m also less prone to the plague of an expanding waistline! It has truly been a transformational experience and one I’d recommend to everyone.

In addition to the many references included throughout this feature, you should also take a look at the links below for information on different commuter bike options. If you’re worried about the comfort factor but you want to try and save on cost, remember you can always use a bike you already own…just make some minor upgrades to ensure a comfortable ride. Check with your local bike shop for details. pm

::Novara Commuter Collection   
::Trek Pure Sport Commuter Bike   
::Trek’s 1 World 2 Wheels Organization

Bryan Kelly is a co-founder and contributor to PrairieMod. He lives in a super cool 1970's ranch in suburban Chicago. You can email him at bryan@prairiemod.com

Comments

[Mark Hertzberg]

Kudos to Bryan. I am a dedicated (or obsessive?) cyclist. I bike year round (yes, I even have a winter bike with studded snow tires). It is great exercise and a wonderful way to start the day. A fulltime bike shop will properly fit you to a bike (unlike department stores) and help you find the right paniers or shoulder bags, and clothing, to help you commute comfortably. Mayor Daley has been a great cycling advocate for Chicago. May you have many safe and enjoyable miles on the two wheels!

Mark