May 15th was National Bike to Work day...
otherwise known as Friday.
There are 3 components to bicycle commuting:
- Physical
- Environmental
- Economic
Physically it's a great way to get in a workout and relieve stress while minimizing impact on your time with family. Usually a bicycle commute will only increase your travel time by minutes if you work locally (with in 15-20 miles) and the frustration level of traveling by car, being stuck at light after light, is nearly eliminated.
Environmentally you are not burning a bunch of dinosaurs getting from point a to b. You are also more aware of the environment around you as you are in it; not tucked in a metal cocoon that is increasing being designed to remove you from the world around. Not only that but a bicycle is made of only 20 pounds or so of natural resources, not 4000.
Let's face it, driving a car costs money. It might not seem like a lot when you look at it day to day, but when you add it up day after day operating and maintaining a car is expensive. Gas, tires, oil changes and repairs, can easily add up to multiple thousands of dollars a year. Shouldering this burden might not be an issue for some but for many it's a substantial difficulty.
Fortunately I have a workplace that encourages such behavior
even rewards it
(if only everyday...)
To paraphrase the immortal words of Sam I Am, try it try it you will see...
(if you haven't already)
