2 miles each way - is it worth it?

[JoeyB]

Basically I've decided I'm fed up with the time it takes to travel the two miles to get home each night and I'm going to ride it instead. I plan to drive in on Monday with bike in boot and then ride the rest of the week. I can use my company car for business use still and even to nip home at lunch when traffic is not an issue.

Never bothered until now due to the short distance, it's a lot of hassle arranging clothes in the right place etc for a a stupidly short commute, but I guess it's all mileage...

Just need to find somewhere at work to store my bike now!

 

[GrasB]

For two miles I would wear work clothes unless the weather is really bad.

 

[screenman]

For 2 miles I would likely walk if cycling was any problem.

 

[MisterStan]

For two miles I would wear work clothes unless the weather is really bad.

This

 

[Sittingduck]

Do an 'extended' route to make cycling in worthwhile? Assuming the weather is ok, of course...

 

[400bhp]

Depends what your work clothes are and what job you do. I wouldn't ride to work in a suit for example.

But there's certainly no need to wear cycle specific clothing. Perhaps some clips to stop your trousers getting oily, but that's all.

 

[Recycle]

What are your alternatives? I think it's worth it and over that distance, I would only dress differently to protect from the elements (overshoes & rain gear when needed). If you take it easy you won't work up a sweat any more than you would on a walk (unless you are like me who considers every other cyclist a challenge, much to the dismay of a pair of middle aged legs).
I can't think of any alternative that's better than cycling in.

 

[byegad]

Buy a cycle cape and waterproof shoe covers and wear your work clothes. go steady and you won't get sweaty.

 

[GrasB]

Depends what your work clothes are and what job you do. I wouldn't ride to work in a suit for example.

Cycled across town in a suit before, no tie though, did that up at the destination. Quite amusing to see peoples reaction as they realise the guy they're trying to drop at 20mph is wearing a suit...

 

[400bhp]

Oh yes, I'm sure it's fine on the odd occasion - just wouldn't want to be doing it regularly.

 

[Peter Armstrong]

My works only 4 miles so I will more likly run with my work stuff in a back pack than cycle. Unless weathers nice i will cycle.

 

[defy-one]

I cycle 20 miles each way in trousers and shirt .... just take it easy and roll down hills. You will be fine with 2 miles

 

[BSRU]

I live about two miles from work but I do not cycle two miles to work, except for lunchtime.
I have cycle commuted over 9000km(5000 miles) this year.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I think having such a short commute (mine is 3 miles) has huge advantages - it doesn't matter how wet, cold, hot, desperate for a wee I get because I'm only on the saddle for 11 minutes!

 

[byegad]

Oh yes, I'm sure it's fine on the odd occasion - just wouldn't want to be doing it regularly.

It's fine all of the time. Have you never cycled as a means of transport?