how do you feel you benefit from commuting to and from work?

[bubbles3]

I am considering commuting to work on the bike. I was wondering what benefits you feel you get from going to work on the bike instead of the car?

My commute would only be 6 miles, would include one major roundabout and 2 smaller ones. Also about a mile on dual carriageway.

The only place i would have to secure my bike is to attach it to a wheelie bin in the back yard at work.

I don't really like the idea of my giant scr1 being out in all weathers, but the only other bike i could take would be my 20year old muddy fox mountain bike which weighs a ton. Or maybe i could take it turns with them.

Let me know if you feel your commute benefits you mentally, physically or both.

 

[Sittingduck]

• Builds base fitness, for longer rides at the weekend
• Wakes me up in the morning
• Allows me to wind-down on the way home
• Better than public transport
• Costs nowt
• Burns calories, thus allowing me to consume cake 'n' stuff

 

[jim55]

its a lot cheaper (obv )
it keeps me fitter
timewise much the same

 

[ianrauk]

wot ^ said, plus I do it because bloody love cycling

Don't worry about taking your Giant out in all weathers. Keep it cleaned and lubed up and it will handle everything the weather will throw at it.

 

[sabian92]

I'd take your old bike and fit some slicks on it. If you leave an expensive bike locked to a bin that can be moved you're asking for to be nicked.

As for me, It's good fun, wakes me up and it's good exercise. I just need to actually be bothered to do it more.

 

[Hip Priest]

I used to be ill a lot, and had a lot of sick days. Since I started cycling, my absence has more than halved. Partly because I'm ill a lot less, and partly because the discipline of long-distance cycling has made me more stoicial when I am ill.

 

[Matthew_T]

The only place i would have to secure my bike is to attach it to a wheelie bin in the back yard at work.

Are you sure? Are there no railings nearby? Even a lampost would be better than a wheelie bin.
Try to find something immovable and make sure you lock both wheels (if they are QR) and remove anything like a computer or lights.

Also look for a security camera (if your workplace has one or the council CCTV) and try to put it somewhere that people will see someone trying to nick it.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Started 4 years go and I am thinner, fitter and have a much better quality of life.
Sounds cheesy, but taking up cycling was and is life-changing.

I also pay less for fuel as only the wife uses the car, but what I Saved has even spent over, on new bikes n kit n gadgets.

I am also a member of a new club for life... The cyclists club.

 

[Pauluk]

Cycling to work is great for me, I love it. 40 per cent roads (improves my road/traffic skills and allows me to moan on here about p*ss artists in cars) and 60 percent river path across the city. On a sunny day its brill cold or hot. As people said it gets you fitter as well.

As far as security is concerned: What Matthew said, look for better possibilities.

 

[DCLane]

Why do I commute when I've got a nice car at home:

- It's quicker
- Saves £10 a day
- I'm fitter and it saves going to the gym
- Allows me to unwind. Apparently I get home and issues of the day don't bother me

 

[Moodyman]

I feel smug when I pass stationery motorists.

Edit: stationary

 

[briantrumpet]

Money, mental and physical health, time (saved). Won't ever drive into work now, unless I really have way too much to carry. Even if I write off one commuting bike a year by thrashing it and not looking after it, it's still cheaper than driving.

 

[briantrumpet]

I feel smug when I pass stationery motorists.

You should stop and buy some envelopes. That would cheer them up.

 

[Jefferson Meriwether]

I often think my commute doesn't benefit me physically because it's only a 6 mile round trip but it does really (Even if only a little bit.) 'cos I've got to go up a hill then down the other side to get to work and back.

The mental benefits for me are; I don't have to worry about paying for fuel/insurance/VED/etc plus if I have a stressful shift I find tackling the hill in a relatively high gear helps me to unwind a bit.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

When I briefly owned a car and drove to work, I found that when I arrived I just wasn't sweaty enough. Cycling has sorted that right out.

I think cycling has stopped me getting fat. I eat some serious junk at times and my weight has remained pretty stable for years, mostly from commuting I think. I'm sure if I ate better and cycled the same amount I would lose weight, but I love pizza and fish & chips too much! So I'll keep cycling!

I work with people with serious mental health problems, and I'm sure that my ride home (with all it's associated stresses) helps get over my work stress, and arrive home a fairly balanced person. When I occasionally use Mrs W_M_B's car, I get home still burdened by the days angst, and it takes a while to get it out of my system. So cycling keeps me as close to sane as I ever will be, which is nice.