No substitute for a car?

[gavroche]

In weather like today ( persistent heavy rain) you can't beat a car for going from a to b and back.
I know some of you may disagree, I mean the hardcore of cyclists, but when I saw this guy with shorts on and water proof jacket, this morning, I thought: " he can't be owing a car otherwise he would be using it".
I know we all love getting on our bikes and ride but surely, there must be limits to when to ride and to me , pouring down rain is no good for riding. Give me a car anytime in those conditions.
And of course, there is also the safety aspect,apart from comfort of dry and warm conditions that the car gives you.
How many of you, also car owners, leave the bike at home and take 4 wheels when the weather is so bad?

 

[tadpole]

I own a car, and didn't even think about taking it to work.

 

[gavroche]

[QUOTE 2057653, member: 45"]If I'd known how long it was going to take me to drive the 13 miles to work this morning I'd have cycled. Despite the rain and copious flooding, I'd have still got here more quickly.[/quote]
Yeh , but at least you got there warm and dry!

 

[AndyRM]

Rule #​

9​

// If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.​

 

[Drago]

Provided I can physically get the bike to work - ie, no 4 foot snowfalls - ill ride, cos a car ain't no substitute for a bike.

 

[G2EWS]

As mentioned elsewhere I was disappointed that I could not ride in today, due the cars needing to be here for valeting. The fact that he did not turn up is even more annoying! So I will have to drive in tomorrow as well. A ride tomorrow evening is called for!

The only thing I can think of that will stop me riding in with my new hobby of commuting to work will be very heavy winds, serious downpour or frost/ice.

Regards

Chris

 

[ianrauk]

If you have the right gear then cycling in the rain is no problem.
Would never think of ever getting a train or taking the car just because of rain.

I have cycle commuted in the heaviest of thunderstorms and in a ways it's jolly fun.

 

[HovR]

Not a car owner, but I loved wizzing past the unusually large traffic queues on the bike today!

I guess all the car owners thought they'd take the car today rather than walking/biking, causing more traffic.

 

[subaqua]

I have access to 2 cars ( 5 at a push but some of them are not in london)

I got soaked to skin yesterday and this morning and I will still be riding in tomorrow regardless of the weather.

 

[guitarpete247]

It all depends on how far from work and how much notice I'm given.
As a supply teacher who lives out in a little village with no proper bus service I have no option but to drive if I'm phoned at 8:00 to be in a school 20 miles away by 8:45 or earlier. Cycling in would be good if I had a few miles of heavy traffic that I could filter past but not when I have clear roads for 18 of those 20 miles. I did cycle into Leicester the other month for an interview with another agency but I had plenty of notice and interview was early afternoon.
Next month I'll be working in North Warwickshire at various schools. As yet I don't know where or what I'll need to take with me, so car is essential again. I will be taking bike on back of car though .

 

[GrumpyGregry]

got rid of the car so I wouldn't give in to that temptation.

 

[benb]

I must admit that when you look out of the window and it is tipping it down, you do get a bit of a sinking feeling. But once you're actually out in it, it's really not that bad.

So I think it's more psychological than anything.

 

[smutchin]

I really enjoyed my short ride to the station in the rain this morning. It's only water. HTFU.

Like Greg, I would very happily go car-free to rid myself of the temptation to use it (not to mention the cost). The only hurdle is persuading my wife of the merits of that idea. Ho hum.

d.

 

[smutchin]

And of course, there is also the safety aspect

If you're really interested in the safety aspect, you wouldn't drive a car in these conditions.

 

[ohnovino]

I'm waterproof.
My clothes are waterproof.
My bike is (mostly) waterproof.

Don't see what the problem is.