Why did you start cycle commuting?

[HJ]

Given that it is that time of year when people make resolutions to change their lives, I thought this is a good subject for a thread to help inspire other who think of changing their lives by commuting to work by bicycle. I wrote a wee bit about my reasons for giving up the car and cycle commuting, here few years ago, how about you?

 

[Norm]

Exercise.

It takes longer to get the bike out and change clothes than it takes to drive to work, the overall commute is probably 45 minutes longer on 2 wheels but I still do it whenever possible.

 

[anyuser]

1 Lose Weight
2 Get fit
3 Save Money

Only managed 1 and 2 so far!

 

[laertes]

Primarily to get fit / lose weight, as I had no other time for doing exercise. It was also because I loathe public transport, because it is too hot / crowded / effing miserable. I also save a lot of money.

I started commuting in January 09, after thinking about it for far, far too long.

 

[rusky]

1 Lose Weight
2 Get fit
3 Save Money

Only managed 1 and 2 so far!

+1

 

[martint235]

I just got fed up of commuting by South East trains. I also really enjoy being on my bike (a throw back to not being allowed one as a child) so commuting seemed the natural thing to do. I've been commuting for about 15 years now (with a two year break until I figured out I really hated commuting by train)

 

[gb155]

For me, It WAS about just weight loss

Now its become an addiction !!!

Lov' It !

 

[palinurus]

My first job was too far to walk and I had to start too early for the bus.

So I cycled. I thought I'd come up with a better solution eventually, save some money get a car or motorbike. I realized, after some considerable time, that for me there was no better solution.

 

[BlackPanther]

I started commuting in March. I bought a 1/2 decent hybrid, planning to ride to work at least once, maybe twice a week. I have 2 young 'uns, so I didn't really have time in the evening for sports (knackered my knee playing squash, so competitive sports were out anyway). I ride 20 miles daily, and timewise I set off 25 mins early, and get home 25 mins later, so really it only costs me 25 mins in the evening where I'd see the kids.

I really caught the cycling bug, and now I commute 5 days out of 5 apart from the odd occasion where my knee's playing up, it's very windy, or I need the motorbike or car to go out after work. My knee is massively improved.....I've lost 1/2 stone, have legs like tree trunks, and I feel almost as fit as when I was in my 20s!

I've just ordered an electric bike for the odd windy/dodgy knee day, so I should be able to manage EVERY day. I figure it's better to have a bit of help and still cycle than just take the motorbike/car.

 

[skudupnorth]

Prefer to ride than drive...simples ! Plus i work with cars everyday and cannot stand the damn things and my commute takes the same time as i would if i took the car !

 

[ACS]

1 Lose Weight
2 Get fit
3 Save Money

Only managed 1 and 2 so far!

+1

however if the cost fuel continues to increase I may see no. 3 coming into play.

 

[mcshroom]

1 Lose Weight
2 Get fit
3 Save Money

Only managed 1 and 2 so far!

+1 except I've only really managed some of 3 and a bit of 2, working on 1 hard this year.

I also got fed up of sitting in the only traffic jam in West Cumbria every day, and found that cycling meant I always get to work in 30mins or less, whereas in the car it's anything from 15-60mins.

 

[brokenbetty]

1. Exercise
2. Save money (switching from season pass to PAYG and cancelling gym membership == about £1K a year saving!)
3. Green commuting

Quickly discovered also

4. Whizz around having fun instead of sitting on a train (this is now number 1!)
5. See loads of new bits of London
6. Get home from work without having work stuff in my head
7. Save even more money by not popping into clothes shops on the way to the station

 

[carolonabike]

1. Exercise
2. Green commuting.
3. Save money

I started in September. I only live 5 miles from where I work and have been feeling increasingly uneasy about using the car for a 15 minute commute. It takes me just under 25 mins on the bike so for 20 mins additional travel time I get 45 mins exercise. Result!

I was also becoming more aware of the cost of petrol when I filled the car up (£60 ish!! and rising)

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

I love to cycle, and I gave it a go one summers day and never looked back, but loose weight, and just loved the summer cycling, and carried on through all weathers in the end

I just wished I started years ago and not back in 2009