Bit by Bit - Easing into Bike Commuting

When I first started commuting by bike, I rode on days when I had plenty of time, the sun was shining but not hot and I had not gotten exercise in a while. I had a car which could conveniently get me to work and operating the car was relatively cheap back then, but I thought it was a good way to get exercise and to enjoy a ride during the middle of the week. I was getting good miles on the weekend, and wanted to ride during the week, so an occasional commute to the office gave me an extra 15 miles per trip.

I didn't have a rack, lock or other accessories. I just put everything in my backpack, rode in my work clothes (keeping a pair of shoes at the office), and parked the bike inside my office. Since I could pick and choose which days I would ride, weather or sweat was rarely an issue.

Over the years, I would add accessories such as the rack and panniers. I started with the panniers when I began making camping trips by bike and soon found I could carry groceries in those panniers. The recreational riding often seemed to lead to more utilitarian uses. That was 20-30 years ago.

Then, for several years, I had gotten away from cycling: I was coaching my kids soccer, my job was 25 miles away with no mass transit, and my 25 year-old bike needed a great deal of work. But a few years ago, I switched jobs, my kids outgrew my coaching ability, and I got a new bike. I immediately started riding with fellow soccer dads on Sunday mornings.

As before, the weekend rides had me looking for miles during the week. Since I had done this before, commuting to the office was an obvious first choice.

I'm still riding for fun, but over the years, bit by bit, I've expanded both my array of accessories and my repertoire. This has allowed me to abandon the car completely for trips to the office. I can deal with weather, sweat, transporting my laptop, customer meetings, you name it.

This didn't happen overnight. I've reached daily bike commuting by increments over a period of years. It's been driven by my desire to get exercise and my enjoyment of being outdoors, but over time, I've come to recognize a multitude of other benefits. I'm hooked now. Even if gas were to go back to 1980 prices, I'd still be riding.

If a bike is your primary means of transportation, you know what I'm talking about. If you've ridden recreationally, but haven't tried getting to work, pick a favorable day with favorable conditions and try it out. If you choose well, the experience will probably have you looking for more opportunities to enjoy the trip by bike.

If you've tasted the fruits of bicycle commuting but have found some obstacles, try working through some alternatives. I know a few people who put their bike on the back of the car, park a reasonable distance away from the office and then ride the remainder along a nice route of their choice. One guy I work with brings his bike on the bus in the morning and then rides home in the evening.

There are all sorts of ways to commute recreationally. You'll be taking it one trip at a time.