On a bike For two years, through sun, snow and trouble, and no ...

Two years ago, I decided to ride my bike to work. So far, I haven't come up with a good reason to stop.

[Mike on the Hill]

Excellent column! I especially liked the reference to Dutch mayo-fries, aka 'frites'. We had some on our trip to Amsterdam and they are fantastic. I agree with you that biking to work is well worth it. If folks just try it for a week they will appreciate its many benefits.

[ok for some]

Same post, article about Wisconsin guy saving gas. How long do you think it would take to commute 32 miles on a bike? 48 miles? Should we give up our jobs and relocate?

[Midway]

ok for some wrote:

Same post, article about Wisconsin guy saving gas. How long do you think it would take to commute 32 miles on a bike? 48 miles? Should we give up our jobs and relocate?

Yes! I think it's pretty obvious that either your jobs or your home will have to change. I'm puzzled that you're even asking this here. You made some bad choices that seemed like OK choices at the time, but apparently you didn't think about the fact that oil was going to get expensive at some point.(Maybe you weren't around in 1973?) Times have changed, and you will now have to change also.

[Kathy]

My son was in one of Mr. Dombrosk's classes 6 years ago and he had a tremendous impact on him. This teacher inspires and truly cares about his kids. After reading this essay I can understand why Nick thought so highly of him - he really does walk the talk. No doubt many people will at least give serious consideration to biking to work after reading this persuasive essay.
I wish there were more Mr. Dombrosks in the world.

[Downtown Resident]

24 years ago, I moved Downtown so that I could walk to work. I still do. You need a car if you live Downtown (it is a retail wasteland), but my spouse and I drive it as little as possible.

I was going to make a crack about not only saving on car expenses, but not even having to pay for bicycle tires, but then I looked at my worn out shoes and decided that it was about even up.

As for wild life, there is plenty Downtown too. Two weeks back I almost tripped over a wild turkey just a couple hundred feet East of Robert and Fillmore. Walk or ride, you are going to pickup on things, since you are not enclosed in a couple of tons of iron, plastic and glass.

[WJH]

Good column, I commuted about 2,800 miles to work on my bike last year. My goal this year is 3,000. I use park n ride at the mall which puts me 10 miles from work or I can do 19 miles each way from home but that's hard to do everyday.

NOW the big issues is, why are kids riding all over the city when they should always be with in walking distances like we were as kids. I never took the bus.

[Betsy McCollum]

i limousine to work. i don't pay anything for it. You do. it's much better, trust me.

[Realist]

Great choice for some, unrealistic for others. Does Steve have small/young children? Is he married and if so, does the rest of his family bike to school/work.

I use to bike to junior high school, and walked to both elementary and senior high. That worked for me then but it doesn't work for me now.

However, I do agree with Steve on his suggestion to work from home at least one day per week if it's feasible. Employers need to take a harder look at how many of their employees could do the same job, at home with a remote technological hook up.

Since 1/3 of work time seems to be spent in "meetings," I'm sure the costs of teleconferencing is far less expensive than gathering together 10 - 30 employees from across the metro area in one room.

Nice article, just not a viable solution for most people.

[Nanette]

I think the key is to be more conscious of the impact that all the driving has - both environmentally and economically. Finding alternative ways to go where we need to go is essential. Sure we can't all bike to work (and I admire you for doing it year round!) but options abound for carpooling, transit, flexible work schedules, etc. I think as gas prices continue to escalate, people (and companies) will have to be more creative in their choices. It may mean scooters instead of cars, carpooling instead of driving alone, working at home, whatever.
Great article!(BTW, Steve's wife and I carpool to work most days so I can attest that it's not a one-sided effort).

[Mase]

To the so-called "Realist" and "OK for some" -- realize, one's entire commute need not be by a single mode of transportation, be it car, bus, lightrail, bicycle, walking. A 'multi-modal' approach can work for those that have limitations, be it distance, weather, or otherwise.

Not sure how snide comments about giving up a job, or the fact someone has young children or is married brings anything to the discussion. As the article mentioned, it is all about making a choice, and working with it. Having small children may make it more difficult to bike, but not necessarily impossible. Many bike with their kids to daycare/school.

Plus, for all those that continue driving, imagine how less crowded the streets will be if more people did commute by bike?(with its concomitant less wear on the streets, lowering necessary/needed maintanence).

Just because you may believe it possible for yourself does not mean it is wrong/impossible for anyone else. As the author shows, it is possible for many, if not most.