lame excuses

While there are some who have legitimate reasons why commuting by bike is not an option for them, most people can do it. There is not a single obstacle that has not been overcome by a dedicated bike commuter. Here are some of the common excuses for not commuting by bike and how to deal them.

• I am out of shape
• My bike is a piece of junk
• It takes too much time
• It’s too far
• There isn’t a usable route to work
• There is nowhere to put my bike at work
• I will get too sweaty
• I have to dress up at work
• It rains often
• It’s too hot or too cold
• It’s dangerous to bike in traffic
• I have to run errands during the workday
• I use my car for work
• I need to take my kids to daycare or school
• Biking is not socially acceptable

I am out of shape  
This is not an excuse; it’s an excellent reason to commute by bike. Doctors recommend that the average adult get 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week. Commuting by bike is one of the most cost-effective and time-saving ways to improve your health.

My bike is a piece of junk  
You would be surprised what a tune-up and some minor repairs can do. I had a mountain bike that I neglected for over three years. It sat outside exposed to the elements the entire time. One day I was considering tossing it out. Instead, I hosed it off and took it down to the local bike shop for a tune-up. After a  tune-up, new chain, and new rear wheel it was in better shape than it was three years ago.

It takes too much time  
Commutes that are less than 3 miles are usually quicker by bike than by car. Commutes that are five to seven miles long usually take about the same amount of time. If you compare how long it would take you to get the equivalent amount of exercise at the gym and drive to work, you are actually saving time commuting by bike.

It’s too far  
Tell that to the guy in Oxnard who commutes to UCSB every day by bike. That’s nearly 80 miles a day. OK, that’s a little over-the-top, but even 10 miles or more is reasonable. I commute 10 miles each way. Anything fewer than 5 miles is a piece of cake.

There are alternatives if it really is too far: Bike to a friend’s house and car-pool. Intermodal (bike and train, or bike and bus) options are also available. Many buses and trains are equipped with bike racks. For example, let's say your commute is twenty miles. If there is a bus park-n-ride near your home, you could ride your bike to the park-n-ride, load the bike on the bus bike rack and ride the bus to a stop near your workplace, then ride your bike the rest of the way there.

There isn’t a usable route to work  
We get addicted to automobiles very early in life and have a hard time seeing transportation outside of that narrow focus. Get a map (one with bike lanes and bike paths if available) and explore a little. A weekend ride through the area you would normally travel to work will probably open up a number of possible routes.

There is nowhere to put my bike at work  
There are a myriad of options here. There may be a storage room or closet you can put your bike in. You can even park it in your office. Many employers have bike racks outside. If not, formally request that your company install bike racks, or better yet, bike lockers. Almost any stationary object your can get your lock through can work for parking your bike. Reasonable caution should be taken to deter theft, of course.

I will get too sweaty  
A moderate commute at a moderate pace should not pose much of a problem. And as you get in better shape, you will find that the commute takes considerably less exertion.

Many people find that using a washcloth to clean up and re-applying deodorant is all that is needed after a moderate commute.

If there are no showers where you work, you can check and see if a nearby health club offers shower usage for a nominal fee. Or, take it easy riding to work, then ride home harder for more of a workout.

I have to dress up at work  
If you have to wear business clothes, you have several options: You can keep clothes at work and change there; having clothes laundered or dry cleaned near work will save you time since you won’t have to take them to and from home very often; or you can pack your clothes and bring them with you to work. There are garment-bag-type panniers for this purpose. Careful packing will prevent wrinkles.

It rains often  
Does a little rain stop you from engaging in other activities? I lived in Seattle for 5 years and I can tell you from experience that a little rain is not a problem. Add some fenders to your bike and get yourself some rain gear and you are good to go. You can always drive to work on rainy days and bike in good weather.

It’s too hot or too cold  
Well, Phoenix in August might be a little tough, but other than that, a short commute in warm weather can be comfortable. Biking creates its own breeze—kind of natural air-conditioning—that keeps you cool and dry. In cooler weather a lightweight wind vest might be enough. In colder weather, add more layers.

It’s dangerous to bike in traffic  
Most bike accidents do not happen in traffic. They happen on side-streets and in neighborhoods. If you obey traffic lights and signs, ride on the right, make sure you are visible, wear a helmet, and do not take unnecessary risks, you are as safe as you are in a car. It is more a matter of perception and comfort level. The more you bike in traffic, the more comfortable you will become.

I have to run errands during the workday  
With a little forethought, you can deal with most errands on a bike. If carrying things is an issue, a rack and panniers will solve most of these problems. There are even grocery panniers designed for trips to the store.

I use my car for work  
Often times, you can use you your bike for many job related trips. Talk to your employer about the environmentally positive image projected by your company if you do some of your business by bike. If you drive a company car, leave the car at work and commute to work by bike.

I need to take my kids to daycare or school  
Many bikes can be fitted with a rear child seat. Another option is to use a bike trailer; you can then leave the trailer at daycare and ride to work. You could also equip your car with a bike rack, drive to daycare with your bike, then leave you car there and bike to work.

As far as driving your kids to school, don’t get them addicted to the automobile! Have them ride or walk to school. Most children in this country do not get enough exercise and many are overweight. Our addiction to lazy transportation is part of the problem (along with terrible eating habits—but that is a whole other web site).

Biking is not socially acceptable  
Personally, I have never seen this to be a problem, but it could be for some people. Some people perceive using a bike for transportation as a sign of being poor or not being able to afford a car. During the 40s, 50s, and 60s in this country, bikes were marketed as toys; something for children, not adults. In many other countries, bikes are seen as more utilitarian and are often used as a main mode of transportation.

But, in this more environmentally conscious time, more and more people are looking at alternate modes of transportation. Be a trendsetter—commute by bike.