Why?

One of the most common questions I get from people I encounter is why commute by bike? Often, before I answer, the asker will put their own reason forward as an answer to their question. These answers often touch on carbon neutrality and environmental friendliness. Now, I do like to think that commuting by bike accomplishes these things, but if I'm honest with myself I can't say that being environmentally friendly is the main reason I commute by bike. There are more fundamental reasons. When I first learned how to ride a bike, I was fascinated with the idea that I could move myself as quickly as a bicycle permitted me. I also was impressed at how far I could go. These impressions have stuck with me, and I still find myself enjoying the sense of accomplishment that my daily commute brings. I arrive at work with this sense of accomplishment amongst other emotions that I find helpful for preparing for most days at work. I could rattle on at this point about the number of miles that I've ridden to bolster my sense of accomplishment, but I will leave that for you the reader to think about on your own. While I'm on the topic of well being, I cannot ignore the fact that a bracing ride to work each day does really help to clear my mind before having to fill it with whatever the workday might bring. I have also found that I tend to come up with better more workable solutions to problems during my commute. Probably the best explanation for this is that the extra time I do spend on the bike and train gives me extra time to kick things around in my mind. If I drive to work, the time I save is often used in ways which don't permit this kind of thought. Probably more important than either of the above benefits is the fact that I can enjoy the outdoors while riding in a way that is impossible while in a car. There are arguably four seasons in the garden state, and it is enjoyable to watch and feel the transitions from season to season. I also find myself able to predict what the weather will do without having to consult an app. Listening to bird song, and other noises of the suburbs has always been a pleasure to me, and being on a bike in the open air allows me to do this. Most people would expect comments about physical conditioning to be included in a discussion of the whys of cycle commuting. I can certainly say things about it, but I wouldn't have anything novel to say, and, if physical condition were a primary goal, I could accomplish it through road cycling and other means as many others do. My physical condition is good, though I would stop at saying that I commute by bike to maintain it. At this point in my life I have commuted to work more years by bike than by car. I have always found driving an isolating experience, and felt frustrated by it. Cycling removes that isolation, and has provided me with other benefits as well.

Winter Riding

There are many who question my sanity for riding all year round. Having taken winters off from cycling in the past, I found myself questioning why I shouldnt ride in winter. There are definitely things that can make winter riding a challenge, but most of them can be dealt with by the application of logic, and in many cases cash.

I am often asked if I get cold riding in winter, and the answer is always no. I learned many years ago that clothing layers are the cyclist's friend. I also have learned through experimentation how much clothing is necessary to stay warm at a given temperature. My advice to anyone riding in cold weather is to dress in layers, and to have a way to carry extra layers that are shed during a ride. There are lots of different high tech clothing options for light and heat retaining layers.

The biggest issue for most riders in the cold is how to keep hands and feet warm. If at all possible, don't spare expense here. I use Eurotex ski gloves, and have found that they will keep my hands toasty down to 10F (-12C). My feet have been a bigger problem until recently, when I shelled out for a pair of Lake winter cycling boots. These look like Doc Martins with SPD cleats, and will keep my feet warm down to 10F with two pairs of socks on.

Another thing for consideration is weather. It's important to know whether you as a cyclist can deal with road conditions given the weather at the moment. My biggest concern is for sheet ice (black ice as it's known). It is very easy tomlosenyournteaction on this, and I have scars to prove this. If you encounter ice on the road, don't make any sudden movements on the bike, and be ready to put your feet down to stop a fall. Better yet, if you know there's sheet ice on the roads, save your bike commute for another day. I will ride in snow and rain, but not when there's sheet ice.

I find winter to be one of the best times of the year to cycle. There is little risk of overheating, and yet it's easy to stay warm enough with a little planning. I will save what this season can do to a bike for another posting.