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.