Comments on Save Big Money by Biking to WorkTypePad2007-06-04T15:15:00ZNAhttps://www.freemoneyfinance.com/tag:typepad.com,2003:https://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2007/06/save_big_money_/comments/atom.xml/Tim commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e0098275cc88332007-06-19T02:20:52Z2007-06-19T02:20:54ZTimI work about 22 miles from home, but there is a very conveniently placed parking lot about 7.5 miles from...<p>I work about 22 miles from home, but there is a very conveniently placed parking lot about 7.5 miles from my house, so I drive there and bike the remaining 13+ miles to work. It works out beautifully. The total commute is only 15-20 minutes longer than driving or taking the train, I save hundreds of dollars a month, I suffer much less frustration and stress, and my legs are fantastic.</p>
<p>I strongly recommend investigating "bimodal" commuting options if if biking the whole way would take too long or if the roads are too unpleasant. In many areas commuters can take their bike on a bus or a train; I know many people who bike to the train, ride the train in to the city, and then bike the rest of the way from there. There are almost always possibilities if you look long enough!</p>Charlie D. commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200e008c3b78188342007-06-12T01:58:58Z2007-06-12T01:59:04ZCharlie D.I've been biking to work for about 2 years now. I bike in almost all weather (the exception is ice)....<p>I've been biking to work for about 2 years now. I bike in almost all weather (the exception is ice). I actually forward to my commute, especially since I work at a desk all day long. Most people don't realize how easy and fun it actually is. The important thing is to have a well-tuned bike that fits you properly and clothing appropriate for the weather (waterproof jacket and pants designed for biking in the rain and snow are key).</p>Rocketc commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df3521193888332007-06-09T14:11:16Z2007-06-09T14:11:16ZRocketchttp://www.rocketfinance.blogspot.comI think biking to work is great for all of the reasons that have been mentioned. But, are any of...<p>I think biking to work is great for all of the reasons that have been mentioned. But, are any of you tempted to drive to work just to stick it to all the "whining greens" and elitist politicians? I want to do it because it makes sense for me, not because it will save the planet.</p>Minimum Wage commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e8c2088332007-06-05T06:22:50Z2008-08-29T21:06:28ZMinimum WageAlso, as more locals bike to work, the local culture and infrastructure become more bike-friendly. Where I live, buses have...<p>Also, as more locals bike to work, the local culture and infrastructure become more bike-friendly. Where I live, buses have exterior racks capable of carrying two bicycles. Our light rail trains have four spaces per car to hang bikes. Transit stations have "bike lids" and/or lockers you can rent and secure your bicycle.</p> commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e7a6288332007-06-05T02:21:52Z2007-06-05T02:21:52ZI'm a fair-weather bike commuter. 30 miles, round trip, over dirt roads and hill. :) A backpacks is great in...<p>I'm a fair-weather bike commuter. 30 miles, round trip, over dirt roads and hill. :) A backpacks is great in the cold months, but I put it on a rear rack during the summer.</p>
<p>The biggest problem is cars. I try to adjust my schedule to ride during the light traffic.<br />
</p>cami commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e555b88332007-06-04T23:05:37Z2007-06-04T23:05:41Zcamihttp://www.greenmindedwallet.comTerry, I generally carried a backpack when I biked in to work (bike repair kit and clothes for the gym)....<p>Terry, I generally carried a backpack when I biked in to work (bike repair kit and clothes for the gym). I never carried a laptop but some of my coworkers did. Lots of daypacks have chest and waist straps that can help keep the bag from shifting when riding. Also, some bags have special compartments for laptops.</p>
<p>As for your pants, you can buy a special band to protect your pants from getting caught or greased up. Some bands are even reflective. I used to just roll my pants but sometimes they would unravel and get caught and torn. I wouldn't recommend going that route unless you want to turn your pants into capris (which is what I ended up doing).</p>Lance commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e2b7788332007-06-04T21:28:44Z2008-08-29T17:03:35ZLanceI have just started to bike to work about a month ago. Doing it about 2 -3 times per week....<p>I have just started to bike to work about a month ago. Doing it about 2 -3 times per week. I have an 11.5 mile commute in, and it takes me about 45 minutes. With that distance, I wears shorts and a tshirt, and change when I get to the office. Morning usually aren't too bad, as they have been cool here in WI, so I don't get too sweated up. In August we will be moving to a new building, and there will be a shower there, so that will be nice for warm days. I occassionally carry a laptop, and I just put it in my backpack I normally carry that has my lunch and dress clothes in. I really enjoy the ride. It's a great way to save gas money, and be physically fit. I only wish I would have started sooner. My biggest concern was driving on busy roads, but I found a route to work that is on either bike paths or back roads that are lightly travelled.</p>Q at $1 Million to My Name commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e24b688332007-06-04T21:00:11Z2008-08-29T06:32:40ZQ at $1 Million to My Namehttp://onemilliontomyname.blogspot.comI work 1.5 miles from home. I certainly SHOULD bike to and from work!<p>I work 1.5 miles from home. I certainly SHOULD bike to and from work!</p>Terry commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e210d88332007-06-04T20:34:24Z2007-06-04T20:34:25ZTerryI just started biking this year. I would love to ride to work. It is only about 1.5 miles. I...<p>I just started biking this year. I would love to ride to work. It is only about 1.5 miles. I even go home every day for lunch, so that would be even better.</p>
<p>I have to carry a laptop with me every day as well as dress in long pants.</p>
<p>1. How do you guys carry your laptop? Do you use a backpack?</p>
<p>2. How do you keep the bottom of your pants from getting greased up in the chain? I have thought about putting rubber bands around the bottom of my legs.<br />
</p>Jonathan C commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e207588332007-06-04T20:30:51Z2008-08-29T12:06:40ZJonathan Chttp://thefullquiver.blogspot.comYes! I bicycle and/or walk to work, and love it. Although I must admit, I take a car on days...<p>Yes! I bicycle and/or walk to work, and love it.</p>
<p>Although I must admit, I take a car on days that produce heavy rain or snow.</p>
<p>Jonathan</p>Jonathan C commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fdff388342007-06-04T20:30:45Z2008-08-29T12:13:55ZJonathan Chttp://thefullquiver.blogspot.comYes! I bicycle and/or walk to work, and love it. Although I must admit, I take a car on days...<p>Yes! I bicycle and/or walk to work, and love it.</p>
<p>Although I must admit, I take a car on days that produce heavy rain or snow.</p>
<p>Jonathan</p>Anitra commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e180588332007-06-04T19:30:37Z2007-06-04T19:30:37ZAnitrahttp://ithilien.mine.nu/Last summer, I lived 1 mile away from my job, and I biked whenever I could. In the past year,...<p>Last summer, I lived 1 mile away from my job, and I biked whenever I could.</p>
<p>In the past year, we've bought a house and I got a new job, so my commute is now over 30 miles. I've been thinking about driving 25 miles or so, parking, and biking the rest (at least on days when I can't carpool).</p>Duncan commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fd7a388342007-06-04T19:30:06Z2008-08-30T21:02:35ZDuncanI bike 30-35 minutes to work about half the time. I'm lucky because we have a work gym and a...<p>I bike 30-35 minutes to work about half the time. I'm lucky because we have a work gym and a bike rack in our guarded parking garage under the building. I keep a bag with shower stuff in my office. If you don't have a work gym, a nearby gym could suffice. My costs: a little bit of danger from cars, bike (I owned a Mtn. Bike already) $0.00, some winter bike clothes ($150), slick tires ($25), extra bike maintenance ($50 per year doing the work myself.) Benefits: $5.00 bus/subway costs saved per day, more energy at work, faster and nicer than taking mass transit or driving, save time by exercising and commuting at the same time. It beats driving or taking mass transit hands down.</p>Jo commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fc67b88342007-06-04T17:47:37Z2007-06-04T17:47:37ZJoFor one summer when I was in college, I lived in my college town I had two jobs. One that...<p>For one summer when I was in college, I lived in my college town I had two jobs. One that was across town (maybe a mile, it was a small town) and one a few blocks away. I use to bike to work all the time, I didn't have a car so it was walk, bike, or public transit. I usually worked 6am-2pm across town, so traffic wasn't bad, there was virtually none in the morning. I really enjoyed those morning bikes, very refreshing. The other job was the grave-yard at a local diner, it was a little scary biking at night but it wasn't far and I attached a blinking red light to me so I could be seen at 2am. </p>
<p>At my current position, I use to walk but becuase I ended up needing to run errands or go to meetings in neighboring towns I started to drive more. Now I have moved out of town and live 20 miles away. </p>
<p>I applaud everyone that walks or bikes to work!!!</p>Blaine Moore commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fc5e888342007-06-04T17:44:28Z2008-08-30T09:38:42ZBlaine Moorehttp://www.TheFirstTimeHomeOwner.comI used to ride to work a few times a week in good weather, but last year I bought a...<p>I used to ride to work a few times a week in good weather, but last year I bought a house that was over twice the distance. Between buying the house, moving, and getting married, I never got to riding my bike a single time (I still ran once or twice a day though).</p>
<p>This year, I have the bike fixed up, and once I have a few weeks of riding under my belt then I will start riding to work at least a few times per week.</p>
<p>To get around the smelly/sweaty aspect, I used to just make sure there were a few towels and some soap and would do the sponge bath bit in the rest room. This year, I might leave a little earlier and add a few miles and go to a local elementary school that has an open locker room (they have adult lap swim in the mornings) so that I'll only have a mile or two to ride after the shower. The biggest problem with that is that I have to actually get onto the busy roads in order to make use of the shower. Oh well...it's worth it.</p>beloml commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351e052d88332007-06-04T17:40:04Z2008-08-29T12:11:09ZbelomlI'm with Kurt from Houston. When the temperature is 98 or so and the humidity is 90 percent, it's difficult...<p>I'm with Kurt from Houston. When the temperature is 98 or so and the humidity is 90 percent, it's difficult even to walk from your car to the door without sweating.</p>Suze commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fc4d688342007-06-04T17:38:42Z2007-06-04T17:38:43ZSuzeI used to bike to work and loved it. But now I live 17 miles away and would have to...<p>I used to bike to work and loved it. But now I live 17 miles away and would have to bike through a terrible neighborhood on roads that are not congenial to bicyclists. Yes, there is a great deal of hostility to bicyclists here, too!</p>
<p>It's a great idea if you can do it.</p>BradM commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fbea588342007-06-04T16:56:50Z2007-06-04T16:56:50ZBradMWork always has been 20~45 miles one way. Mostly interstate and at night, not good riding conditions. But when I...<p>Work always has been 20~45 miles one way. Mostly interstate and at night, not good riding conditions. But when I was in college, campus was 5 miles away and made it there before any of my other friends in the same area. Not to mention, saved a lot more money, to put into having a good time. Waiting on something close enough to ride my bike to work, but the job pays really well and is worth it, for now!</p>Kurt commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351df69b88332007-06-04T16:21:08Z2007-06-04T16:21:08ZKurtI would LOVE to ride to work, but having to wear a suit in Houston is kind of a non-starter....<p>I would LOVE to ride to work, but having to wear a suit in Houston is kind of a non-starter. Nothing like dripping with sweat as you walk into work in a suit.</p>FamilyFinanceBlog commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fb39788342007-06-04T16:11:35Z2007-06-04T16:11:35ZFamilyFinanceBloghttp://www.familyfinanceblog.comI used to take my bike to work, but then I got a new job that was > 30 miles...<p>I used to take my bike to work, but then I got a new job that was > 30 miles away, across a small hill range ... that would be too much for me!</p>
<p>But I do remember when I biked to work, I felt better, had more energy, didn't get frustrated with traffic, and just felt good about what I was doing. I wish I could have kept that up.</p>A Tentative Personal Finance Blog commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351df30088332007-06-04T16:07:51Z2008-08-30T09:36:44ZA Tentative Personal Finance Bloghttp://www.dyphan.comI have a friend who bikes to work on days the weather permits. She has a little trouble losing weight,...<p>I have a friend who bikes to work on days the weather permits. She has a little trouble losing weight, but she's happier than most people.</p>Q at $1 Million to My Name commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fb2ab88342007-06-04T16:06:24Z2007-06-04T16:06:24ZQ at $1 Million to My Namehttp://onemilliontomyname.blogspot.comI have a friend that bikes everywhere due to a divorce - wife took the car while the divorce is...<p>I have a friend that bikes everywhere due to a divorce - wife took the car while the divorce is pending. The guy is in shape!</p>cami commented on 'Save Big Money by Biking to Work'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d83451bcbd69e200df351fb09788342007-06-04T15:54:24Z2008-08-29T21:08:50Zcamihttp://www.greenmindedwallet.comI used to bike to work (about 3.5 miles) each way. It was good for the most part. There were...<p>I used to bike to work (about 3.5 miles) each way. It was good for the most part. There were actually a lot of people in my office who biked, and some of us would bike to eateries during our lunch hour. The gym I went to was right on the way, so I would bike there after work and feel super fit. One disadvantage to biking is that if you have a longer ride you may end up sweaty once you get to work; I didn't have this problem because I had a rather short ride. The only word of caution I would give is that depending on where you are some people are really anti-cyclists. I'm not sure why people feel threatened by cyclists but I think they do: why else would they throw things (has happened to friends) or scream at them (has happened to me) for no good reason. I'd say just be aware of your surroundings and have fun.</p>