7 Reasons Why I Commute by Bike

One of my favorite things about the bicycle is how easily it can be used as a viable means of transportation. From its low cost of entry and ownership (when compared to an automobile), to its efficiency, environmental, and health benefits, the bicycle has a lot going for itself. Below is a list (in no particular order) of some of the reasons why I love to commute by bike and why I try and do so at just about any given opportunity.

Convenient Parking
Ever been running late to an event only to arrive and find that there are no parking spots left? Sick of spending money each year on expensive parking permits? When commuting by bike, you are fortunate enough to avoid headache-inducing parking lots and more times than not, you are able to secure a spot right next to your intended location. No bike rack? No problem. With modern cable-style bicycle locks you are able to lock your bicycle up to just about anything, be it a tree, fence, bench, etc.. You'll be amazed how creative you will get.

Bike racks can be found all over University of Northern Iowa's campus

It's Fast
Commuting by bike is significantly quicker than walking. A typical commute to my classes at the University of Northern Iowa is around 10-15 minutes when walking. If I go by bike, I can usually cut that time in half and that includes getting the bicycle out of the garage and locking up on campus. This allows me an extra 5-7 minutes to finish up breakfast or to sneak a little more reading in before class. It doesn't seem like much, but over an 80+ day semester it adds up!

It's Stimulating and Engaging
Riding, when compared to driving, is a much more engaging activity. You are fully in control of the bicycle and all of its functions. By the nature of this, you are more engaged. Riding is also, on average, slower than driving. This gives you the opportunity to take it all in. You'll be more appreciative of the weather and nature, you'll explore new neighborhoods or roads that you didn't bother exploring before.

A beautiful sunset overlooking the Cedar River

It's Free
After you've made your initial investments in the bike and the gear, rides become virtually free. No worries about spending money on expensive gas, ride until your heart's content or you're too exhausted to continue riding, whichever is first. When it is time to maintain and service your bicycle after many miles of riding, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover how much cheaper it is to maintain than its motorized cousin.

It Benefits the Local Economy
When you purchase products or services from a locally owned bike shop such as Europa Cycle & Ski or Bike Tech, you are pumping money directly back into the local economy. These locally owned businesses give back to the community in the form of charity, local groups, team sponsorships, events, the list goes on. The same cannot always be said about fuel, foreign or domestic, purchased from a large chain or corporation.

It's Much more Mobile/Versatile
One of the benefits that I've really grown to appreciate over the years is the fact that you are not restricted by the massive size of an automobile. Road closed ahead on your usual route? Just hop on the sidewalk. Fallen tree branch from last night's storm? Go under or around it. Can't get around or over a snow drift? Just pick up your bike and walk over it. All of these are things that I've run into and have been grateful for being on the bicycle at those particular moments.

A downed tree that I encountered one day on my way to work, went right under it

Want to add some variety to your mundane commute? Mix it up! In the Cedar Valley area, you have your choice of commuting by bike via:

Paved roads...

Seerley Blvd., along with several other streets in Cedar Falls, contains bicycle "sharrows"

Gravel roads...

Miles, and miles of gravel roads in and around the Cedar Valley

Dirt paths...

An extensive network of "single-track" trails maintained by the nice folks at CVAST

Paved trails...

Cedar Valley Nature Trail contains over 110+ miles of paved trails!

The choice is yours when your on a bike!

It's Fun!
And last but not least, riding a bike to get where you are going can be fun! Studies show that those who commute by bike are happier. Riding a bike puts a smile on your face!

Eileen, heading to class on her bike

What are some of your favorite reasons for commuting by bike? Feel free to leave comments below. And if you have never done it before, what is stopping you?! Give it a try, you might find that you really enjoy it!


-Jonathan, PedalBound