Coffee Talk Tuesday - Are you going to change?

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 08:16

News agencies are reporting recently of the expected rise of gas prices in 2012 ABC News, CNN, NBC

This probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone given the political state of the world and the rise of oil demand by foriegn markets like China and India. The possibility of $5 gas has been the song and prayer of some cyclists for years and some will say that this increase of gas over the last 3 years along with the recession has increased biking, but is it really making a difference? Even in the cycling friendly towns along the front range like Boulder, Fort Collins and pockets of Denver an increase has taken place but some will say it is smaller than one would expect giving the state of the world. But most importantly are you going to change and if not what does it take to make the leap? Some say a "leap" is a strong word because like anything one can take baby steps, no one is asking to sell the car and quit your job that is 20 miles away. Focus on those items within the 2 mile radius from your house/apartment.

We all know that commuting can be easy... in theory and dreams, it's where the rubber hits the road that reality or perceived reality sets in. So back to the question, What will it take for you to start commuting my bike more in 2012?

News Item:

Commuting

14 Comments

Teenager made me do it.

Submitted by Matt Gibble (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 08:55

My son turned 16 and now uses the car. So it has forced me back on the bike for shopping, errands, etc. I work out of the home so I don't have a lot of need for the car anyway. But the miles add up even for short trips around town.

Racers do commute

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 10:56

I'm a racer who also commutes. Before my daughters started to drive, I averaged twice a week year round, more in the summer & less in the winter. Now I commute almost 5 days a week, I skip the days when snow is falling, and when it is below 10F. Since I have been doing this for years, I have aquired a lot of stuff to make the commute more confortable. While it may of cost a lot, all my gear is less than the price of a car, with its gas, maint, & insurance for 1 year. The hardest part is always getting up and out the door on the cold mornings. But since most of us do winter sports as well, as long as we are dressed for it, the commute is not bad. Plus you can enjoy the fabulous sun rises and sun sets against the mtns. Something that is hard to do when your stuck in the little steal box. As for commuting in the dark. I run mutilple lighting systems, not the helmet, handlebar, leg, tail, and wheel. My co-workers tell me I'm more visible at night than I am during the day with my brightest jersey.

Convincing friends to change too

Submitted by Rob (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 09:03

While I certainly have room for improvement, my biggest challenge is getting my friends to take those baby steps. Packing up the car to go on a picnic in one of Boulder's many parks, or just going to toss a frisbee around, just isn't as much fun as adding a short bike ride along the path to get there.

But for the snow

Submitted by Tom (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 11:06

I would bike to work alot more often during the winter months if it weren't for the horrible snow and ice removal efforts on our side streets and bike trails!

I love winter but I like snow less and less every year!

I agree. Riding in the

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 11:27

I agree. Riding in the snow/ice isn't the issue. Getting hit by an out of control car sliding on ice is.

I didn't mean change today

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 16:54

I'm an avid commuter but in the end I only do about 100-ish days of commuting to work a year. Reduce, not suspend.

And to some of the other comments, if riding to work is to long then ya, skip that and find other ways to commute by bike nearby... Check out http://2milechallenge.com/

Snow & ice

Submitted by Jennifer (not verified) on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 16:45

Yep, I agree with you. The ice and gravel make me feel a little unsafe, as well. I not only don't have as much control, I know the car passing me on the left doesn't either.

Where are the chatty racers?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 18:00

I guess all the racers out there are silent because they already are living the life of a commuter. That's awesome to know. Maybe Kris you should have titled this "ACA considers a commuter category for 2012"

Racing

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 20:50

their cross country skis

I know at least a dozen

Submitted by T (not verified) on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 11:07

I know at least a dozen racers that commute.

To answer the original question, since hearing about potential gas hikes I've been thinking about commuting by bike more this year. I average once a week in the Winter and three times a week in the Summer, but I could do more. The biggest barrier for me is poor facilities at my office. The shower is poorly placed and we don't have lockers. I'm working with management to make my office more bike friendly.