6 Myths About Cycling to Work

Always be cautious around angry driversCycling to work has many benefits. It’s a great form of regular exercise. It’s good for the planet. It saves money on gas. It helps wake you up before a long day of work. When some people start the habit, they have a lot of concerns. Let’s do away with a few common myths and worries, so you have no excuse not to get started on biking to work.

6 Myths About Cycling to Work

  1. You can’t commute in normal clothes: You might be telling yourself you can’t bike to work until you buy yourself some cycling clothes. While not every outfit is ideal, there are plenty of everyday pants that will do fine for your commute. You don’t need to buy anything special to get started.
  2. You won’t be able to carry your things: This excuse might sound sensible when you feel sluggish on a Monday morning. It doesn’t make sense though. You can load your things into a backpack or messenger bag. Most jobs shouldn’t require you to bring any more than you can comfortably bring with you on your bicycle. Get over that tired feeling and commit to a morning ride.
  3. It’s too far of a ride: Most Americans live fewer than ten miles from where they work. For most people, distance isn’t going to be a huge problem. Unless you live unusually far from your job, this isn’t an excuse.
  4. It will take too long: Just because a car can go much faster doesn’t mean your commute is really going to take longer on your bike. If you commute during rush hour, you might be surprised by how good of time you make compared to motorists. In some cases, cycling can actually be faster. Many cyclists have a commute of half an hour or less.
  5. Weather will be an issue: It might be less comfortable at certain times of the year, but there are people who bike all year around and just dress accordingly. Especially here in California, it’s not very often that weather is a decent excuse not to ride.
  6. You need to get in shape first: You don’t have to be in great shape just to ride to work. This isn’t a race. Give yourself the time and ride at your own pace. There’s no better way to start getting in shape than to build some exercise in as an essential part of your day.

People have a way of rationalizing their way out of starting good habits. The best way to start cycling to work is to just get going. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Once you get started you will want to keep going.

Joshua Bonnici is a San Diego bike accident attorney and cycling enthusiast with a passion for defending other cyclists and providing helpful information about bicycle safety.



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