Would you consider using a bicycle for transportation?

Many people consider an automobile not only a necessity, but also the only way to get to anywhere they want to go, even when it is only a few miles or blocks away. My question is, do/would you ever consider using a bicycle as a form of transportation to get to work/school, or run local errands? Please explain the reason for your vote. Thanks.

Edit: I couldn't get poll to post. Damn work computer.

1. Yes, as often as possible
2. Yes, at least sometimes
3. Maybe, if...
4. No, almost never
5. No, absolutely not.

I do consider it a form of transportation but usually when I am too intoxicated to drive/not in a rush to get anywhere. My friend and I share a bicycle because he saved it from my trash(mom threw out while I wasn't home) and he fixed it up, so in return I let him use it as well.

For some reason I feel like I'm both too old and too young to be on a bike. I'm 23 now, if I was under 18 I'd look like a typical high school student that doesn't have a car yet (even though that doesn't help gettin the ladies) If I was 35 I'd look like a health-conscious adult trying to get/stay in shape. But at my age I'd look odd. Plus I'm 6'5 so I'd look stupid all hunched over to the handlebars :rolleyes:

Also, the only time riding a bike would be practical for me is to and from work. Its not too far and I don't have anything to carry. Everywhere else I go I'm picking somebody up, or have stuff to carry around, or have to go way farther than I'd consider riding on a bike.

It would have to depend on where I lived. If I lived in an entirely urban setting then I could live with just a bicycle, it would make parking easier. But wherever it is would have to be in a place with a mild or no winter. Riding a bike in the snow isn't something that I would want to do.

Considering the fact that I pay $70+ a week for gas to get to/from work, and the fact that I am a fanatical mountainbiker I would say yes, I would consider it. The only reason I don't do it is because there are too many idiots on the road who drive like assholes (especially in Los Angeles). Wilshire and Olympic Blvd are like death traps for bikers.

Riding a bike in the snow isn't something that I would want to do.

I remember when I rode my bike to school everyday from 6th - 8th grade. Mile and a half one way... during Chicago winter. The way I figured, I had two options

A) Ride for 10 minutes while freezing my ass off and trying to minimize snow/ice skidding or

B) Walk for 45 minutes and freeze my ass off while trying to minimize snow/ice slipping

Added the poll for you.

Biking is good for exercise, but I'd feel like douche locking it to a bike rack or lamp post, or something.
lol :werd:

I do it when I can, but everything is so far away from each other here. When I'm home I do all the time.

I don't have a style, and I don't mind that it keeps me in shape.

I would but the drive is to much fun. About an hour of this: http://www.geocities.com/ericn1300/BHroad.jpg Notice nobody else on the road, perfect for Pontiac Exitement.

I would if everything wasn't 15-20 miles away from where I live. I have been riding my dirt bike to my friends' houses when I can get away with it.

I actually use my bicycle more often than I use my car, but I drive my car longer distances - so I guess technically I use my my car more - just less frequently.

I would bike more, but its 25 miles one way to work, so that's out of the question. Plus I paid more for my mountain bike than I did for my car (insert cheap car joke here), and I don't want some idiot stealing what I worked my ass off for.

When I was really hard up and couldn't afford to put gas in my car, anywhere I could ride my bicycle to, I did. Actually got places quicker by bike too :)

I work about 20+ miles away from where I live (and it's about to be even further for the next few months...) so bicycling isn't really an option as highways are the only way to get there from here [/Pittsburgh joke]. I take my motorcycle on longish drives like to and from work when the weather is nice. Otherwise, I would rather walk if it's less than 15 or so blocks.

Thanks for adding the poll Polygon, you're the best!

While there hasn't been a whole lot of votes, I have to say that I'm somewhat surprised by the responses. I expected more negative bicycle replies. As far as "feeling like a douche", (post #3) I would feel worse driving a two and a half ton SUV to work by myself only a few miles away, even if it is the American way.

Too old or young? (post #4) Why wait until you're out of shape to exercise. I suppose I could drive my SUV to the gym after work, and then run on a tread mill or ride a STATIONARY bike instead, but that would end up taking even LONGER than the amount time that is added to my commute to work by bicycle.

Idiots on the road (post #6) is a common concern. Motorists actually take out way more of their own than cyclists, but we still drive, don't we? By choosing a suitable route and using proper cycling techniques in traffic, most of the danger can be mitigated. Use a rear view mirror, and also check out training materials for safe cycling. Here's a couple good ones.

http://www.bicyclesafe.com/

http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm

With gas continuing to increase, some people are expecting, even hoping, that cycling will become more common. I was prompted to post this poll in order to get an idea of how fellow AF members (car lovers) felt about this subject. I started riding to work earlier this year and have really been enjoying it. My round trip is 26 miles, (13 each way) and I've been doing it about 3 days a week, still driving on the other days. Some coworkers are impressed, others just think I'm nuts. I'm content with both conclusions! Thanks for your interest, and please vote if you haven't already.

i live in raleigh and work in chapel hill...long ways away...

i ride downtown, catch the bus to rtp, catch the bus to chapel hill and ride to work...

costs $64 a month total for me to go 64 miles a day or about 1,280 miles a month...bike helps b/c i would need a ride home and what not...would be awsome if i could ride to work...

since owning a non wal-mart bike now...i'm finding i have to dish out some $$$ to keep it going...but cheaper than gas and more fun...expecially in the rain

but i usually don't drive during the week...mostly on sundays

Word to the wise,
anyone that voted 1 through 3 in this poll (in an automotive forum) will now be banned to banlandia. :grinyes:






just j/k,

I voted 5 actually, there is just no way to get from house to work with 4 people on your back on a bike through NYC traffic. Just no way. :lol:
If it was by myself, sure maybe, but dropping off 3 people to one site (who don't drive) :banghead: and then myself to the other site (in a suv mind you) is the only way.

TS

Its too hot here to ride a bike anywhere...constantly over 100 degrees and there is no sidewalks where I live..so no, I'll do bmx from time to time though if I can bum a bike from somebody

Its too hot here to ride a bike anywhere...constantly over 100 degrees and there is no sidewalks where I live..so no, I'll do bmx from time to time though if I can bum a bike from somebody

I ride my bike a lot. Don't be a wimp. It does get really hot though...

I ride my bike a lot. I like to do some flatland tricks on my HARO. But I live in the suburbs and there are NO sidewalks. So its either walk and dodge the cars, ride my bike and hope to god I don't die. Or ask my mom for a ride. Its lame. All my friends that drive live basically in Deleware which is like 45 minutes away. But I ride my bike to WAWA.

Bikes are great!

But I ride my bike to WAWA.

YES!!! I love when people from the northeast mention WAWA! One of the greatest store names of all time :rofl: :lol: :rofl: The northeast equivalent to Moo n Oink in Chicago (guess what they sell) and Piggly Wiggly in the south

WAWA owns your soul!!!!!!

I thought the one in Chicago was like the White Hen or something. I have been there only once, but my dad lived there for a few years.

I think moo n oink wins for most lame name or convienence store.(god I need to go back to third grade and take spelling)

^:lol: I meant equivalent in terms of ridiculous names. Yes White Hen Pantry is the sister store to WAWA, but our name isn't as fun to say.

Moo n Oink is the meat market chain here. The commercial is the best! It has a guy in a pig suit and a guy in a cow suit... then the song :rofl:

I wish I could find the original ads, they were the same for like 12 years
But this should give you an idea of how ridiculous the commercials are:Moo n Oink online ad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxyFiWlufvg)

[/thread hijack]

After seeing this the only obvious option is suicide.

That was amazing!!!!!!

I wish wawa had TV ads!

I use my bike around here at college all the time.

I ride my bike a lot. Don't be a wimp. It does get really hot though...

Nicole, you rock. Any girl that can show up the boys (even in hot weather!) is cool in my book. :thumbsup:

Well putting all WAWA jokes aside for a second, I'd like to address the "no sidewalk" comments above. Sidewalk cycling is illegal in some areas, and almost always MORE dangerous than riding in the street. The reason is that when crossing driveways and intersections drivers are less likely to see you, and they (and you) will have LESS time to avoid a collision. The only time it might be more safe to ride the sidewalk is if you're on a long street with no driveways or intersections to deal with, there is little or no traffic, (but then you might as well be in the street were it's faster) or you are riding very slow and vigilant. Of course there are some streets that may be best to avoid whenever possible. That's why route choice is so important.


Bicycle riders have all the rights and responsibilities of any other road user, and we get more respect and are safer when we ride properly. Do your own search on the subject and you will find there is a clear consensus on this fact. The two links I posted above explain how to properly ride with traffic safely. The advice given is pretty much the standard advice that you will get from any source of actual riders who have a lot of experience and mileage.

Thats pretty interesting I wouldn't have that. Its okay to ride on the side in the city and all. But around here the roads are just so tiny. There isn't enough room for a bike.

Thats pretty interesting I wouldn't have that. Its okay to ride on the side in the city and all. But around here the roads are just so tiny. There isn't enough room for a bike.

^AlmostStock, good point. Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in Chicago and most suburbs. Also its unsafe in the city because there are so many pedestrians on the sidewalks with you. You never know when somebody might stop in their tracks, cut abruptly across the sidewalk, come out of a store etc.

BUT for those that do ride bikes I hope you ride to the right side of the road. I understand that it is easier to ride into traffic because you can see what the cars are doing as opposed to hoping that they see you while they (we) talk on phones, change CDs, hand a bottle to the baby in back, and receive oral pleasures... at the same time.

I mean when you are riding in the street (wether it be with or against traffic) that you keep to the right as much as reasonably possible so cars don't have to swerve all the way into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting you. That pisses me off when a bike rider is in the middle of the right lane and feels he/she shouldn't move over.

Yes, we all have to share the road, but it makes life easier for those of us who chose to maneuver two ton hunks of metal around town

[/soap-box babble]

i live in raleigh and work in chapel hill...long ways away...


Heh, very good friend of mine from the dorm last year is from Raleigh (I think) and is studying at UNC Chapel Hill...



Anyways, I don't have a car, so I use my bike or public transport. Fitness is good, and if you feel like you look like a tool riding a bike - get a bigger frame that's more comfortable. In NZ there's cycling lanes in the cities, in Christchurch especially they really push the cycling thing because the whole city is completely flat.

Actually, there's some piss poor excuses in this thread.

Thanks for your comments 00accord.

BUT for those that do ride bikes I hope you ride to the right side of the road. I understand that it is easier to ride into traffic because you can see what the cars are doing as opposed to hoping that they see you while they (we) talk on phones, change CDs, hand a bottle to the baby in back, and receive oral pleasures... at the same time.

Riding against traffic is illegal and dangerous. The speed difference going head on will give both the cyclist and driver less time to react to each other.

I mean when you are riding in the street (wether it be with or against traffic) that you keep to the right as much as reasonably possible so cars don't have to swerve all the way into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting you. That pisses me off when a bike rider is in the middle of the right lane and feels he/she shouldn't move over.
Yes, we all have to share the road, but it makes life easier for those of us who chose to maneuver two ton hunks of metal around town
[/soap-box babble]

The laws in all states say pretty much the same thing, even though they are worded somewhat differently. Bicycles must ride in the same direction as traffic, and stay as far right as practicable. Then the laws go on to specify when riding far right is not practicable, allowing cyclists to move farther left. When passing a slower vehicle (this includes bicycles) it is always the overtaking vehicles responsibility to do so safely. If there is not enough room to safely pass, then the motorist should not even attempt it. If you ever swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid ANYTHING, you are in the wrong.

By staying too far right in a narrow lane where there is not a suitable shoulder to ride on, the cyclist is inviting an unsafe pass, and puts them self in a dangerous situation. In this case a cyclist is allowed by law, and should, ride farther left in order to prevent being clipped or run off the road by impatient drivers. As soon as it is safe to do so the cyclist must then allow a faster vehicle to pass, and a courteous cyclists always will. While I certainly can't speak for everybody, most of us are not trying to slow you down, we're only looking out for our safety.

^ I don't endorse riding into oncoming traffic, but thats the reason I hear most bikers say when asked why they ride on the left. I always rode on the right, even as a dumb kid.

Sometimes bikers need more space. For instance, in Tallahassee most roads have giant ditches on both sides so riding far to the right is a definite :nono: so if I have to wait for a while to pass then too bad so sad. But during Chicago rush hour I'm much less understanding of a biker that is in the middle of the lane. There are no ditches here.

Usually I find myself most upset when there's a group of bikers who want to ride 2 or 3 wide to talk to each other. This would be fine if they weren't taking up more than half of the street unnecessarily.

But I promote biker-driver love http://www.santafemods.com/images/Smileys/1grouphug.gif

Actually, there's some piss poor excuses in this thread.

You want honesty, I'm lazy and love AC too much to get my skinny ass loaded up on a bike

You’ll never see me riding a Mountain bike to work, I mean a Black man who’s 6” 220-250 pounds pedalling down the street in leotards and a safety helmet would point out that I’m quite gay, retarded, or both, Yea there are heaps of these Mongrels around here, I’ve been prosecuted for running over a few of these groin restricting leotard freaks!!!

You’ll never see me riding a Mountain bike to work, I mean a Black man who’s 6” 220-250 pounds pedalling down the street in leotards and a safety helmet would point out that I’m quite gay, retarded, or both, Yea there are heaps of these Mongrels around here, I’ve been prosecuted for running over a few of these groin restricting leotard freaks!!! :rofl: :rofl:

...pedalling down the street in leotards and a safety helmet...

I know there's laws about helmets, but since when did leotards become a requirement? :uhoh:

but since when did leotards become a requirement? :uhoh:It's not but sure is funny if you think about it :lol: .

i drive to school since it takes me 20-30 minutes to drive, more if there's traffic. i row in the morning (5:30) and getting back is a bitch since traffic downtown is horrible at 8am so i'm probably going to start biking to the rowing club, it's only about a 20 minute bike ride.

You’ll never see me riding a Mountain bike to work, I mean a Black man who’s 6” 220-250 pounds pedalling down the street in leotards and a safety helmet would point out that I’m quite gay, retarded, or both, Yea there are heaps of these Mongrels around here, I’ve been prosecuted for running over a few of these groin restricting leotard freaks!!!


LOL!

Or you could just not wear tights....or get XC shorts...

Or just ride in what you've got, tis what I do...

Toksin don't mess with me, you damn well know how it is in the Naki.........lol

Oh right, scared of getting teased by bogans? :p

I am changing my answer to No, Absolutely never because I can't fall and break my leg because driving a semi w/ a broken leg would become a problem.

i actually ride my bike almost everyday to school and then to work. i have a mountain bike but usually ride my little bmx bike. i'll admit that i look quite goofy on it, a 6'3" guy riding a tiny little bmx bike. i find i can manuever better through the hoardes of freshman students around campus. plus, i can store it easier in my apartment. it's fun to ride in my city, you just have to watch out.

i actually ride my bike almost everyday to school and then to work. i have a mountain bike but usually ride my little bmx bike. i'll admit that i look quite goofy on it, a 6'3" guy riding a tiny little bmx bike. i find i can manuever better through the hoardes of freshman students around campus. plus, i can store it easier in my apartment. it's fun to ride in my city, you just have to watch out.
I am not quite as big and have a BMX bike. They do manuever MUCH better then a mountain bike. To me riding a mountain bike is like putting a STOCK 2 Liter Honda Driveline in a 1 ton dually pickup there is a lot more carcass to move around yes you can't use different gears and get going but what happens on a hill?? Less weight to move to begin with eaiser to go.

BMX bikes aren't really conducive to doing proper downhill riding or XC..

For the best of both worlds, get a single speed mountain bike :evillol: