Would you consider using a bicycle for transportation?

[AlmostStock]

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.

[BLU CIVIC]

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

[twospirits]

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






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.
If it was by myself, sure maybe, but dropping off 3 people to one site (who don't drive) and then myself to the other site (in a suv mind you) is the only way.

TS

[elementskater15]

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

[Nicole8188]

Originally Posted by elementskater15

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...

[DylanTrott]

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!

[00accord44]

Originally Posted by HondaDylan

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 The northeast equivalent to Moo n Oink in Chicago (guess what they sell) and Piggly Wiggly in the south

[DylanTrott]

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)

[00accord44]

^ 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

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

[/thread hijack]

[DylanTrott]

After seeing this the only obvious option is suicide.

That was amazing!!!!!!

I wish wawa had TV ads!

[balls_to_the_wall]

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

[AlmostStock]

Originally Posted by Nicole8188

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.

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.

[DylanTrott]

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.

[DylanTrott]

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.

[00accord44]

^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]