Stories from USA

I remember plotting my move to Houston, from Detroit, and wondering if I could live there sans automobile. After researching, including looking at walkable neighborhoods, bike & bus routes, and... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Rosalyn Bryant Houston is my hometown, born and raised there! I have been in Cali. for over 25 years. I am happy to know you found a walka... read more

Houston is my hometown, born and raised there! I have been in Cali. for over 25 years. I am happy to know you found a walkable/bikable area! Houston is no joke with the traffic and tolls roads! They don't really cycle there! I would also be afraid of getting caught up in one of those Texas thunderstorms! ;-) I often think about moving back to Texas from Calfornia, but I think a smaller town would work better for me at this point now!

I have ridden a bike to work for over 10 years (not every day), covering 1000s of miles and I am more convinced now than ever that you don't need to spend a lot on a bike and equipment to commute y... read more

Robert Wilhelm To this I would add: Low tech bikes that get the job done are less likely to disappear then the latest and greatest high-en... read more

To this I would add: Low tech bikes that get the job done are less likely to disappear then the latest and greatest high-end bike. One reality of "bike as transportation" is that you need to leave it unattended. Big bike locks work but can be awkward - especially with quick release hubs and thieves can still make off with your saddle and other peripherals.

Milton Ospina Agree. Good points!

Agree. Good points!

J'ai 2 options: à vélo ou à pied. Pour aller au travail c'est à vélo. Un v.lo croche en hiver, un plus roulant en été. Et lorsqu'il y a grosse tempête de neige? et bien c'est à pied que j'y vais... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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It's easy to be excited only two days in... but 2/2 on riding into the office!

Topic: My commute by bike

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For the first time in many years, I can say I commuted to work for at least two days ea month for the past 12 months. Winter is obviously tough to ride on streets clogged with storm debris, gravel ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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It's SUnday. Sometimes that's just 2.3 miles to church, then 2.7 miles for the bagels to my friend's house trip back. Today.... it was "oops!!! Where is my purse? Let's go back to my friend's ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Susan Jones (make that 6000 miles...)

(make that 6000 miles...)

Zip ties are amazing! That's what got the "tree" suspended there -- not sure what the other ones have been for, but they're everywhere. Look close on the cart for the "Sheldon Brown has a Poss... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Susan Jones Welp, I braved the wind for the evening trips... hard work but not *gusty.* SO, granny gear. AND the zip tie held!!!

Welp, I braved the wind for the evening trips... hard work but not *gusty.* SO, granny gear. AND the zip tie held!!!

Many people have asked me why I choose to cycle to work when I can drive by car. I say because it saves me time. Usually this creates a confused look and they ask, how? Well, I say, if I drive by c... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Noel Cleland Keep it up! I did the same for thousands of trips to work, saving time, gas, and learning how to use the time for thinking... read more

Keep it up! I did the same for thousands of trips to work, saving time, gas, and learning how to use the time for thinking. You are reducing the traffic that others have to deal with while making yourself healthier (as long as you don't get run over)!

Courtney Reynolds Awesome story and a great motivator!

Awesome story and a great motivator!

I recently changed jobs and had to figure out a new bike commute route. For the first time in decades, I was not riding North/South, instead heading directly into the sun East/West every day. Headi... read more

So I'm cruisin' down main street and ... oh, that guy is trying to turn some weird plastic that looks like the fake spider web stuff for hallowe'en into something that will secure that huge toi... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I was a cyclist for years but slowly got away from it. The current gas situation definitely opened my eyes to the opportunity I have to ride again as part of commuting to work. I have been riding a... read more

I went to 2 meetings and the gym by bike and realized the commute for all 3 events combined was a little over a mile from my house and a total of 10 minutes. Faster than walking, no looking for par... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Meet Jessica Levine, a middle school science teacher who commutes by bike from the Central District to Ravenna. Jessica's commute story ties her love for experiencing the city to her passion for pr... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Extending the commute to avoid traffic allows for some half way decent views along the river. Spending 9 miles on a multi-use path while commuting in the morning is also great preparation for the day.

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Dave Passovoy Looks like nice ride. The more I ride away from traffic the more sensitive I become to riding in it (and hearing it at all)... read more

Looks like nice ride. The more I ride away from traffic the more sensitive I become to riding in it (and hearing it at all). Have you experienced that?

Cory Newton I'm more sensitive to traffic when I'm driving, lol. On the bike I don't feel like I'm part of "traffic" if that makes sens... read more

I'm more sensitive to traffic when I'm driving, lol. On the bike I don't feel like I'm part of "traffic" if that makes sense? Riding with cars around doesn't bother too much honestly.

I know its better than the subway, I know its more invigorating than the car, I know I dont regret my decision once I get going, but it can be such a challenge to get over myself and make the bike ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Steve Pyburn I call that my "mind over mattress" debate.

I call that my "mind over mattress" debate.

Okay, the extra ride at lunch was only okay -- cruising on the highest traffic road in the county meant having to act like a "savvy cyclist," but since it's a college town and they're on break, the... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Brisk day to be out! After about 5 minutes or so, my body acclimated to the chilled temperatures, beautiful day. Hope you all too can find joy in riding in this weather! Be well

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When I ride I make a point of staying right as far as possible. if a bike lane exists and parking is to the right, I will dip into vacant parking spaces to buffer myself against traffic. In a way, ... read more

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I am loving seeing the wildlife on my commute to work along the San Lorenzo River levee path. There have been one or two kingfishers out there lots of mornings. One morning I saw a coyote right nex... read more

Matt Miller I regularly see the kingfishers out there too, hanging out on the power line and then swoop down for fish! Lots of egrets, ... read more

I regularly see the kingfishers out there too, hanging out on the power line and then swoop down for fish! Lots of egrets, herons, mergansers, mallard ducks, coots, pied billed grebes, and so many more. I love birding while biking too!

My ride to work in the morning is the only time I don’t worry about anything during the day. It is the only time when I can watch nature happen and be surprised by the ever changing seasons and so... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Karl Shibayama Love seeing more cargo bikes out there!

Love seeing more cargo bikes out there!

I get up and think,”Do I ride to work or not”. Well a few thinks come into my mind. First is it going to rain, second, where do I have to be today and those are just a few things that race through ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Just a usual ride along the bike lane/shared pathway from City Heights to the Kensington area. Avoiding broken glass, trash, human poo, being chased by dangerous dog, drunks, SUV's running stop sig... read more

Anna Blumenfeld Yup there's always glass on the central path

Yup there's always glass on the central path

My family visited Denmark & Barcelona in the last few years, and adored the cycling culture there. We even rented an eCargo bike, but it was very expensive at the start of the pandemic. One yea... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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A couple of months ago I was commuting by bike to work, about 7 miles there. I got a flat tire on my ride, and I had no idea how to fix it. I had a spare tube in my bad and I started watching a you... read more

It's possible... it just takes longer, but you get the added benefit of a ride to take the edge off of having to drive there. I ride to the park and ride, get on a bus (6' apart with a mask,... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I decided to ride to work one morning. Usually I take the train with my bike (3 miles total) but decided to ride the entire way (12 miles). About 8 miles in, I hit a curb wrong with my back wheel a... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Commuting in Houston I’ve been commuting to work primarily by bicycle since 2005. Currently I drive my daughter to school and park the car, using my bike to get from there to work. I often run er... read more

Robert Wilhelm I used bicycle as my primary transportation in Norfolk VA for 8 years with public transport as my backup. My experience is ... read more

I used bicycle as my primary transportation in Norfolk VA for 8 years with public transport as my backup. My experience is similar to yours. I was fortunate to have shower facilities available at work and showered there each morning instead of may apartment. My commuter bike was the same bike I had bought 25 years earlier. Nothing fancy - steel molycrho frame, drop down shifters, and a few commuter add-ons. To reiterate a few things: 1. Bike rack and panniers to haul stuff to/from work and carry groceries home. 2. Good tires and innertubes - puncture resistant tubes, kevlar tires. 3. Rear view mirror! 4. Fenders to reduce grime from wet roads (because late day T-storms are pretty common there). 5. Route selection - better to add distance by using the roads least travelled then compete on the most direct and busiest routes. 6. BRIGHT lights and reflective vest when days get short between autumn and spring equinox. (A coworker confirmed that I was very visible on the dark, least travelled streets.) 7. Tire repair kit and pump/inflation cartridge and bus fare - just in case. (I lived along a bus route that served my workplace.)

I like to ride my bike to work, but not as much as I like to ride my bike from work.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Keisha Stewart becareful

becareful

Steve Rankin even better is to ride your bike past work and then just keep going ;)

even better is to ride your bike past work and then just keep going ;)

I quit riding for awhile due to the atmospheric rivers. Today was my first bike commute to work since I can't remember. I feel AMAZING! Everything seems positive, I didn't even need caffeine! Happ... read more

Tom Barrett Bike commuting is the best!!!

Bike commuting is the best!!!

Who would have thought you'd find a beaver in the middle of town. Definitely not something you'd notice driving to and from work.

I recently had the opportunity to change departments at work. The new role is just 9 miles from home, and the office has heated employee parking, and a shower. These perks all added value for me to... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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M. Virginia Leslie One of the library branches I worked at was 6 miles from my home, so riding my bike to work was no big deal (for me, at lea... read more

One of the library branches I worked at was 6 miles from my home, so riding my bike to work was no big deal (for me, at least). At 8:30 in the morning the roadway between my home and work was stop-and-go, but on my bike I could just zip right by on the nearby bike/pedestrian trail, or using a bike lane on surface streets. Sometime in the winter it would rain, but since this is Northern California and we’ve been in a drought or near drought situation for quite a few years the rain was never very heavy, in fact usually just a heavy mist. My coworkers would be amazed that I rode to work and back in the rain, but I was getting sweaty on the ride, so what’s the real difference between sweat and a little rain?

I started working at Emory in November of 2021. I've been a bike commuter the whole time. I live just 3 miles away, so it's really a no brainer. I started with my 1976 Schwinn Super Le Tour, tha... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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A few months ago someone I hardly know learned that I like bicycles and gave me a box of tubes they had no use for. I didn't have any bikes in that particular size, but accepted because I figured I... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Oh the cool things you see when out on your bike one day I did see some very interesting thigs on my commute to work things that I may not have seen had I not ridden my bike to work let alone you d... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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David Borges almost 90% bike commute. It sets the tone, definitely reduces the anxiety and keeps the stress down! Yes! I will do this ... read more

almost 90% bike commute. It sets the tone, definitely reduces the anxiety and keeps the stress down! Yes! I will do this until the end of my days!

Commuting to work on my bike lets me stop and enjoy this great view twice a day!

On weekends, I make the 22 mile commute from my home in Elk Rapids to the bike shop in Traverse City, MI. This past Sunday, as I rolled down the quiet farm roads in Williamsburg, a common yet uniqu... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Catherine Boyd Thanks for sharing.!!! What a cool nature connection ;)

Thanks for sharing.!!! What a cool nature connection ;)

Yesterday I dropped my car off to be serviced and got to ride to work from a different direction. I found myself on a street in Redding that I had never been on, in my all of my 23 of living here.... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Every time I ride to work down St Claude I feel so happy for the bike lane...... and the ride home through the quarter feels like a little vacation. Thank you so much Bike Easy Challenge for he... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I bought a 2017 Kona Ute cargo bicycle brand new off the show room floor in 2017. I have logged 1,000s of miles on it for work, groceries, my gear for work and running errands around town. It has b... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I worked from home Thursday because I asked because it was frigid, but by end ofday HAD TO GET OUTSIDE (I took the bus Wednesday)... and it wasn't as cold as I thought, at 9 degrees. Friday mo... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Yes, had a driver second back from the cross street tryin' to pretend I wasn't there and going straight (he's turning right but the car in front has to go first...) but no, you don't want to hit m... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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My new helmet just came in the mail. I chose this Base Camp model based on price, style, and the LED light in the back. I am very pleased and looking forward to more safe riding!

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Michael Yingling Michael Yingling I replaced my decade’s old Helmet this spring. It came with a ANGi ride tracker that sinc’s to my phone. I... read more

Michael Yingling I replaced my decade’s old Helmet this spring. It came with a ANGi ride tracker that sinc’s to my phone. It is similar to a concussion proposal monitor But it can be programmed to send an alert to someone of your choice by text and email should it detect a sudden stop or crash. It can be purchased separate through a Trek store and added to any helmet. Check it out if you ride alone anywhere. I think it is one of the best things I have added to my cycling in 40 years.

So on the way home from middle school, I turned left down Ralph McGill off Parkway and as I was going to turn North on Central Park Place I see a flock of scooters going east on Ralph McGill. As I... read more

Dale Edwards I read this article previously and about a week later I caught up to someone riding a seat scooter uphill at about 14 mph. ... read more

I read this article previously and about a week later I caught up to someone riding a seat scooter uphill at about 14 mph. Once we hit the flat he was in my mirror.

Just got back from riding PATH Parkway and the Eastside Beltline and they are both empty. Put your rain pants on a enjoy the cool stress-free breeze!

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Derick Gilbert I ride the beltline earlier today & it was not crowded. Also rode the Southside beltline.

I ride the beltline earlier today & it was not crowded. Also rode the Southside beltline.

Had a few difficult months with work/life and my riding suffered from it. (Did not stop riding just could not do my usually crush mode riding) In a healthier place and now able to get my balance b... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Took the long way to work to avoid all the hills and get this view as a reward!

It's still a little chilly in Iowa. And spring is always windy. But a hot pink down jacket, hi-vis lobster gloves, wool socks and a neck gaiter, and a fleece hat later, I got to see corn juuuuuus... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Now that I'm working from home, I can ride my kids to school on a more regular basis as logistically it is easier riding home than to work after dropping them off. It's a great opportunity for me t... read more

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Zeke Lewandowski The title is a little bit misleading. It sort of sounds like you rode on top of your children to get to your school.

The title is a little bit misleading. It sort of sounds like you rode on top of your children to get to your school.

Sara Sundquist How about Biking to School with my Kids...can't figure out how to edit stories!

How about Biking to School with my Kids...can't figure out how to edit stories!

Steve Pendergast Great story, Sara! Love the picture!

Great story, Sara! Love the picture!

Emma Worthington Thanks! It's actually our photo from riding to school on Halloween, hence the 80's aerobics instructor costume! Also featur... read more

Thanks! It's actually our photo from riding to school on Halloween, hence the 80's aerobics instructor costume! Also featured: Superman!

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I feel like drivers are more distracted this past week than usual. I’ve had many more near misses the last few days and was even hit (while I was stopped at a stop sign). Whatever the case or the c... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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What the heck. Honestly, I said a lot more than that at the time! A driver just tried to kill me. They saw me and purposely swerved and pushed me into the curb. I have a rear view camera, guess who... read more

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David Nelms I was hit in October and have stopped commuting as a result. Inattentive driver. I was lucky as it was a sideswipe and I ... read more

I was hit in October and have stopped commuting as a result. Inattentive driver. I was lucky as it was a sideswipe and I did not go under the vehicle. I've come to the conclusion, for me anyway, the risk is not worth the reward. I miss commuting, but I'll do my riding on bicycle trails and perhaps some group rides. I'm 58 and recovery has been slow.

Moski Schrader Glad your ok. My neighbor spent 2 months in the hospital after being hit. I’m not brave enough to ride a 2 wheeler in the s... read more

Glad your ok. My neighbor spent 2 months in the hospital after being hit. I’m not brave enough to ride a 2 wheeler in the street. I pedal a big Orange dorky shelled trike like the white one in my picture and I don’t pedal between 2-5 on weekdays.. it’s too scary for me. Stay safe!

David Nelms You too, Moski! Thanks for sharing your story.

You too, Moski! Thanks for sharing your story.

Stephen Schnitker Et ne induerentur illegitimi - Don't let them wear you down!

Et ne induerentur illegitimi - Don't let them wear you down!

Lars Dorr ... I'm thankful to live in a bike friendly city. I wish more of the US was less auto-centric and more embracing of bicycles.

... I'm thankful to live in a bike friendly city. I wish more of the US was less auto-centric and more embracing of bicycles.

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