Why I love bicycle commuting [How to save the planet]

Why I love bicycle commuting [How to save the planet]
Heather Nicholds, C.H.N.

I’m in the middle of this 100 day marketing course by the amazing Seth Godin. Once of the most valuable parts of this course (to me) is that there’s a really active discussion forum where we each discuss our businesses and marking challenges.

And as Seth keeps reminding us – there is more value in helping someone else than in talking about yourself. #lifelessons

One of my new online friends is building a concept around inspiring people to try bicycle commuting. I was so enthralled with this concept that we’ve been having a great discussion around it, and how he might set it up.

You may already know this, but I am a bicycle commuter. I’ve posted videos in past of my grocery trips by bicycle. I shifted from driver to cyclist back in 2002, when I was in University and the car my parents had lent me was dying.

After researching all of the costs involved in buying used or leasing a car, with all of the insurance and maintenance costs, I realized that I couldn’t afford it. So I started looking into bikes, and bought the most expensive thing I’d ever bought to that point: a $350 bicycle.

Trouble was – when I had a choice to drive, I couldn’t get up the energy/courage/motivation to cycle.

It took me finally taking the old car to the scrap yard, and cycling off into the sunset, to finally commit to bicycle commuting. But once I did, I never looked back! I LOVE it.

In the 15 years since, I’ve managed to consciously choose to live in a downtown area where I can walk, cycle and take public transit. It is glorious.

If you’ve been considering bicycle commuting, I want to share some of the reasons I LOVE it, and some of the tips and gear I’ve found really useful in maintaining cycle-commuter status for the long term.

And if you’re having trouble making the change while you still have a car, I hear ya… it is tough. Maybe something in my lists or video will help inspire you to start!

Why I LOVE bicycle commuting:

  • Way cheaper than a car (to buy AND maintain)
  • Exercise
  • Using muscles/burning calories instead of burning gasoline
  • Fix my own flat tires
  • Bypass traffic gridlock
  • Cool factor/determination
  • Cycle commuting community

Bicycle commuting tips:

  • Follow the rules of the road
  • Give yourself space, don’t hug right to the curb
  • Signal early
  • Wear a helmet!
  • Try clip shoes to boost efficiency (unless you’re uncoordinated… To my Mom: please never wear clip shoes!)
  • Learn some basic maintenance
  • Always carry a spare tube, small pump and tools with you
  • Rain gear!
  • Get really good lights
  • Always wear sunglasses for eye protection (I have some darker and some lighter ones, in case it’s not sunny)
  • If you worry about getting tired/sweaty, try an electric assist

 

Bicycle commuting gear:

Bicycle commuting clothing:

Note for Canadians: Most of my bicycle commuting gear I got from MEC. Check them out for a lot of this stuff if you have a store near you!

Amazon Associates Disclosure: Heather Nicholds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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