Submitted PhotoAn organizer of Bike to Work Week, Jeff Moser is asking people to share their stories. He's asking whether they've continued to ride or what obstacles are preventing them from doing so. Respond to his survey at bikecarson.com.
I had an almost spiritual commute in to work recently. I pedaled real slow, and just took in all the summer scenery and smells.
I stopped off at the park for a picture. I jumped off curbs. I gazed at the Sierra. I rode wheelies over morning sprinkler run-off. I watched the squirrels run at the brick wall.
I said hello to people as I passed by. Why would anyone want to be stuck in a car on such a fine morning?
Bike to Work Week is a couple months behind us now. There was a big surge in bicycle commuting during Bike to Work Week, and then it faded.
Obviously, commuting by bike is not practical for everyone full-time. Distances may be too long for everyday riding, or busy family schedules may discourage a car-free lifestyle.
Still, there are many people who could adapt to bicycle commuting quite easy.
Each year, there are a few people that catch the bicycle commuting bug after participating in Bike to Work Week, and they make the lifestyle switch. I was one of these people a few years ago.
There are many people though, that put their bikes away after the week is over and return to driving.
With all the fun we had during that week, it's surprising to me that some of the people that are able to bicycle commute quite easily, decided not to continue riding.
I'd like to hear from you.
Did you become a bicycle commuter after Bike to Work Week? Share your story with us.
If you returned to car commuting, why? W
hat are the obstacles that are keeping you from bicycle commuting?