Convincing myself the cycle commute is worth it

MrGorsky

Hello all.
 Today I commuted on my electric assisted bicycle, 24 miles each way.
I’m writing this to try and convince myself this greener and moneysaving commute is better. I’ll be making this journey 3 x per week. It took 1hr 15, as opposed to 25 minutes in the car, along B roads, single track through fields and forest, and bridleways. I enjoyed it, saved £5 in diesel, and got some exercise. Negatives being time taken, maybe less convenience, and weather. If I use the car, we may need to look for a second car for my wife to use, and we really can’t afford that at the moment. ..... just mulling this over.....

daveyjp

The downside will be in a few weeks when daylight hours have reduced significantly and the weather is much worse than it is now.

Johnmcl7

I found with cycling it was a bit tough to keep motivated at the start as it was a lot more hassle than just taking the car but the fact I could avoid wear and tear on the car (it was a diesel and vulnerable to DPF problems) plus I had to justify the cost of the bike.  After some time the bike was out of use for a few weeks which was fine except I was really surprised how much I missed the bike and now I find I need the bike which is great to clear my head even if the weather is poor.

You've mentioned diesel costs but if you manage to regularly commute you're going to save plenty on tyres, brakes and possibly bigger parts on the engine since similar parts on the bike are far cheaper to replace.  The health benefits will be significant as well and I was surprised even with short, slow commutes how much better I was at cycling.

gzoom

25 miles each way is a long commute on the eBike. I've been commuting on my bike since Feb, the difference is my commute is only 6-7 miles each way, and 50% in urban traffic, so actually with schools back I get to work quicker on my than driving!!

So spend in total about 45-1hr on the bike, similar to time spend in the car for the same trip. The difference been is am getting fitter and now don't need to worry about going to the gym etc.

I really enjoy commuting on the bike, even in rain/wind, eBikes do really make a difference. However as they say time is money, am not sure spending an extra 45 minutes each way on your commute is worth any money saving gains.

bouicca21

Which do you enjoy more?  Should wife be encouraged to cycle too?  If you get wet and cold when the weather is bad, do you have the option of showering at work?  What are those fields and bridleways going to be like in the dark?

gzoom

@MrGorsky hope you do still keep using the bike what ever you decide. Inspired by your 25 mile commute I took the long way home today, absolutely loved it, cannot believe all the time I had wasted in the past commuting in my car sitting in traffic like a lemon when I could have been on the bike  .

Nebulous2

I have a very short commute and was doing it around 80% of the time. It still felt like a big step to get rid of the second car and know I didn’t have an option, even in the worst of weather.  Once I got over that hurdle it was surprisingly easy.

24 miles each way is quite hardcore, but you have some advantages, an electric bike and only having to do it 3 times a week. 

MrGorsky

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the feedback above, especially those that have emphasised the joy of cycling vs the car, thanks for the pics aswell. I can’t Wally to get on the bike on Monday. As it gets darker and colder, I guess I need the correct lights and clothing , I’ll see how that goes. 

Nebulous2

MrGorsky said:

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the feedback above, especially those that have emphasised the joy of cycling vs the car, thanks for the pics aswell. I can’t Wally to get on the bike on Monday. As it gets darker and colder, I guess I need the correct lights and clothing , I’ll see how that goes. 

Some of the cycling forums have dedicated commuter sections. (I use cyclechat) They will offer a lot of tips / advice. Clothing will be hotly discussed and disagreed with, as will lights. 

This is the time of year when cycling retailers begin advertising lights. I like two sets, in case of failure, and generally have one on flash and one on solid. Then there is the whole lights to be seen, or lights to see with discussion. With your rural route you will want lights to see by. 

gzoom

MrGorsky said:

 I guess I need the correct lights and clothing , I’ll see how that goes. 

Things are much better now with lights and clothing compared to 2010 when I was last commuting on my bike. I bought some 'cheap' LED lights off Amazon. Rated at 3000 lumens and even though it was only £20 its so much brighter than £80+ lights from 10 years ago.

Clothing I've already stocked up from Amazon/eBay, some base layers, one outter layer. Having a change of cloth at work if needed and its wet. Am actually quite looking fowards to it!. 

pinkladyvenus

I would stick with it ,I do a long commute each day 5 days a week in all weathers some of it is done unlit country lanes and cycle tracks, but the dark nights are only a small part of the year and you will enjoy seeing the days lengthening out again. Can not describe how much you become in tune with the changing of the seasons. Just make sure you buy the best waterproof gear you can afford and invest in a pair of waterproof gloves and overshoes there is no wrong weather just the wrong clothes.