Top Ten Benefits of Riding Your Bike to Work

Until I was laid off (due to a corporate take-over), I managed a chain-restaurant here in Kokomo, Indiana. I rode my bike to work almost everyday that I could, even in January. I am a strong fan of biking to work, if at all possible. The benefits of biking, instead of driving to work, or biking instead of having a car in general are too numerous to name. For your benefit, I have narrowed down the ten best reasons for biking instead of driving to work.

#1. Less hassle!

When I think about all the problems I've had with cars over the years, it almost makes me sick to my stomach. How many times have I been on the way to work, only to find out that my fuel pump, one of my belts, my radiator, or my alternator has went out! Ride your bike away from that mess and make it to work on time!

#2. No gas!

Pretty obvious, right? I HATE fluctuating gas prices. How can you expect to keep your budget in line (or even plan a budget) when gas is $2.00 one day, and $2.80 the next? Riding a bike ensures zero fluctuation in your fuel cost, (because there isn't any).

#3. Great exercise!

I hate to exercise. Every time I have sat down and made an exercise plan, it has always been broken within a few weeks. One major benefit of biking to work, ensures that you will always get your exercise in. When your job is on the line, you'll do many things you don't always want to do, with biking to work, you can throw your daily exercise in the mix.

#4. Better for the planet.

Global warming. Some say the results on global warming are not in. However, do you really want to take a chance? Do what's best for yourself, and whats best for the earth. You'll never have to worry about destroying the world on your way to work when the only fuel your burning is calories!

#5. No keys!

I know this one sounds kinda silly, but I lose everything. How many times have you been late to work, because your keys have been buried somewhere in the netherworld of your sofa? It's pretty hard to misplace a bike! (but from time to time I know I have)

#6. Being a leader and setting a good example.

Many people want to bike to work, but are possibly afraid to do so, because of what others might think. It is true, that when you bike to work, instead of driving, you're going to be doing something out of the "norm." Especially when you work at a place where you have to carry your bike in, and put it in the back room (like I did), this can draw some unwanted attention. Be a leader! Sometimes all it takes is one domino to knock over the entire stack. Bike to work today and you may start a new trend with your co-workers tomorrow!

#7. Never deal with parking spot issues again!

I'm sure where you work, you may not have an "assigned" parking spot, but there is more than likely a spot that you park at everyday. When somebody takes "your" spot, doesn't it just irritate you to no end? Well my friend, this will never happen again when you ride your bike to work. With a little help from a chain lock, you can make up your own "parking spots" on anything!!

#8. Avoid stop-and go traffic

Now, this will not work in all cases, but I know at least in MY case, sometimes I could bike to work quicker than I could get there in a car. How, you ask? Stop and go traffic. Stop lights, stop signs, bumper to bumper traffic, waiting to change lanes, all of this has been erased when you're zig-zagging through the crossroads of life with out a care on your two-wheeled anarchy cruiser. Okay, maybe I got a little dramatic on that last line, but you get the point!

#9. Save money on your insurance.

Now that you're biking to work and driving much less of the time, you can save money on your insurance! Bump yourself down from full-coverage to pl pd. Or take the giant leap, and get rid of your car completely!

# 10 Boost your overall mood and self esteem

When you are hassled less, spending zero on gas, exercising more, becoming more eco-friendly, not constantly looking for your car keys, becoming a leader in the work place, unworried about available parking, avoiding stop and go traffic, and saving money on your insurance, you are going to see a HUGE boost in your overall mood and self esteem.