Commute on a Bike

Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty is an accomplished bicyclist who has participated in several triathlons. Fenty has carried his love of bike riding over to his legislative agenda.  During his tenure as Mayor, DC has added several new bike lanes, bike racks, the SmartBike bike sharing program and much more.

If you’re sick of crowding onto the Metro, wasting money on gas or walking in the heat for your daily commute, maybe it’s time to consider commuting on a bike.

Before you start thinking of excuses for why you shouldn’t use a bike to get around town, City Bikes in Adams-Morgan and Chevy Chase has already debunked all the typical fears people have about bike commuting.

Here are a few from their website:

1. It Takes Too Long: According to City Bikes, one of their customers added only 15 minutes to a 10 mile commute by riding her bike. But she actually saves time overall because she is getting exercise during her commute. She has also saved money on her insurance, gas, parking, etc. If you’re taking the Metro or walking, try commuting one time on a bike, you’ll probably see it takes as long, or less long.
2. I Wear Dress Clothes at Work: City Bikes recommends leaving some dress clothes at work and getting dressed after freshening up a little in the bathroom.
3. I don’t Have a Place to Shower: City Bikes says that if your commute is relatively short, you may not sweat much at all. If you do, and you’re concerned about it, ask about showers in your office building or check out nearby gyms for shower passes.
4. The Weather Is Too Bad for Biking: According to City Bikes, there are clothes to help you survive any kind of weather. They have jackets, gloves, rain gear, booties and more to help you stay dry, warm, cool or whatever.
5. There’s No Where to Park the Bike at Work: If your work doesn’t provide bike parking racks, ask them why. Ask if there is somewhere else you can park it in the building. You can always ask the DC government to install bike racks outside the building (click HERE and scroll down). Many surrounding parking garages may also offer bike parking.

Now that you have no excuses for not riding your bike to work, check out the District Department of Transportation’s bike map to create a route from your home to the office.

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User