How to save on gas: Bike to Work
June 5th, 2006 by Tim GrahlSo gas prices are through the roof and you are thinking about using that bicycle in your garage to get to work in the morning. Save some cash and get in shape.
Here’s some things to think about when planning for the venture:
- Bike Storage - Plan where your bike is gonna be during the day and if you’re gonna need a lock.
- Hygiene - You might show up to work a little sweaty so have a plan to get cleaned up if need be.
- Comfortable Pack - You’re gonna have stuff to carry with you, including your work clothes. Make sure you have a comfortable pack to carry your gear.
- Lights - If you’re leaving early or coming home late you’ll need to light the way. There’s a lot of economical choices out there.
- Fix the flats - Be sure to bring along a small bike pump, tube patch kit and a spare tube. Keep yourself safe from a long walk.
- Plan your route - There’s often several ways you can take to work. Be sure to pick the safest one.
- Bonus Tip: Find a partner - Rides are always more fun and safer when you have a buddy along for the ride.
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Ya agreed gas prices are soaring high.So now its time to save gas and money too. Otherwise the prices would leave a big hole in the pocket.
Like the plan and that too helps us to remain in shape. What more one can ask for!!!
Just as an example, I started commuting to work three years ago. Before that, I was filling the tank about once a week on average. After I started commuting, I only filled it up once a month! It took off about 8000 miles of driving a year overall, since I also limited extra trips by consolidating errands. Huge savings!
I started riding two days a week and my fill ups have gone from once a week to every three weeks.
I have been riding here in Alaks back and forth to work about 3 days a week, saving lots of money,plus keeps me in shape for the off road riding.Just have to watch trafic, people just don’t see us bikers, last night someone got hit and killed by a semi,horrible way to go.
The list is missing something very important … a bell, that helps alert pedestrians on bike paths, or standing in the street, that a bike is coming up behind them. They only cost $10, and they are required in some places, like Ontario.
I would also dispute the “partner” tip, at least when you are commuting. All too often, when I see two bicyclists together, they are riding side by side so they can chat. Not only is this a distraction, but it increases the chances of accidents — either with the other biker, or with auto traffic, because the person riding on the left is always much closer to car traffic than he would be if he were riding alone.
ten? I got a bear bell from sierratradingpost for half that (when I was getting other stuff so shipping didn’t factor it).
FIlled tank 7 times this year (four on last month’s 1500 mile weekend).
Bike to work everyday…rain or shine…filled my tank once in two months.
Know what? China & India’s population were all riding bikes 20 & 30 years ago before they started beating amerians in the labor cost and job skills arena. the top dude, now retired, at one of the united nations think tanks says they’ll be $10 trillion dollars ahead of the usa in about 25 years.
who do you think will be riding bikes more and more as we move down that road of years? right. americans.
there won’t be enough money to maintain all the infrasture we have in this country and the smart ones will be riding bikes and using that savings to keep themselves fit and to put money in other important aspects of life ( like clothing and food) rather than in a car.
so, be glad you are a bike rider. but be safe.
This past summer i rode nearly everyday (except for days with thunderstorms) and although my job was only 5 miles from my house it saved a ton of gas…just had to fill up once over the whole summer!