Bicycle Commuting is Contagious

Do you realize that if you start commuting to work, your example may well inspire your coworkers to do it also? This has been my experience over the past 15 years of doing bicycle transportation. When I first managed to get a bicycle rack installed at the hospital where I worked, mine was a lonely bike parked there. By the time I retired, I had to arrive early to find a space to jam my bicycle in. It was wonderful.

You persist, you inspire. You persist, and the nagging thought “I could do that” wears away at your co-workers’ awareness. At the same time, there is exaggerated awe on the part of co-workers who realize there is someone among them who actually does use a bicycle for commuting and general transportation.

As you know, there is a huge barrier of incredibility surrounding the practicality and safety of bicycle commuting, and using a bicycle for errands and general transportation. You may feel it yourself, but think again.

I actually feel safer driving a bicycle than driving my car. In fact, when I do drive my car, I follow the same route that I use for my bicycle because the traffic is so much lower. One of my neighbors was amazed at the difference when I showed her my route. Now, although she does not bike, she only uses my bike route rather than jamming herself on the more direct high-traffic roadways.

I now work part-time at the Decatur Library. My coworkers began to notice that I came in dressed for biking and emerged ready for professional work. They began friendly teasing, and also celebrating that they had a regular bicycle commuter among them…a senior citizen at that!

Then some closet wannabees cautiously emerged. One even bought a new bicycle so that he could join the healthy commute club. Soon there were three bicycles regularly parked at the loop bike rack outside the building, and there are four of us in all. With the cooler weather, there are still two of us out at the rack.

It’s nice to have to jockey for a bike parking place. Best of all is when they stick to it year around.

Is bicycle commuting really practical? A woman at my church does a 14-mile round trip bicycle commute every day of the year. I do not do it every day, but if I take my car, I do multiple errands with it and remember to feel guilty as I drive along… using a non-renewable, air polluting resource. One of my neighbors was amazed at the difference when I showed her my route. Now, although she is riding in her car, she uses only my bike route rather than jamming herself on the high-traffic roadways.

To get started, if you are not already a bike commuter, find a coworker who already bikes and have a practical chat: Find out about roadways that have less traffic. Brush up on MARTA/bicycle combination commutes. If you only bike to work one day a week, you have lowered your auto carbon footprint by 20%.

Your coworker can give you tips on bicycle back racks and “panniers” to hold work clothes. I use a backrack and a folding wire basket. I place the basket on the traffic side of my bicycle because it helps automobile drivers give me a little more room when they pass, and it is handy for an extra flashing rear light.

Learn how to roll your work clothing neatly; it will come out wrinkle-free if you do – and, if you fly some place, your packing skills increase geometrically. “You certainly pack neatly” one TSA inspector told me. One woman whom I met at the Decatur Post Office bike rack said she would "wear any skirt that let’s me bike” – she was interested that I often simply put a long skirt or pull business slacks right over my cycling pants once I arrive at work.

More employers are installing showers for bicycle commuters. I managed with “birdbath” wash-ups at the sink in the ladies’ room. (Guys, use your own room.)
Cold weather discourages some riders – mostly those who have not tried it. We are our own natural heaters as we cycle, and full-finger gloves, extra socks and a good wool neck scarf will greatly extend your bike-to-work season.

Question: What is the hardest thing to overcome when you want to be a bicycle commuter? Answer: Getting your backside on the bicycle seat. Just do it. As you ride off, you will wonder why you did not do it sooner, and you may well find that it is contagious for your fellow workers.