Is Commuting By Bicycle in Washington State a Good Idea?

When the weather gets warmer in Washington and people wake up from their winter torpor, bicycling is again on people's minds as a great way to enjoy the scenery, breathe fresh air and get back in great shape.

Some are looking even further. Why go to the gym if you can have your daily exercise commuting to work? Why spend money on gas when you can travel for free? Why bother with peak hours when you can glide past the traffic jams?

Only about 0.4 percent of Americans get to work on a bicycle. This leaves some room for improvement. The question is: Is it improvement? Is commuting by bicycle the way to go?

Many people refrain from getting back in the saddle because of at least 5 myths that are as widespread as they are false. Let's go over them:

1.     It's too far: The ride may take too long, or may become exhausting if you live more than, say, 10 miles from work. There are ways to expand your range, however, as you can go part of the way on a commuter train. Many municipalities allow bikes on buses or subway cars. When that is not an option, you can consider buying a folding bike which you can take with you anywhere you want.

2.     I'll need an expensive bike: You can have an excellent bike for less than $500, used or new. Shop at a specialty store with knowledgeable staff to help with the bicycle selection and to have it serviced.

3.     I can't carry all the stuff I need: You can find adequate saddlebags or basket for your bicycle. Find the right protective pouch for your computer and a backpack to carry rain clothing or miscellanea. Get organized and trade paper files and books for the digital version.

4.     There is nowhere to shower: If a shower is nowhere to be found, look for gyms in the area: some accept shower-only memberships. If not, you can go a long way with a sponge bath or with baby wipes in a regular bathroom.

5.     It's too dangerous: There are no accurate studies to pinpoint whether bicycle riding is more or less dangerous than driving a car. Common sense indicates that, when cyclists are constantly and closely exposed to other vehicles, an accident is likely to result in more severe injuries to the cyclist than to the car driver. The commuter can reduce the risk of a crash by following the bicycle safety guidelines we described in a previous article, and choosing the best route to avoid exposure to traffic.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, contact now the Everett-based Monro Law Firm for a free consultation on your case.