What I’ve Learned From One Year of Bike Commuting

I recently passed the  one year mark of taking the plunge into bike commuting. I originally planned to shoot for three bike days per week, and I checked the weather forecast and my calendar on Sunday evening to decide which days I’d set my alarm a little earlier to account for the extra time. But now, bike commuting is non-negotiable for me; I make it work regardless of temperature, precipitation, or schedule. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way. 

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise so far is how addictive biking is. I’ve always been envious and a bit suspicious of people who claim to experience a runner’s high. Walks and gym trips are a regular part of my schedule, but I don’t get excited for a workout unless there’s a competitive aspect. Cycling has given me a taste for that daily endorphin rush. It’s not just the exercise– I love how much more tuned in I am to my surroundings everyday. There are businesses I used to drive past every single day but couldn’t have named, but now I notice which cars I pass everyday, where new flowers are popping up, and the people that hang out near each gas station. I get a weird sense of pleasure when an overgrown hedge that used to infringe on the sidewalk gets trimmed, or a store employee sweeps up litter that’s accumulated in a parking lot. I can smell trees in bloom and wave to my neighbors, giving me a sense of connection with my local community. 

I committed myself to bike commuting as a part of my FIRE oriented lifestyle, and I quickly learned how important habits are for changes like this. My initial scheme to bike three days a week was supposed to ease me in and prevent frustration when I missed a day, but it was soon clear that if I had to decide each evening whether to set my alarm for 6:45 to bike or 7:15 to drive, I wouldn’t be biking very often. Within a few weeks, I aimed to make biking the default. Now, I leave my keys in my bike bag and get up in time to bike no matter what. Instead of talking myself into it each day, biking is automatic and I don’t think about it. If I have lots of stuff to carry or have to hurry somewhere straight from work, I take the e-bike. If it’s cold and rainy, I wear gloves and a facemask. Just like I don’t keep chips in the house if I’m trying to lose a few pounds, I don’t give myself the chance to talk my way out of my bike commuting goals. 

Using a bike as my primary form of transportation has taught me about planning ahead better. I keep a bag of deodorant and face wipes in my office to tidy up each morning, along with a drawer of backup shoes and socks in case I encounter any large puddles. I look at the early evening weather before I head in each morning, in case I need different gear for the ride home. In the winter, I bring a flashing neon vest so I’m not invisible on the dark ride home. If I get surprised by the weather when I’m getting ready to leave, then I tough it out and remember to prepare better the next time. 

Though I anticipated that my bike would carry lower maintenance costs than my truck, it’s truly amazing just how little you have to do to keep a bike roadworthy. Over the last 1500 miles or so, I’ve pumped up the tires a few times and dripped some oil on the chain once. Beyond that, my bike made one trip back to the shop for brake-tightening, which I plan to handle myself going forward. I attribute these low maintenance requirements partly to purchasing a new, high quality bike. If my bike had experienced frequent issues, it would have been frustrating, and possibly derailed my momentum. Investing in a nice bike made me feel obligated to keep up with my goals, which has been well worth the initial cost. The law of diminishing return applies here, though; I doubt that spending thousands, rather than hundreds, on a bicycle would have inspired me more. 

Heading into May, I’ve managed to avoid driving to work a single time this calendar year. I hope to make it through the entire year, barring serious illness, injury, or insane blizzard conditions in December. I look forward to applying the lessons I’ve learned from cycling to other areas of my life. Appreciating the world around me, establishing habits that align with my goals and values, planning ahead, and learning how to maintain my possessions are all essential skills for long term financial independence.