Homage to a Two-Wheeled Commute

Allow me to preface this post by stating that my purpose is not to expound on the lack of abilities of cyclists/drivers in this city. Raising the subject evokes impassioned criticism and defenses from both ends of the biking vs driving spectrum without fail. I think it’s fair to say that there is a myriad of horrible and self-absorbed cyclists AND drivers in this city, so let’s just all do an extra shoulder check and be on our merry way, shall we?

I just reached my 2^nd anniversary of biking to work, so I feel it appropriate to share my sentiments towards my two-wheeler. I had been a casual cyclist since 2005, but it wasn’t until the Vancouver Winter Olympics that I began to cycle to work regularly to avoid the throngs of Olympic tourists using the public transit system. Although it was initially a bit of a challenge to start cycling in the dead of winter, the benefits of biking to work eventually won me over.

Here are a few of my favorite things that I have come to love about biking to work:

• Saves time
  In my case it takes roughly the same time to take public transit to work as it does to bike, and additionally it spares me the trip to the gym

• Increases mental alertness & de-stresses
  Nothing focuses the mind quite like breathing in fresh morning air and catching unobstructed views of the beautiful cityscape and mountains while avoiding road rage and rush hour traffic

• Improves health and fitness
  We all know that exercise raises the heart rate, burns calories and boots metabolism. This one is a bit of a catch 22, however, because exercising in the morning means I’m usually ready to devour my lunch by 10AM which negates the calorie burning…

• Saves money
  Aside from the obvious savings on purchasing gas or transit passes, the cost of maintaining a bicycle is nominal compared to the cost of maintaining a car

• Contributes to a smaller carbon footprint
  “Environmental sustainability” is a key component of the Burnaby Board of Trade’s “Triple Bottom Line” of economic, social and environmental results and I am happy to support these goals on an individual and corporate basis

• Builds community
  Nothing builds community quite like cyclists bonding over shared experiences of braving freezing rain, or being hit by taxis or other unruly motorists who don’t know how to drive properly (Oh wait, I said I wouldn’t talk about this….)

I am a firm believer that maintaining fitness and exercising regularly has a positive impact on one’s overall mental and physical health and happiness. And happy, healthy employees will have a positive affect on their colleagues and cost their companies less in the long term with fewer sick days or stress leaves.

On that note, I will leave you with one of my favourite Queen songs of all time: “Bicycle Race” that simply and effectively conveys my enthusiasm towards my two-wheeler.

Enjoy!