with the high price of gas, why don't more people bike or walk to work.?

Question

I have done the math and the vast majority of the gas I use is to got to and from work every day. I briefly considered buying a bike and biking to work but decided against it. I Know why I don't, but I was wondering why others don't. And what could be done to encourage others to do it. I will tell you why I don't and what my idea is later.

Answer 1

Not everyone is struggling to pay higher gas prices...

Answer 2

I noticed how many people mention "because I can't bike on the highway". Probably the most important lesson if you're thinking of trying to ride a bike for errands, bike to work, fitness or just because is .... don't ride the route you'd drive.



Think side streets, parallel, off streets.



Between lights (and yes, I stop for stop lights on my bike but in a car sometimes miss two lights because of traffic) and finding parking etc it's faster to ride than drive to work. But even with cycling route specific maps it took me almost a year to find a great safe route.



It's not only safer but more pleasant and scenic.



Many people would like to bike or walk to errands or work but don't feel safe. If there are no specific bike routes or few in your area check with a local bike club or shop, they often have maps and suggestions for the safest routes.



If you're nervous about the time or logistics try it on a weekend. Get up, have coffee, read the paper, laze around and then set your watch and grab your bike. Head to work or do an errand. If you don't get there in time or are tired ... it's ok, you're not late.



Don't forget to have fun, stop for coffee and breakfast. Make it a fun trip. It took me a few times before I found the right route. But I did find there's actually some great coffee shops near me that I did not know about ;-)



As for the sweat: I bring a small kit with me, baby wipes, deodarant and a change of clothes. Also slow down the last half mile or so before work (you don't really want to get there anyway, right?) allows you to stop sweating.



Over 40% of US trips are within 4 miles. If as many of us that could did some of these errands by bike, walk, coordinating trips or linking errands can you imagine what this would do for the demand/price of oil?



Hee hee, take that Mr. Big Oil we need 40% less.



Google Cliff Bar Challenge and you'd be surprised how much you can do within 4 miles or less.



And if you can't bike or walk due to situation or disability we understand, just please don't hit me ;-) Be considerate of cyclists. If we all obey the rules of the road we'll get through this. Remember I'm dropping the demand/price for oil FOR you. And yes, I have a car also.

Answer 3

I can't really answer your question as I did buy a bike and cycle 10 miles a day to and from work. However, I live in London where petrol is much more expensive, and where there are cycle lanes and bus lanes (only buses and bicycles) on almost every main road, so it was an easier decision for me.



It was a good decision though, as, after 2 years of daily exercise, I am fitter, stronger, wealthier and have more stamina in the bedroom than before, when I drove everywhere.

Answer 4

Goooooood question, my friend. Many people like me and you have puzzled over that question. It just seems logical, doesn't it? Well it is. Commuting the work is sweeping the nation like a new craze, which it is. Many bike companies have come out with commuter bikes that are perfect for carrying all your stuff to work, led by Breezer Bikes.

Buy a bike, and try commuting for yourself. I do it, and i love it. The entire school year I only took a car about four times. Riding is healthy, cheap, and gets you in touch with the world. By commuting to work, you will be doing yourself a favor, and you can spend your money on things you actually want to buy, not gas.

Answer 5

Unless you're only about a 5 minute drive from work, biking can be really tiresome, especially if you arent in the best of shape. For those that have to wear dress clothes, it's really uncomfortable to sweat and get all worked up.



If you do decide to bike to work, I recommend getting a wide bike seat so you dont hurt your rear end after a long ride. Also, dont get a bike with small tires such as a bmx or trick type bike. Get a larger bike with several gears to work with to make it easier for you.

Answer 6

City of one million people. Too far to bike or walk - 15 miles. Too dangerous to ride along city laneways. Roads in poor condition. Not enough shoulder to ride or walk on. Taking bus - inadequate frequency of pickup times and stops. No public transit to newly developed industrial areas (2 years).

Arriving at the office with sweat dripping.

What can be done to encourage: Expansion of public transit.

Won't walk or ride up to 15 miles x 2 per day to work.

Answer 7

well, in the city I bet it's easy to save gas, but I live in a suburb in texas and biking even to nearest grocery store is really hard. I spend almost 300 dollars on gas a month alone. it's driving me nuts. I can't go anywhere without a car. public transportation almost doesn't exist here.

Answer 8

i am disabled and unable to walk or ride a bike. it's a combination of back and heart problems.





if you don't want to walk/bike/ride the bus, and you don't want to pay high gas prices- buy a diesel. get some contracts with local mom & pop places and they will PAY YOU to come and take away the waste vegetable oil they use in the fryers. it does kinda take a commitment, and you have to have a place to store it, blah blah blah. but it is sooo worth it.



just don't tell everyone.





lol

Answer 9

As the first answerer said, it's too hot in Texas. I also work twenty mile from where I live and riding a bike on the interstate is not a good idea.

Answer 10

The primary reason people don't is because America in general is too wealthy and snooty...

Your not going to convince Americans to ride a bike, when they've been cruisin in thier Hummer for so long.... whatever Gas costs, they will pay it...

Answer 11

Because America has just become so damn lazy. No one wants to do that! They can sleep in later, not use as much energy, and then have a shorter, quicker trip to work, or wherever their destination may be! I honestly, don't kno what could be done, but something should be. This is ridiculous.

Answer 12

"you must be a Frenchie - Pinko - Elitist -East Coast - Environmentalist - Tree Hugging - Al Qaeda Loving - Liberal" if you think we Americans are gonna bike or walk.



Damn it, that would be exercising. How could we eat, put on our make up, text, talk on our cells, listen to Lush Rimbag and get to work all at the same time...COMMIE? Huh?



(LOL)

Answer 13

americans are lazy

ive been riding my bike to work every day for the past 2 years. i also ride to the grocery store and anywhere else i need to go.

only time i drive is when my purchase will be too big to carry or im going out of state.

FOR THE PEOPLE SAYING 20 MILES IS TOO FAR....i know 2 people who ride 20-30 miles ONE WAY to work....

Answer 14

My husband's job is too far away and it's a busy and dangerous highway on the way. It would also be about 28 miles total every day. That in my opinion is a bit too much.

Answer 15

That might work in urban areas...in rural areas it depends on how far you have to go, how you have to dress, the weather conditions...are ya taking your children to child care??? gotta take someone to the doctor? Work is not always around the corner or down the block. But wouldn't it be nice!

Answer 16

1) Did you actually have to "do math" to figure out where you do most of your driving?

2) Your reason is individual, as is everyone else's.

3) It is ridiculous to be interested in convincing others to do something that you are not willing to do.

Answer 17

Many people do actually do that. If you live within a few miles, there's no reason why you shouldn't.

Answer 18

well its way too hot in Texas so i wouldnt wanna be outside unless its in a pool or a car! with a/c that is!