We often here the same hurdles come up when people say they can’t bike. Below are some solutions that make it possible to get on your bike. Bicycle Commuting can be a lifestyle change, but don’t feel you need to make a 100% commitment. Just choosing the bike over the car a couple times a week makes a big difference.

Overcoming Common Excuses

There are many reasons why people don’t ride their bikes. Some of these reasons have simple answers. BCA has listed a few of excuses we’ve heard with some ways to solve them.

It takes too long

• Trips of 4 or less miles in an urban environment can be faster by bike.
• Bike parking may be easier and more convenient than car parking.
• There is less traffic congestion on the bike trail.

It’s too far

• Try riding to work and taking mass transit home, then alternating the next day.
• Try “Bus N’ Bike.”
• Ride to a co-workers house and carpool to work.

There are no showers at work

• Many commuters find they don’t need to shower by avoiding getting sweaty in the first place. Avoid overdressing or riding too fast.

There is a dress code at work

• Keep sets of clothing at work. Rotate them on days you drive.
• Pack work clothes with you when you ride. Roll them instead of folding.

Biking requires too much gear

• Any bike you are comfortable on will work.

It might rain

• Fenders do wonders to keep you dry.
• With breathable and waterproof rain gear, riding in the rain can be fun.
• If you rode to work and it is raining when it’s time to go home, take mass transit or carpool home. Then ride home the next day.

I have to run errands

• Use a bike rack with panniers or a milk crate to add carrying capacity.
• Schedule the errands you need your car for a few days a week, rather than every day.
• Make sure you have a bike lock handy for while you are in the store.

It’s too dangerous

• Following the Rules of the Road, making eye contact with drivers, and staying visible to drivers will help you remain safe.
• There are more people killed due to obesity related complications than bike accidents, and bike commuting helps you keep the weight down.

The Benefits of Bicycling:

There are many benefits associated with biking. Here is our list of the most common ones.

It saves money

• Vehicles are the second largest household expense.
• The average car costs $8000 a year to insure and maintain. The average bike costs $300 a year to maintain.
• Gas prices keep going up.
• Gym memberships are expensive. The outdoors are free.
• Bike parking is usually free.

Exercise

• You don’t have to schedule in your workout. It’s taken care of just by getting from point A to point B.
• Lose weight and feel better.
• People who participate in regular exercise have fewer illnesses.

Stress Relief

• A little fresh air and exercise helps you feel great.
• Riding a bike is less stressful than sitting in traffic.
• Take time to enjoy the outdoors.
• Arrive at work refreshed and full of energy. Use the ride home to work off the stress of the work day.

It’s Green

• Bike commuting improves air quality.
• You reduce your carbon footprint when you travel by bike instead of car.

The Scenic Route

• Enjoy the side streets and parks in your neighborhood.
• Anchorage has the great outdoors in an urban environment.

It’s Social

• Find riding partners from the office, or from your neighborhood, and make the ride a socializing event.
• There’s safety in numbers. Motorists see two bicyclists better than a single rider.
• Bicycling also makes it easier to connect with others in your neighborhood and foster a greater sense of community.

It’s Easy

• On a nice summer day, you can often just jump on your bike and go.
• Even in the winter, bicycling has advantages. For example, there is no need to scrape ice off the window shield, or plug in the block heater.