TRY SWITCHING UP YOUR COMMUTE

That’s my bike! And I love her! I will ride my bike as often and as much as I can. If you have a bike, I highly suggest it. If you do not have a bike, I suggest you buy one.

What is stopping you from biking if you only have to commute a few miles? If you have to run to the store that is a mile away, why are you driving if your body is capable of biking…or walking if the item you are buying isn’t that heavy and can be easily carried? I have found that it is so much easier to navigate on my bike than it is to drive. I can remain on the sidewalks as much as possible and out of the crazy Friday afternoon traffic, for example, as I run my errands. Plus, I am getting extra exercise, fresh air, and vitamin D.

There are a few safety protocols one should take when deciding to bike. Wear a helmet, make sure it’s on that you like to ensure that you do wear it. Have lights on your bike and turn them on at night so that motorist, walkers, and other cyclists are able to see you. Make sure you are paying attention to traffic- especially at intersections. Cars do not always look so it’s your job to remain defensive and aware of your surroundings and others. And seriously, do not text and bike. You never know when you will have an uneven surface in front of you until you are right on it.

I have biked as a form of commute for quite some time throughout these last several years when I have had the chance to do so. By doing so, I have noticed that I have probably saved myself some time, added an extra workout in for the day, watched the sun begin to rise while enjoying a quiet morning with just the birds, had more time to think to myself, and I have had a blast while doing so. I just love riding my bike. Try it for yourself a few times to see if you enjoy it as well!