Biking vs. Driving in the City (California: daycare, neighborhood, school)

[airwave09]

Here's my experience, as someone who both bikes and drives to work as well as to other city locations:

Yes, driving is more comfortable and it's a bit faster and I don't sweat or anything, but I also feel like I'm a soulless robot that skips by all opportunities for cultural enrichment just to get where I'm going as fast as possible.

My opportunities to interact with the city increase 10 fold when I choose to bike instead of drive. It's almost as if the trip itself becomes the destination and the time that it takes to get where I'm going becomes an afterthought.

If there is an event going on around the point or downtown I can just bike through it and feel the energy and excitement, and stop for some drinks and food and relax by the fountain... and this is all on the on the way back from work sometimes (it is the middle point of my trip).

I don't have any of the anxiety from dealing with traffic or thinking about circling around forever just to pay and park blocks away if I want to stop. I'm getting exercise and feeling the energy of the city pulsing through all of my senses.

I have also met a lot more people in this city thanks to my bike. I have stopped at bars and stores along the way to my destination that I would have never even noticed or wanted to deal with parking when in my car. Having more opportunities to meet/talk to people is key when living in a city and working 40+ hours a week.

Traveling in my car I don't meet anyone... except for a few exchanges of a finger when I get cut off. People seem to become actual humans again when I'm on a bike.

Does anyone have any similar experiences with biking vs. driving?

[norcider]

I have a similar experience. I would bike more but my schedule pertaining to getting my kids to school and daycare prohibit it. You notice more on a bike, architecture, people, wildlife. I spotted a beaver last week near the casino, new baby ducks and geese too. There's a quote from an old favorite movie of mine, goes something like, "The more you drive, the less intelligent you are." I tend to believe there is some truth to that.

[grep]

Absolutely! I commute to work by bike, and it's fun. I can work from home, but I'd rather not.

People go for bike rides for recreation, but almost no one drives around the city for fun: I think that says it all. Why not make your commute enjoyable instead of a chore?

[tclifton]

Originally Posted by airwave09

Does anyone have any similar experiences with biking vs. driving?

Here's one I can share. Just today at lunch, I was walking across 5th Ave near Macy's at the crosswalk and a guy on a bike came streaming down against and through his red light and missed knocking me over by about 6 inches.

[gortonator]

Originally Posted by grep

Absolutely! I commute to work by bike, and it's fun. I can work from home, but I'd rather not.

People go for bike rides for recreation, but almost no one drives around the city for fun: I think that says it all. Why not make your commute enjoyable instead of a chore?

ditto. I ride everywhere and have found Pgh a pretty bike friendly town in all respects. It helps to like hills of course

[szug-bot]

My opportunities to interact with the city increase 10 fold when I choose to bike instead of drive. It's almost as if the trip itself becomes the destination...

I agree with this. It's an incredible experience, especially when you can conquer a hill and see a different neighborhood or area, like the cemetery on Brighton Road where you can get a great view of downtown (that barking dog in the yard beneath the cemetery will drive you bananas, though).

If there is an event going on around the point or downtown I can just bike through it and feel the energy and excitement, and stop for some drinks and food and relax by the fountain

Yes, that is the best part! You can insert yourself where you would not have otherwise, even on foot (because it takes longer to get anywhere walking).

I don't have any of the anxiety from dealing with traffic...


Well, I have anxiety of a different kind...like, possibly getting killed at times when there is a lot going on around me. Recently, I had a speeder to my left going down California Avenue. To my right, someone in a car swung open the driver door...than, with all the precision and cat like reflexes he could muster, reached over and pulled that door closed in a split second. I had nowhere to go (moving car was on the left) and would have run right into that door had it not been for the miraculous glimpse and simultaneous reflex.

Having more opportunities to meet/talk to people is key when living in a city and working 40+ hours a week.


I don't have that, unfortunately - not as much. I do chat with some people on bikes, but rarely the hotshots with the skinny tires and the skin tights - they might be deaf, or just don't care to acknowledge anyone who isn't of the same appearance.

I am very glad you have fun bicycling. You should start a biking group.

Traveling in my car I don't meet anyone... except for a few exchanges of a finger...

Sounds like Copanut's prom date....

[Merge]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

I don't have that, unfortunately - not as much. I do chat with some people on bikes, but rarely the hotshots with the skinny tires and the skin tights - they might be deaf, or just don't care to acknowledge anyone who isn't of the same appearance.

I am very glad you have fun bicycling. You should start a biking group.

Traveling in my car I don't meet anyone... except for a few exchanges of a finger...

Sounds like Copanut's prom date....

This is my biggest problem with bikers... why do so many feel a need to wear such idiotic clothes? You're not racing the freakin' tour de france. No reason to dress like a choad.

Ha! Other than that, I support infrastructure for bikers!

[norcider]

I was out last weekend on a family ride, along the river trails. I am not a roadie, but I ride all over on my MTB bike. Roadies for those not in the know, are the lycra crowd on svelte road bikes. The roadies on the river trails on average were riding at a much faster pace than is safe. I don't get this, if you are out to get a work out, there are miles and miles of city streets to get it on. Please, if anybody reading this is a person like that; slow down before you hurt yourself or another person. The river trails are multi use, it's not your personal velodrome.

[AaronPGH]

Those clothes come in handy on longer rides on super hot (or super cold) days, and if you have a place to change at work. I don't love to sweat through what I'm wearing to work that day.

Overall, my experiences basically echo yours, airwave. These days I try to ask myself "do I really need to take my car for this trip?"....most of the time I don't.

[charisb]

I just bought my first bike in about 20 years so I that will have another commuting option (besides busing or walking). I am pretty excited but also a little nervous.
This thread is great! I am looking forward to interaction with my fellow cyclists.