Why You Should Ride
And yes, it’s easy for someone else to tell you what it is you should be doing with your life, and it is quite common that people do. And, I suppose this may seem no different, so I won’t tell you that you should ride (though you should 
), I will simply share with you some of the benefits of cycling, and maybe a few drawbacks, as minuscule as they are.
Well, the time has come to consider the advantages of digging that trusty two-wheeler out of mothballs. Here are just a few reasons why.
The Monetary Benefits
No one is ignorant of the recent rapid increases of transportation costs. It is affecting everything we do and the prices of all merchandise we purchase. Every one of us “middle-classers” are being forced to make painful adjustments to our lifestyles in order to make ends meet week to week – and you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
Although my own work commute is less than five miles a day, both ways to two jobs, but even at that, I was spending about $10 per week when gas was about $2.50/gal. Now that a gallon of gas is at $4 and with cycling to work I spend about $20 per month, give or take. That calculates to an approximate 34.6% (gallons) reduction in my own personal gasoline consumption, which translates to a whopping 46% in cash savings! (That does take into account the increased costs.)
To me that savings is reason enough!
The Physical Benefits
Cycling is great exercise! Your personal calorie burn will vary according to your level of exertion and weight. As you will see, cycling is a good way to burn some calories. Cycling will also improve muscle tone and give you a good cardio workout — all while doing your daily commute.
Don’t Forget The Environmental Benefits
This should go without saying; the less we drive a motorized vehicle the less fossil fuel we burn — the less we pollute. In all my cycling, commuting and recreationally, I’ve yet to burn one single ounce of fossil fuel! I cannot say the same thing for motorcycles or the motor scooters many are turning to in order to cope with rising fuel costs. You cannot beat a bicycle for reducing your carbon footprint!
And If You Really Want To Realize A Savings…
Sell your motorized vehicles, cancel your auto insurance and buy a bicycle. You do not need a $1000 bike to commute your old one will do, once you get some new tires and put a little oil on the chain.
The Drawbacks
As far as I am concerned, the few drawbacks are not enough to consider. If you have a rural commute count on a bicycle commute two to three times longer than by auto, however, if your commute is through the city cycling can actually be quicker than fighting the traffic in a car.
As I mentioned earlier, my commute is very short, if, however, your commute is longer and your work environment puts you in close contact with other people, perspiration can pose a drawback — especially for the other person. Hopefully, you are fortunate enough to have access to showers at the end of your commute.
The weather also poses obvious problems — from rain to snow and severe cold weather. Rain is not only inconvenient to dress for but it can also damage components on certain types of bikes. As far as riding in cold weather, it’s a matter of individual preference — some people don’t mind the cold. Snow, however can prove hazardous, as with autos. However, while it is warm and dry — get out there and save a few bucks and get some exercise at the same time
What are you waiting for — $6 gasoline?
Ride in protest!!