Who Else Uses A bike Instead Of A Car?
By nancyrowina
@nancyrowina (3850)
June 17, 2010 9:44am CST
I don't have a driving license so unless I can get a lift with someone else I either have to walk take the bus or ride a bike. I haven't ridden a bike for a long time and I've just got a new one, I used it to ride to work the past two days. The slightest uphill bit kills me but it's so much faster than walking. My legs are hurting today but I'm sure I'll soon get used to it as long as I keep it up, I've put on quite a bit of weight I want to lose too so I'm hoping it will help with that. Who else regularly uses a bike? It's become more fashionable again as it's more environmentally friendly than using a car and it keeps you fit.
4 people like this
26 responses
@derek_a (10874)
•
17 Jun 10
I both use a car and a bike, and up to the time we moved last year, I was regularly cycling into town which was just about a mile away. The winter here in the UK has been very cold so my bike has been locked away in the shed. However, I did ride it out a couple of weeks ago and my legs hurt too because it is quite a bit more hilly around here. I will get used to it I know, because it has happened before after a long break, but I know that cycling is very good exercise and will persevere with it.. _Derek
2 people like this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
17 Jun 10
It's hilly here too and i find it very hard to cycle up even the slightest hill at the moment, hopefully it won't take me too long to get used to it.
1 person likes this
@bloggeroo (2167)
• Philippines
17 Jun 10
Interestingly, in Japan, you see professionals and grown-ups riding bikes. Some even ride bikes in their business suit. Lots of Japanese women go to the mall riding a bike. Hmm. I suppose it's a culture thing. Or maybe, an economic thing.
Anyway, in the Philippines, most grown-ups don't want to get caught riding a bike unless it's those expensive mountain bikes. And usually, Filipinos only ride bikes in sports attire.
2 people like this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
17 Jun 10
It's getting a more common sight here but mainly people still use cars, there are more cycle paths appearing around though. I live in a rural area so there are off road ways you can ride places.
1 person likes this
@jwfarrimond (4473)
•
19 Jun 10
I don't drive at all and until I lost my job a year and a half ago, I was cycling to work 5 days a week - a 12 mile (approx. 20 Km) round trip. But since then, I've not ridden very much though I had the bike fitted out for touring and did a few long runs last year, I've not done a proper cycle touring ride so far this year. I'm planning to do one in August though, a 200 mile ride coast to coast across Britain.
1 person likes this
@jwfarrimond (4473)
•
19 Jun 10
I don't know what kind of bike you have, but you need a decent road bike, mines a 24 gear Claud Butler. More gears mean that you can get up those hills easier. A 21 gear bike is the least that I'd consider for serious cycling.
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
19 Jun 10
I live on the Isle Of Wight where there are some really good cycle routes, I'm going to get into it and start cycling on a regular basis since there are so many places to explore.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
17 Jun 10
I used to ride a bike everywhere. Well, except to work. Then, I'd take the bus but everywhere else I rode my bike. Okay, not to the grocery store since that was within easy walking distance at the time but everywhere else, yep, I rode that bike. Uhh, yeah, everywhere else, I swear!
I loved that bike. I lent it to my mother's boyfriend (at the time) and he claims it was stolen even though he had chained it up. He said someone used cutters to cut the chain but it just seemed strange to think of someone who just happened to have those cutters on them and happened to see my bike sitting there. Sure. I think he didn't bother chaining it to the fence like he said he did. AND, he never replaced it! Hmmph!
These days, I doubt I could ride a bike very far before my back was screaming at me. It's the worst place on my body that is affected by fibromyalgia. Besides that, we live in a private community with a very long, gravel road out to the public road. That would be an exceptionally bumpy ride!
But, yes, I would love to be able to ride one again. They're GREAT exercise and I'm sure you'll lose weight. You may not lose as much as you'd like because, in the process of using those muscles so much, you'll be firming up and building the muscles. Since muscles weigh more than fat, you probably won't see the weight drop off as much as you'll see your entire body firming up.
Enjoy!
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
17 Jun 10
On my way to work there's a bit that's sort of gravelly but it is a mountain bike so it's not that bad. I do worry I might hit one of the rocks sticking out the ground and fly off one day though.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
17 Jun 10
Please be very careful while on that gravelly part. My son had an accident while riding on gravel once and I ended up taking him to the emergency room because he not only fell off the bike but slid on the gravel and sliced his finger open. He got something like 16 stitches. Of course, the older we get, the more prone we are to broken bones so please be very careful on that area! It wouldn't do you any good to spend possibly months mending from a bad fall.
Gee, I sound like a doomsayer, don't I? I guess it's just my maternal instinct coming out. I don't like to see anyone getting hurt.
1 person likes this
@insulin (2479)
• Philippines
17 Jun 10
My brother use bike as a hobby.He is a downhiller professional and he love his bikes a lot.I think bike is simply amazing because it can let you arrive to the destination you want to go just the short destinations and it will hep you do some little exercise so it's healthy.
2 people like this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
17 Jun 10
It's definitely good exercise, it's harder than I remembered it in fact but it's worth it for the time you save. I need to get helmet and some gloves and all that too, and I'd like to get a better saddle.
1 person likes this
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
17 Jun 10
You should get one of those bikes that have a small electric motor on them, that charges while you pedal. So, when you go uphill, you can just turn on the motor and relax, or turn on the motor and petal, doing only half the work. I'd prefer using a bike over a car, even running, I hate traffic...
2 people like this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
17 Jun 10
The electric bikes still looked really ugly the last time I saw one but I've heard they have got better so I'll have to look out for them. I don't think I could afford one at the moment, the mountain bike I've got was given to me for free.
1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
20 Jun 10
I don't drive a car either. Unless I get a lift, I walk everywhere I can or catch an auto for longer distances. I would love to ride a bike...but I'm terrified of the Indian traffic (it is really crazy and no one follows road rules). So, I wouldn't risk venturing out on a bike ...even if I could:(
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
20 Jun 10
I'm careful on the roads but luckily where I live there are a lot of quiet roads and off road places so you can avoid the traffic.
@BarBaraPrz (47279)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
17 Jun 10
I used to travel by bike, but shortly after moving here (nine years ago) I hurt my foot and just couldn't push on the pedal. So I put it away, and haven't used it since. It's difficult to get out right now, but I'll be tearing down the old garage soon and putting up a new shed and fence with gate to the back lane, so it should be easier to use (if it hasn't completely seized up from unuse).
I think I'll have a look at it as soon as I get off the computer. Thanks for reminding me.
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
17 Jun 10
I haven't used a bike for years either, I did have one a few years back but it got stolen because someone left it outside my house. Its harder than I remembered it to ride as well, I've got very unfit.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47279)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
17 Jun 10
You know, I did go out to the garage after, and started clearing some things up, but then decided to work on the garden instead and never did look at my bike. Another day, I guess.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
20 Jul 10
i do.i often walk more than even biking.
i definetly agree to the health aspect-some of the people i grew up with
and used to walk all over town with are now puffing at short walks,and they're only in their mid 40's!once they got a driver's licence,they stopped biking or walking,and it's caught up with them.
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
20 Jul 10
It's amazing how people stop walking and getting exercise when they get a car, they get really dependent on them.
@indahfth (11161)
• Indonesia
18 Jun 10
I also do not have a driving license. If only time I go shopping and take my child's school. First, I have been shopping and brought my child use a bike, now I take my kids school and shopping using the electric motor, so I'm not tired, With electric motor also does not cause pollution and does not need to use a driver's license.
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
It's a great way to get around without a car, I'll have to look into getting a bike with a motor too as it sounds a lot less strenuous.
@hanuma34 (819)
• India
18 Jun 10
Biking for movement is good from health point and environment point. But where I live the traffic is so indisciplined, roads are narrow and with potholes, I cannot imagine it will be easy as a means of transport for me. I use my motorbyke instead which I have been accustomed for many a year. The present motorbyke is almost 20 years old, and I am old too at past 70. My friends advise me to stop using it. But I prefer to use it rather than the car. Feel more comfortable and easy to manoevre and park. The chaotic traffic in our area makes me go cautiosly though.
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
Yes though the traffic is better where I come from it's still dangerous to ride bike on the roads. Luckily there are a lot of places that are off road I can use, but we need more good cycle paths.
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
A biker stunt troop, that sounds exciting, what sort of things do you do?
@yokoichigo (83)
• United States
18 Jun 10
I do. It's quite fun, and a lot faster than walking and running especially in the summer. Also I use it for exercise too. xD
@dexter77 (67)
• Philippines
18 Jun 10
I guess many people from different part of the world still prefer to use bike because it is pollution-free vehicle and biking is one of the best form of exercising to keep you fit and healthy like what you have said. In addition to that, it is tax free. No registration and no insurance to pay every year.
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
Yes it's definitely cheaper than other vehicles as there is no insurance to pay of fuel to buy.
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
It is a problem where to put things when you are riding a bike, I use aback pack at the moment but have never had to carry anything that wouldn't fit.
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
17 Jun 10
I love my bike and ride it recreationally, but not instead of a car. The last time I was traveling and stayed at a quaint B&B they had very nice bicycles for the guests to check out free and I did go exploring. I rode around finding nice places to visit and then went back and my friend who did not want to ride a bike that day came out and we walked to the best place that I had found and took photos and hung out there a while.
I get a little reckless on my bike and have a tendency to tip it over so, then I have to make quick decisions like should I hit the ground on the side that has my camera in the pocket or on the pocket that has my cell phone -- or bonk my head? RFLOL. Therefore, I don't usually go too far from home on my bike adventures.
A little secret for the hills, just ride in zigzags (well in S-shapes) across the road and the distance will be longer but the ascent will not be as difficult. I learned that from a guy in his 90's who used to bike up a really tough hill every morning before he went to work. Yes he still had a full-time job and did this almost every day. He saw me trying to ride straight up the hill one time and laughed and then stopped and showed me how to do it. KEWL!
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
I'll have to try that next time I'm out on the bike as most of the big hills are off road so I could get away with that.
@celticeagle (166757)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Jun 10
I guess I don't use my bike for what you do. I do have a driver's license but I use my car for most errands and such. I have a nice Trek bike that I got as an early retirement back in 2006. I have to relearn each year to ride it. Limber up and so forth. I think if i could use my bike more it would be very economical and so much better for me health wise.
1 person likes this
@manojt2 (179)
• India
18 Jun 10
Sure! I like bike over car. Only thing is when you wanna take your family, then you need a car. But I rather prefer bike at peak hours. I am living in a city which is full of buzz most of the times and there's always a traffic jam. If I take my car, it slows down my speed and moves almost at the speed of a turtle. With bike I have many ways to escape and can reach earlier. Also the fuel consumption matters.
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
Yes there's no fuel involved except your own energy which is free, that's anothe plus to riding a bike.
@JL_Love (199)
• Netherlands Antilles
18 Jun 10
I know a man that has a very nice car but goes every single day on his old bike to his job. It must be maybe to save gas or for some daily excercise. with a car you will gain a lot of wait and walking or bike wouldn't be an option any more
1 person likes this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
Cars are very expensive to run these days, it's probably cheaper for him to use his bike.
@chetanpujara (84)
• India
18 Jun 10
I am using the bike here... 150cc Pulsar from past 8 years... It is used for my office work since I am into Sales & Marketing this is best to avoid traffic jam here in my city... The only difficulty that occurs is during the monsoon as it is difficult to ride and getting scared of skidding on the roads...
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
18 Jun 10
I haven't tried cycling in the rain yet I'll probably take the bus when it's wet as I'd be worried about slipping off too.