Cycling: All season, all weather, all the time.
By koopharper
@koopharper (7599)
Canada
October 28, 2012 5:30pm CST
I'm not quite there yet but I'm pretty close. There is weather I won't ride in. Right now we are getting watered by a system ahead of hurricane Sandy. It starting to get windy as well. Ended up with the cloud cover today riding home in the dark. Not a problem I have full lighting on the bike plus fenders to keep the rain from being too much on an issue. Right now if I need to go somewhere I go rain or shine, day or night. I'm pretty much ready for the cold to come this winter. Done it before but never been equipped as well as I am this season. Savings on gasoline makes it all worthwhile. I save eighty to a hundred dollars on gas per month riding bike as much as possible. When I tell people the savings I don't sound quite so crazy anymore do I?
2 people like this
4 responses
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
29 Oct 12
I would not go in a snow storm or even when it is slippery. Here most of the roads are paved and even the bicycle paths are not really paths but a part of the main road or you use the sidewalk. That means there is either a chance of you going around parked cars or are in the bus lane. I have not taken cycling for that reason plus i did fall off a bike when I wa a teenager, hurt my knee quite badly in the process. I do prefer to walk. Maybe if they had real cycling paths like in the parks, I mght take it up.
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
30 Oct 12
Most of our streets are busy, even mine and I don't live on a main street, but the cars seem to think it is. And we do not have a sidewalk. I have to walk down to the main road to get on one and the lanes, there is always a car or van coming out of garage just as another car is passing. Not much room for bikes there.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7599)
• Canada
30 Oct 12
I have to pick my routes carefully. Fortunately in this town there are some good recreational trails and they do plow them in the winter. Usually a little late though. I ride on the streets but generally stick to the less traveled roads. Always important to be careful and safe.
1 person likes this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
29 Oct 12
You don't sound crazy to me. The crazy people are those who start up their cars and let them run 15 minutes to warm up, then go out and drive a few blocks to work. That's crazy. Besides that, as GardenGerty said, it pays in keeping you in good physical shape. As long as you can do it, why not?
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7599)
• Canada
29 Oct 12
Never have to warm up the bike. 
It's as warm as it's going to get. It does keep me in shape. Granted I have to save the money just to hope to make the budget work out.
It's as warm as it's going to get. It does keep me in shape. Granted I have to save the money just to hope to make the budget work out.
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
28 Oct 12
When you think about the possible good effects on your health you do not sound too crazy either. I applaud all of your efforts. I should do so much.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7599)
• Canada
29 Oct 12
Safety is most important. I wear a safety vest and make sure that no one has an excuse for not seeing me. Below is a picture from a number of years ago. Kids don't ride much in the winter right now because we're in the city now. They might join me in the future.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
31 Oct 12
Hello koopharper. Cycling is not only helping save money, but also helps keep your body strong and healthy. In China, the majority of people are bicycle riders though more and more people are getting their own cars. Two years ago, I gave my old but still in good-condition bike to one of my colleagues as I started to ride my electrical bike for convenience. It is also helpful to the environment as it does not pollute the air. I love my e-bike a lot. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7599)
• Canada
31 Oct 12
Lots of good reasons to ride a bike. In my country cycling is not as much of a transportation option as it is in many other countries. I think in that regard we should maybe start to think of a bicycle as transportation again. People in China and many other countries don't have any trouble understanding that concept.
