This summer, my office is participating in the National Bike Challenge – competing with office teams throughout the country to see who can collectively log the most miles on a bike. Since moving to the region nearly 3 years ago, I have been an almost exclusive Metro commuter. But, wanting to be a good colleague and teammate, I volunteered to join the ranks of the passionate bicycle commuting posse in my office – albeit on a part-time basis.
And so, for the past few months, I’ve been trying to ride my bike to work 2-3 times each week. Some weeks are better than others. While I don’t think I’ll ever be a full-time bike commuter, I have certainly come to realize a number of benefits:
- I get to work roughly 15 minutes faster on my bike than I do on Metro (see my bike-commute route below).
- Even if I have time for no other exercise that day, a 6-mile round trip bike ride is better than nothing.
- Red-line delays and broken escalators do not factor into my bike commute.
- The time I save allows me to sleep in a little later, or (in case my boss is reading) get to work a little earlier.
- It takes a little more planning. On more than one occasion, I have forgotten to pack something of importance for the workday. Like deodorant. Or, shoes. Over the last few weeks, however, I have begun to amass a collection of work-appropriate attire that remains in the office.
- The water pressure in the office shower simply can’t match that of my apartment (first world problems, I know. But, I’m extremely thankful to have a shower at all – as many offices don’t.
- I sweat. A lot. I have determined it is next to impossible for me to make the trip in normal clothes without destroying them.
As I continue to find comfort in my bike commute, I doubt I’ll ever become an everyday bike commuter. But, what I have learned is that’s ok. What is great about my commute is that I have options. Each day, I’m able to choose the commuting mode that works best for me. Don’t be afraid to try new things – change your commute every now and then to keep it fresh. One of the best things about working in Arlington is that there are a number of different systems in place to help get you where you need to go. Learn about the different options available for your commute at www.arlingtontransportationpartners.com.
This article was originally published at Arlington Transportation Partners.
Main photo by Richard Masoner.