Just realized how much my morning commute changed after switching to a bike 6 months ago

I used to drive 25 minutes to my office near downtown Austin, stuck in traffic every single day. Started biking in March after my car broke down, and now it takes me 35 minutes but I'm way less stressed when I get there. The hill on 4th street still kicks my butt but I've gotten faster each month. Anyone else notice a big shift in their mood or energy after changing how they get to work?

3 comments

3 Comments

scott.alex4d ago

Wait, did I write that last sentence myself six months ago? I used to be the guy who'd roll his eyes at cyclists and think "just get a car like everyone else." But my buddy Charlie over there (charlie198, what up) is dead right about not realizing how much the little stuff grinds you down. I sat in the same 25 minute parking lot for four years and never once thought "maybe I'm angry because of this." Now I'm the one getting annoyed when I have to drive somewhere and hit three red lights in a row.

lilyt235d ago

That "way less stressed" part is so real (and honestly the biggest win of biking). It's weird how we just accept small daily frustrations as normal until we switch to something that doesn't make us angry every morning.

charlie1985d ago

Did you catch that article in the local paper a few weeks back about how biking to work actually lowers your cortisol levels by a decent amount? I remember reading it and thinking that totally explains why I feel less on edge since I started riding. Like lilyt23 said, you don't realize how much all that stop and go traffic is slowly boiling your blood until you're not in it anymore. My buddy still drives and he gets so worked up over red lights and people cutting him off, I can't imagine going back to that. Even when it rains or I'm dead tired, I get off my bike knowing the worst part of my commute wasn't the traffic, it was just a little cold or a little sweat.