Commuting Tips

Benefits of Commuting to Work by Bicycle

According to the 2000 U.S. Federal census, Minneapolis is ranked number three in the nation in the percentage of commuters who regularly ride their bike to work. Tucson, Arizona, is number one and San Francisco, California, is number two.

Many Minnesotans recognize the benefits of commuting by bicycle:

• Bicycling is good for your health. Bicycling burns 350 to 700 calories per hour and new bicyclists can increase aerobic capacity by 20 percent.
• Bicycling saves money. The average bike trip costs one cent per mile compared to 34 cents per mile for a car. Biking to work one day a week can reduce commuting costs up to 20 percent.
• Bicycling can save time. Compared to driving a car, urban bicycle trips of three miles or less can actually decrease travel time.

Make Bike Commuting Work for You

• Several Web sites provide helpful advice to anyone who is considering commuting to work by bicycle. Two of the best are provided by the City of Toronto and the City of Fort Collins, Colorado.
• The City of Toronto Tips for New Commuter Cyclists includes everything from bicycle equipment and personal safety and security, to personal hygiene and clothing, and to conditioning and other preparation. For example: “Ride to work over the weekend before you start commuting to get an idea of time and distance.”
• Toronto also provides Cold Weather Cycling Tips that are only too relevant here in Minnesota.
• Also, check out Fort Collins’ Commuting section.