It all started with a typical morning commute on a packed bus, stuck in traffic that made me miss my next bus and arrive 30 minutes late to work. Not to mention Queensland's buses will never be on time, even sometimes the bus would decide to activate their invisibility cloaks and zoom right past your stop. No wonder Queenslanders prefer to bike to work, I thought.
So, I set out to snag myself a bike. Growing up in a city so crowded that cycling was banned on most roads and sidewalks barely fit two people side-by-side, I had no clue there were so many different types of bikes. I'd ridden maybe a handful of times in my 22 years (definitely less than 10), and I just knew how to "bike." All this inexperience and lack of knowledge led to my most regrettable decision ever - buying a cruiser bike, the cheapest set of wheels you can score at Kmart, to commute every day.
Bike to work helps improve your health at work.
Biking to work really does have a ton of perks, especially during rush hour. You dodge traffic and crowds, arrive on time at your own pace, save on travel costs, and stay healthy. It's a fantastic add-on to the 9-5 office life - that 30-minute workout in the morning seriously boosted my productivity. It made good use of my limited time and gave me a break from all things digital during the ride - giving me a reasonable time to just enjoy the river view and ponder life. Biking releases those feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins, which can really lift your mood, especially when you're stressed. Regular cycling also gives your overall mental health a positive kick. It helped clear my mind of clutter and negative thoughts, prepping me for work.
Biking builds muscle too. My thighs are firmer now! The repetitive motion of cycling is aerobic exercise - you're pushing those pedals to move your body weight forward.
Health-wise, cycling offers a bunch of benefits. It can:
- Boost your mood
- Pump up your self-esteem
- Reduce depression and anxiety
- Help you sleep better
- Improve brain function
- Sharpen your memory skills
- Promote new thought patterns for better calm and well-being
While everything sounds like a fairy tale, why did I end up quitting cycling for a while? It was because I got a cruiser bike rather than a commuter bike.
I'm a total bike rookie and had no clue how to build or fix a bike before this happened...
One early morning, I woke up 20 minutes late and rushed to work. I peddled as usual, but maybe because I was in such a hurry, my heart was racing. I thought I could tough it out until I hit that little slope past the Goodwill Bridge at South Bank. Suddenly, my leg muscles cramped up with a tingling sensation and a sudden contraction. I started tumbling down the slope. My knees were all scraped up, and I had a big cut on my palms that was bleeding everywhere. That's when I realised how important it is to get the right type of bike.
Cruiser bikes weren't built for long-distance commuting and steep uphill rides. At least not for someone who isn't super active or sporty.
Cruiser bikes are less stable than most commuter and mountain bikes. Once, when I tried to inflate my tyre, the whole front wheel came off. Turns out my screws had been loosening on every ride.
I was lucky it happened before I set off - I can't imagine what would've happened if it came off on my way home. After a few months of bike commuting, I've come up with a few cons:
- Weather, especially during summer. Don't think a little rain is fine - bikes are more accident-prone than cars on wet, slippery roads.
- Arriving at work sweaty or dishevelled. This was one of the main reasons I quit for a while. The extra time I needed to get to work early for a shower actually took longer than just taking the bus.
- Worries about secure bike storage in some less safe workplaces or suburbs.
- Longer travel times for long commutes and exhaustion from a long ride will affect your work mood.
- Regular maintenance. After that accident, I did regular checks on screws and tyres after every ride. I also learnt to carry a screwdriver everywhere with me. The gear I bought to maintain my bike ended up costing more than a better bike would have.
- Social implications and perception issues: As a non-electric bike rider, I'm always slower than e-scooters, e-bikes, mountain bikes - literally everything on the road (even electric wheelchairs accelerate faster than me). This put pressure on me, feeling like I was causing inconvenience to others.
- Biking skills. Commuting to work by bike really needs some riding skills. It's just not for someone who's ridden less than 10 times in their life.
So would I recommend commuting by bike? Yes, definitely.
Despite the challenges mentioned, I still recommend considering bike commuting. However, it's crucial to approach this decision thoughtfully. Assess your ability to handle potential risks, your physical fitness level, available time, and financial resources. My experience has taught me that investing in a properly fitted bike is essential. Take time to research various bike types and find one that suits your needs. Before committing, try commuting by bike to gauge how your body responds to the physical demands.
If you're seeking an alternative to public transport and driving but prefer less physical exertion, e-scooters can be a viable option.
Prioritising Work-Life Balance Through Exercise
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine is vital for overall well-being. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to numerous health issues. If finding time for dedicated exercise is challenging, consider integrating physical activity into your commute, whether it's walking or biking. While there may be some drawbacks, the health benefits often outweigh the disadvantages significantly.
Join the Movement: Supporting Cerebral Palsy Awareness. Step Up to Donate to STEPtember!
Cerebral Palsy, a condition caused by brain damage affecting movement and balance, impacts approximately 34,000 Australians according to NDIS data. These individuals face daily challenges that require our support and understanding.
We're raising awareness and taking action to support those with Cerebral Palsy. This September, our team aims to raise over $1,000 for STEPtember, an initiative dedicated to helping individuals affected by this condition. Every contribution makes a difference in improving lives.
To learn more or contribute to this cause, please visit: https://www.steptember.org.au/fundraiser/bigsteppas
Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those living with Cerebral Palsy.
