Commutes getting longer: E-Bikes just may be an option for addressing this & getting exercise during that otherwise wasted time in a car seat

[Deleted member 4210]

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Americans-commutes-keep-getting-longer-13236271.php

People will always make tons of excuses for themselves to not choose something other than the "convenience" of their car.

E-bikes eliminate a lot of the mental obstacles, but for the most part its a decision to commit to a healthier lifestyle that people will have to make. If sitting in a car for 1 to 2 hours each way, every day, is your preferred time waster, then go for it.

With the heavy national debt that keeps growing, the nation's road infrastructure barely being kept at a minimal level of operation, and local taxes already at high levels, its probably a fairly good bet that the commute times aren't going to get any better over the next 10 years.

Building paved bike paths would be 100 times less expensive than roads, and a LOT cheaper to maintain, since they wouldn't be getting beat up by semi-trucks, or exposed to salt, and can be squeezed into relatively small narrow areas.

 

[Jerry LM]

How about covered ones for Oregon winters..just kidding, the weather here is the biggest hurdle.

 

[rich c]

There is no more efficient year round people moving than light rail. Paved bike paths are basically abandoned here for several months each year. If they were to become year round transportation option for about 1/3 of the country, they would require salt treatment.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Been done...

 

[Jerry LM]

Only problem with light rail in certain areas is the clientele are somewhat problematic at times. Mainly in the later hours at dark.

 

[DaveMatthews]

This morning, and for the second day in a row my car commute was very much worse than it has ever been.
Now... to preface this, my car commute has historically been a mere 15 to 20 minutes to work. I realize and expect there to be a bit more traffic when school gets back in and holidays are generally over, but this year, or at least these past few days it's been nuts.
I can hear it now... (Awww poor Dave... a 20 minute commute... my heart bleeds).

Anyway... I started thinking more about a bike commute, as so many of you already do. A couple of weeks ago I took a route on my ebike that had my office on the way. So I headed straight for the office (stopped and took some pics on the way), and circled the parking lot there.
That took me about 35 mins, and had I not stopped for pics I think I could have made it in 30 mins easy.
Hmmm...
I'm going to try this out and see what happens methinks. Right now there's nowhere to safely park my bike outside though, and hauling it up a flight of stairs to my office is not appealing.
Hmmm...

 

[rich c]

Only problem with light rail in certain areas is the clientele are somewhat problematic at times. Mainly in the later hours at dark.

There are places I won't ride my bike in later hours at dark as well. I ride the rail system in Chicago a fair amount since our adult children live up there. I'll admit I don't see a lot of happy people on the trains. But you know, I didn't see a lot of happy people on the bike trail either. I was surprised how few nodded or made any effort to acknowledge other riders. But when we had trouble this past Sunday, I'd say at least 80% offered help. BUT, those trains move a ton of people!

 

[Stromer2work]

This morning, and for the second day in a row my car commute was very much worse than it has ever been.
Now... to preface this, my car commute has historically been a mere 15 to 20 minutes to work. I realize and expect there to be a bit more traffic when school gets back in and holidays are generally over, but this year, or at least these past few days it's been nuts.
I can hear it now... (Awww poor Dave... a 20 minute commute... my heart bleeds).

Anyway... I started thinking more about a bike commute, as so many of you already do. A couple of weeks ago I took a route on my ebike that had my office on the way. So I headed straight for the office (stopped and took some pics on the way), and circled the parking lot there.
That took me about 35 mins, and had I not stopped for pics I think I could have made it in 30 mins easy.
Hmmm...
I'm going to try this out and see what happens methinks. Right now there's nowhere to safely park my bike outside though, and hauling it up a flight of stairs to my office is not appealing.
Hmmm...

Back to school traffic has been horrible since Sept 3rd here in Michigan. Couple that with the ever lengthening dark mornings has me second guessing some days. However, if I skip cycling to work even one nice day, I'm not my best mentally or physically.

 

[Deleted member 4210]

there are many places that trains simply do not go. in Chicago, its mainly east west and to downtown only, or if you are in close proximity to the 'loop' its the "L."

However in the suburbs where millions more work, and beyond, there are no trains that go to each and every dispersed building or town.

Again, its all mental, as are the excuses.

One of my first customers commutes with his ebike to a train station, quite a few miles. Not a great part of the area either, on the 'south side'. Year round in fact, and you know what the weather is like in Chicago. He's legally blind, and can't get a driver's license. He loves his ebike.

As far as others on trains or bike trails smiling, if you have to wait for others to smile, then something is wrong with the attitude. My grandfather started and owned businesses for many years, and worked into his late 70's. He always told me to smile at everyone. I think I was 8 when I learned that, and actually working at his business doing small odds and ends, or whatever he allowed me to do. He said it brightens their day. I remember him always smiling. You can be a leader or a follower. I lead with a smile. Its the same thing with ebiking. You can be a leader, and set the example, and show people how its done, or you can make excuses and wait for everyone else to do it before you do it. Even if you only start doing it recreationally, but then add those small trips to Walgreen's, the hardware store, groceries, library, and then later add the commute to work, its less dependence on your car, less pollution, and definitely way more exercise.

 

[rich c]

there are many places that trains simply do not go. in Chicago, its mainly east west and to downtown only, or if you are in close proximity to the 'loop' its the "L."

However in the suburbs where millions more work, and beyond, there are no trains that go to each and every dispersed building or town.

Again, its all mental, as are the excuses.

One of my first customers commutes with his ebike to a train station, quite a few miles. Not a great part of the area either, on the 'south side'. Year round in fact, and you know what the weather is like in Chicago. He's legally blind, and can't get a driver's license. He loves his ebike.

As far as others on trains or bike trails smiling, if you have to wait for others to smile, then something is wrong with the attitude. My grandfather started and owned businesses for many years, and worked into his late 70's. He always told me to smile at everyone. I think I was 8 when I learned that, and actually working at his business doing small odds and ends, or whatever he allowed me to do. He said it brightens their day. I remember him always smiling. You can be a leader or a follower. I lead with a smile. Its the same thing with ebiking. You can be a leader, and set the example, and show people how its done, or you can make excuses and wait for everyone else to do it before you do it. Even if you only start doing it recreationally, but then add those small trips to Walgreen's, the hardware store, groceries, library, and then later add the commute to work, its less dependence on your car, less pollution, and definitely way more exercise.

I brought up the light rail because you were suggesting infrastructure changes. There would have to be the same for effective light rail. I'm confused about your being something wrong with the attitude waiting for smiles. You assume I'm not friendly? I smile and raise a hand to greet everyone on the trail, I don't wait. Walkers, spandex crowd , everyone. I talk to some, especially to those older than my 66 years. I think I had about 20% return the greeting. Not a lot less than Peoria, but noticeable. The train is something different, I keep to myself. The majority have ear buds in, texting, etc. I certainly don't engage those standing and preaching a political rant, nor those asking for money.

 

[Jerry LM]

Ah, the L! Brings back memories, grew up in downtown Chicago and rode the L all the time as well as the North Western RR part of the old infrastructure that connected to the L, and the old trolleys. It was actually safe to travel in the 40 and 50's when I grew up there. Went back a couple of years ago to visit my brother and those old neighborhoods are not safe anymore, it's a shame as many were beautiful with parkways and brownstones, now just slums....

 

[ebikemom]

Light rail will, I hope, have some ebike-dedicated cars some day for us ebike commuters!!! I think rail+ebike could be a powerful combination! Our current (Seattle) light rail, though, expects riders to load their bikes vertically on hooks. Um, not happening with my ebike. I wouldn't be able to do it.