Is a bike a good way to save money?

[Frugal]

How many of you are considering switching to a bicycle to commute to work, and possibly save a lot of money with rising gas prices? Or might use a bike to run a few errands close by?

I paid $3.75 a gallon today to fill up my tank, and think there must be a cheaper alternative and way to save money on gas. Fuel prices continue to rise like crazy in my area.

[kork13]

I would absolutely consider it. But then, I'm a frequent cyclist anyway, so it wouldn't be much of a stretch for me. Only thing for me would be having the right bike for it (e.g., not my endurance-tuned road bike), which can realistically be had for just a few hundred dollars, particularly if you're buying used. You want one that is geared appropriately for slower speeds around town, designed with comfort in mind, and has a method of transporting larger bundles (like a couple grocery bags). I'm personally a fan of rear-tire racks or saddlebags, though handlebar baskets are popular here in Japan.

Objectively, it's the short trips that you make most frequently (within just a few miles of home), and also which cost you the most, because cars are less efficient in the first few minutes of running. So it'll definitely save you significantly on gas/maintenance, but of course it's also healthier for you to get out and ride, even if it's just at a leisurely pace going to the store or work.

Another consideration is security--invest in a decent bike lock, and always be aware of secure (and legal--some cities/states do restrict it) places to park your bike. Even if you'll "only be in the store for a minute", it takes seconds for somebody to ride off on an unsecured bicycle. On the same note, ALWAYS wear a helmet. I know of too many people who got hit by a car right outside their neighborhood when they were just riding down the block... That's bad enough without head trauma.

[GREENBACK]

I had one in college when money was really tight and it saved me a lot of money. I lived in a small town and could go most places including work, storews and classes on my bike. It was a low priced mountain bike so it more than paid for itself. Excellant way to beat gas prices and get a little workout at the same time.

[jpg7n16]

If I lived closer to work, I would absolutely ride a bike weather permitting - especially on a day like today.

But summers in Texas are brutal, and I'd rather not come into work all sweaty. That'd be very uncool.


Every time I think about riding a bike into work, I can't help buy think of 'rides a 10 speed everywhere guy' haha

YouTube - Family Guy: Its A Great Way To Stay In Shape

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Rode a bike to work for about 8 summer weeks when in my mid 20s. It required extra time to freshen up and change clothes both before and after work. There were no bike racks.

The biggest problem was getting presentable for work.

Would do it again if I had to, but sure would wish for an available shower.

[StepRightUp]

I bike year round up here in the northeast (winter's don't scare me!) and I also have a car. I'm fortunate to live in a very bike-friendly city though where everything is within a few miles of each other. I've also been fortunate to work in a very casual office so summer attire isn't a concern for me.

I encourage you to bike if you can. I use my car about once or twice a week for groceries or trip that's longer than a few miles.

You'll save on gas and parking aggravation and you'll be healthier and happier for it. Of course, this depends on the environment.

Bike safety must be adhered too also. There's getting somewhere the fast way, and then there's the safe way so choose wisely.

Oh, and as those saved miles add up, you'll save on gas, maintenance, AND you may qualify for a low-mileage discount from your car insurer.

To buy a decent bike that you will use each day, I'd advice spending at least $300. I have a Bianchi that I love. It's a well made bike for under $500.

[khosta]

I wish I could bike ride to work!!! There is no way where I live though - too mountainous!! And I need to be sweat free and presentable at work!! it is a good idea though considering the rising gas prices... next, food is gonna break our banks!!!

[LivingAlmostLarge]

My DH bikes during the summers but that's it.

[Alan_MoneySanity]

I'll bet if you did all your errands on a bike you would buy only what you truly need since you would have to haul that item home - saving money. Not only that but there are health benefits to biking - great idea!

[debtfreeme]

I wish there was a grocery store within a safe distance of biking of my apartment. There is one but it means crossing a busy freeway overcrossing and I have had a couple scary moments so I don't ride there any more.

[NolaP]

If it's safe and feasible I'd absolutely consider it. The roads where I live are nuts though - we don't have sidewalks and in some cases barely have two lanes. It would be a whole different perspective on where you live, and healthy too. Ever consider a motorcycle or moped?

[CouponRefund]

That's a great idea to save money. Bicycle will save money and makes us healthy as it is good for legs.

[jerrycates]

Maybe it would also depend on what your work is about. My brother goes to work on a bike, it suits him he says cos besides that it costs him no gas, it helps with his stamina too. Well he works as a bartender, so work-clothes are not an issue.

[Frugal]

Yes. Once I had to walk to a job interview down the street from my college, and I would not recommend really biking to work or interviews, in most any situation. It is not fun to show up to work sweaty. However (!), my FATHER does bike to work EACH DAY, BOTH WAYS. He is in excellent shape for his age, it helps his heart, frees up a car for his family, and also seems to save him a lot of money on a moderate commute. He bikes about ten miles each way, twenty miles a day. I think he has some place to change into work clothes, because he has to wear a bike uniform/workout clothes. Lots of people seem to have a place to change at work. I think personally for a women, it would take longer to fix makeup and hair after working out that hard!

[Frugal]

I personally would like to save money on biking to the grocery store about 1.5 miles away, but scared because have to cross very busy streets where there are many car to car accidents...and no real proper crossing to get to my neighborhood. City has not put in full sidewalks yet, and lots of pedestrians walk near road. I agree with the person above...it is appealing to bike, but not always SAFE. Depends on the circumstances!

[MegaMagma39]

I definitely want to bike more. Unfortunately, I have kids so it's not very likely that we can replace driving the truck anywhere, but I wish...bikes have certainly risen in price! Any tips on where to look for cheaper bikes (but still GOOD)? Even at Walmart, the bikes are around $200 each...

[MegaMagma39]

Originally Posted by Alan_MoneySanity

I'll bet if you did all your errands on a bike you would buy only what you truly need since you would have to haul that item home - saving money. Not only that but there are health benefits to biking - great idea!

Great point! I definitely want to bike more. Unfortunately, I have kids so it's not very likely that we can replace driving the truck anywhere, but I wish...bikes have certainly risen in price! Any tips on where to look for cheaper bikes (but still GOOD)? Even at Walmart, the bikes are around $200 each...

[Frugal]

Just found out yesterday a friend of the family had a minor/moderate accident last weekend where he was hit by a car biking in a bike lane in the local park. He was not at fault. I personally wish biking were safer. I don't feel safe knowing my family member bikes, even if he saves money. It is difficult to feel like they are safe.

If the cities would put some kind of median or divider separating bike lanes from the main road, it might help prevent accidents. Until then, I personally am not going to bike long distances on major roads, only in residential neighborhoods. That is my two cents.

[msarro]

If you live within 5 miles of your workplace its a great option, barring some significant obstacle (like having a workplace on top of a mountain). While I lived in a city and was about 2 miles away, it was fantastic. The commute was faster than driving, and it helped keep me healthier.

[Frugal]

Well, maybe so. My dad lives about 10-11 miles from work and I simply think that is too far. I mean, maybe in his 20s, if he was a professional athlete. I just worry about him biking so far when he is over 50. It can't be that safe, on major roads, either.

I think for short trips ,the bike might still be great.