Don’t apologize, enjoy the sunshine!
As someone who spent two years commuting almost exclusively by bike, I know the label “fair weather rider” has negative connotations when describing those who only ride under sunny skies.
They often get looked down upon by the “hardcore” cyclists, who “dis” new riders because they avoid biking in the rain. But guess what? The hardcores are wrong. I know, because I was one of them. Now I usually only bike to work if it’s nice outside. And I am happier for it!
You don’t have to be dedicated to biking 20 miles each way, five days a week, rain or shine, to be an authentic commuter. Getting to work should not be about whether you identify as a driver, a cyclist, a walker, or a transit person. It should be about what makes the most sense to you. So this summer, give your bicycle a chance while the sun shines. It’s okay if you only ride once a week. And if you don’t feel confident enough to bike to work just yet, try testing the waters with little rides around your neighborhood, an important step towards improving your health and taking charge of your commute.
COMMUTER RESOURCES
Many large employers participate in programs providing benefits to bike commuters. To find our more, ask your employer or visit CommuteSeattle.com. Some resources include:
➤ Education programs and seminars
➤ Ride-matching tools to find a partner for your bike commute
➤ On-site bicycle repair
➤ Annual reimbursements for bike expenditures
Riding can be an uplifting experience, especially during the warm, sunny months. Mornings transform from a frenetic traffic jam to the office to an enjoyable way to wake up and get moving. Biking to work energizes, improves concentration, and lets you soak up a lot more sun than from behind the wheel. Biking is also a great solution to the summer stress of the Pacific Northwest – you know that you haven’t wasted a beautiful day when you bike to work!
If you’re feeling a bit wobbly on two wheels, check out Cascade Bicycle Club’s adult riding classes. They also offer an Urban Cycling Techniques class to teach safe riding in the city. And nothing beats having a partner for your commute – convince a coworker or another bike commuter to help you get started.
So give it a try. You might be surprised to discover how much you like bike commuting under sunny Seattle skies!
