apparently my city literally literally banned public rail funding, and people online love jerking off about how good biking is, so i figured might as well try. I have come up with:
pros:
- good for mental health / exercise / endorphins
- arguably quaint
- feel like an old timey guy taking his wares to market
- feel european
- can annoy others
- less of a police state around them vs cars
- more flexible parking, routes
- capacity to be peaceful
- nice in summer
cons:
- look like an annoying dork (esp w neon - which also hurts the quaint factor)
- have to wear a helmet (^)
- getting sweaty, potentially “unpresentable” for work
- still have to find safe parking
- still takes a while
- have to find new routes to places
- can’t listen to music or might die
- little meaningful protection against severe injury
- can only carry so many groceries/etc
- sucks in winter
From a European perspective (I use car/bicycle/train/longboard), a few pointers rather than a pro-con/list
The more people use a bicycle, even casually, The more it put pressures on local politician to do something
For short distances (<5km) in town, it’s faster than the car
Gloves are more important than helmet, on the couple of fall I got, gloves protected my hands, while my head didn’t hit. However, if you’re in a severe accident a helmet can make the difference so I still recommend one.
Beware of your clothe, if you wear black, at night, without lights, you call for problem, and I can see how even good faith motorists can hit you.
Paint isn’t infrastructure but at least remind the motorists that you have the right to be there. I can see how the mayor call the infrastructure director and ask them for bike lane without any budget, but it sucks
Be a bit agressive, and look for eye-contact before passing between car, keep distance from parked car, they can open a door, If you don’t think a car can pass you with a safe distance (small urban streets) stay in the middle of the road, and stop to the side when you can to let the car pass you.
A backpack, or bike pack helps a lot carrying groceries, not really an excuse
The problem isn’t that much the winter (unless you live on a really cold place) but the rain, good clothe can help, but still.
Just wanted to comment on this bit.
Gloves will save you from very annoying and painful scratches on your hands, but helmet can save you from becoming vegetable or dead. I don’t think there’s any competition for which is more important, helmet any day.
Still, definitely recommend both but at very least a helmet
What kind of gloves do you use?
In Summer, I use “weight lifting fingerless gloves”, it’s very similar from “cycling fingerless gloves” but half of the price. In winter, I use “light” outdoor gloves.
Upvote because longboard
Wanted to reply to OP. Moving my post.