One of the main things I've never liked about work is the commute to and from the office. Rushing out in the morning. Sitting for extended periods in the car. Waiting at stoplights and dealing with traffic. All this really takes a toll after a while. What if you could avoid these hassles a couple times a week?

Provided you live within a reasonable distance to your workplace, you can. With a little bit of preparation you can replace your dull car commute with an invigorating bike ride. Sure, riding your bike to work does take effort and the willingness to try something new, but the rewards far outweigh any downside. Most of the time, all we need is a little motivation to get started.

What are the advantages of riding your bike to work?

Save Money and Gas

If you ride your bike to work once a week this cuts your gasoline consumption and costs by 20% (for a five-day workweek). Ride twice a week? You've cut your commuting-gas cost by 40%. And riding your bike will also save wear and tear on your vehicle's tires and engine.

Lose Weight and Get in Shape

A mid-sized person can burn upwards of 600 calories an hour during moderate cycling. You'll also be building muscle, conditioning your heart and strengthening your cardiovascular system. In the long run, you will be much more healthy.

Feel Better

Exercise reduces blood pressure, relieves stress and improves your self esteem. And being outside and exercising in pleasant surroundings have a greater positive effect than exercising alone. Riding your bike to work prepares your body and mind for the challenges of the day!

Save Time

Bikes are obviously a slower mode of transportation, so you will spend more time getting to work. But if you add up all the time you waste sitting in traffic and waiting for stoplights, biking starts to look a lot better. Also factor in the hours you would have to spend at the gym to get the same amount of exercise you are getting on your bike, and you come out way ahead.

Save the Humans

Global climate change aside, most people will agree that pollution is a bad thing. Pollution in the form of exhaust and smog destroys our environment and endangers our health and our society. Leaving your car in the garage even once a week can help preserve the tenuous ecological niche that we humans call home.

Even if a couple of these motivations hold sway for you, you now have good reason to start commuting to work on two wheels instead of four. Coming up in Part 2, we'll discuss necessary preparations and how to make your ride a success. 

Click here for Riding Your Bike to Work (Part 2).