Bicycles: Pros and Cons

By Elli Davis, May 18, 2011

With the new bike sharing program being launched in Toronto and the increasing number of bikes on the streets of the city, I have been thinking about bicycles as a means of transport more and more. Is it good idea to ride a bike to and from work everyday? Do you use bicycles more than you use cars? What are the main pros and cons of this way of commuting to work?

Bicycle and shadows by Ed Yourdon

Some of the advantages are obvious. Doing something for ones health and fitness, as well as protecting the environment. Indeed, even people who don‘t enjoy exercising in the gym might be very fond of riding a bicycle. It is pleasant to be outside, breathing fresh air and looking at the scenery, be it nature or cityscape, with wind in your hair. It‘s a perfect spring scenario!

Furthermore, it is a well known fact that physical activity stimulates the creation of the happy hormones, endorphins. If ride your bike to work, you are more than likely going to start your day in a great mood. You won’t be as tired or upset or angry as many of your co-workers could be. Why not start the day with a smile, especially knowing that first thing in the morning you have done something good for the environment.

Unsurprisingly, there are not only positives to riding your bike to work. One of the less pleasant aspects of biking, especially if it‘s hot outside and you are riding fast, is sweat. Even though your mood will be good after a nice ride, you will not feel very comfortable if you are all sweaty, will you?

Not only can you get sweaty, you can also be completely soaked through from rain. Riding a bicycle is really not good idea in all weather conditions. If it is too cold, or there is ice and snow everywhere, it is almost impossible. If there is strong wind, rain or a storm it is not really very pleasant to be outside on a bike. You have to be even more careful, it is never easy to be surrounded by cars.

Simply put, there are pros and cons to commuting to and from work on a bike, that‘s for sure. You decide whether you will use it or not. I think all of us should ride a bike from time to time, even if it’s not every day, as it can be a pretty nice way of relaxing.

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