07/02/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 43.31 miles.

43.13 miles x $0.72 per mile = $31.05

Current total to pay off for equipment $46.12 - $31.05 amount of profit made on today's ride = $15.07 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1319.42 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1281 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 65.97

07/01/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.22 miles.

11.22 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.07

Current total to pay off for equipment $54.19 - $8.07 amount of profit made on today's ride = $46.12 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1276.11 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1239 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 63.81

06/29/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.21 miles.

11.22 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.07

Current total to pay off for equipment $62.26 - $8.07 amount of profit made on today's ride = $54.19 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1264.89 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1228 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 63.24

06/25/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.22 miles.

11.22 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.07

Current total to pay off for equipment $70.33 - $8.07 amount of profit made on today's ride = $62.26 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1253.68 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1217 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 62.68

06/24/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 6.08 miles.

6.08 miles x $0.72 per mile = $4.37

Current total to pay off for equipment $74.70 - $4.37 amount of profit made on today's ride = $70.33 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1242.46 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1207 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 62.12

06/23/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.24 miles.

11.24 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.09

Current total to pay off for equipment $82.79 - $8.09 amount of profit made on today's ride = $74.70 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1236.38 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1201 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 61.82

06/22/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.86 miles.

11.86 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.53

Current total to pay off for equipment $91.32 - $8.53 amount of profit made on today's ride = $82.79 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1225.14 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1190 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 61.26

06/05/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 9.34 miles.

9.34 miles x $0.72 per mile = $6.72

Current total to pay off for equipment $98.04 - $6.72 amount of profit made on today's ride = $91.32 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1213.28 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1178 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 60.66

06/04/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.37 miles.

11.37 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.18

Current total to pay off for equipment $106.22 - $8.18 amount of profit made on today's ride = $98.04 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1203.94 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1169 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 60.20

06/03/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.63 miles.

11.63 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.37

Current total to pay off for equipment $114.59 - $8.37 amount of profit made on today's ride = $106.22 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1192.57 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1158 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 59.63

05/30/2009 Errands

Errands to Hy-Vee, bottle redemtption center, Albrecht Cycle Shop, post office, The Home Depot, SHop-Ko and back to Hy-Vee.

Total Miles: 12.31 miles.

12.31 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.86

$10.00 for glass milk bottles redeemed at Hy-Vee + $1.70 for cans and bottles redeemed at can redemption center = $11.70

$11.70 + $8.86 = $20.56 total amount of profit made on today's ride.

Current total to pay off for equipment $135.15 - $20.56 amount of profit made on today's ride = $114.59 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1180.94 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1147 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 59.05

05/29/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.36 miles.

11.36 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.17

Current total to pay off for equipment $143.32 - $8.17 amount of profit made on today's ride = $135.15 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1168.63 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1135 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 58.43

05/25/2009 Errands

Ran errand to The Home Depot and back home.

Total Miles: 10.10 miles.

10.10 miles x $0.72 per mile = $7.27

Current total to pay off for equipment $150.59 - $7.27 amount of profit made on today's ride = $143.32 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1157.27 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1124 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 57.86

05/20/2009 Commute

Commute from work to start of Ride Of Silence, from end of Ride Of Silence to where wife picked me up.

Total Miles: 10.11 miles.

10.11 miles x $0.72 per mile = $7.27

Current total to pay off for equipment $157.86 - $7.27 amount of profit made on today's ride = $150.59 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1147.17 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1114 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 57.36

05/18/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 12.87 miles.

12.87 miles x $0.72 per mile = $9.26

Current total to pay off for equipment $167.12 - $9.26 amount of profit made on today's ride = $157.86 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1137.06 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1104 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 56.85

05/14/2009 Commute

Commute from work to Woodbury County Democratic Party Central Committee meeting.

Total Miles: 9.35 miles.

9.35 miles x $0.72 per mile = $6.73

Current total to pay off for equipment $173.85 - $6.73 amount of profit made on today's ride = $167.12 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1124.19 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1092 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 56.21

05/13/2009 Commute

Commute from work to bike club meeting.

Total Miles: 2.46 miles.

2.46 miles x $0.72 per mile = $1.77

Current total to pay off for equipment $175.62 - $1.77 amount of profit made on today's ride = $173.85 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1114.84 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1083 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 55.74

This guy gets it.

Brian Krans, a reporter for the Argus/Dispatch QC Online recently switched from motor vehicle form of transportation to riding an urban commuter bike. He has come to understand the thrill, pleasure and joy of commuting by bike. He gets it. I agree with him in knowing and getting a rush out of going fast down a hill and the possibility of the inherent danger of riding in traffic, fighting/competing with cars for lane space. No doubt about it, it is an adrenaline rush and a lot of fun.

He also understands that most drivers do not often look for anything other then other motor vehicles and that some drivers like to throw things at cyclists. I wish him the best of luck in his commuting endeavors and am glad that yet one more person understands what it is all about.

Story;
Dear drivers, LOOK! But don't throw things. Thanks.

05/11/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.40 miles.

11.40 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.20

Current total to pay off for equipment $183.82 - $8.20 amount of profit made on today's ride = $175.62 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1112.38 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1080 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 55.62

Bike To Work Week

This week 05/09 to 05/15 is Bike To Work Week. Everyone is encouraged to get on their bikes and ride to/from work. I have registered on the Bike To Work site. My registration number is 2087. I think this means this is how many registered participants in Iowa who will commute to work during Bike To Work Week. My commute is about 11.5 miles long one way and I usually commute home from work. Currently it is too cold in the mornings for me to commute to work. My wife brings me and the bike and I ride home after work. The executive direcotr of the bike club I belong to, Siouxland Cyclists, is trying to line up interviews with the media this week. This past weekend I attended one of the Bike To Work Week kick off events, The Coolest Bike In Town contest. The weather should be pretty good for commuting this week.

05/07/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.44 miles.

11.44 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.23

Current total to pay off for equipment $192.05 - $8.23 amount of profit made on today's ride = $183.82 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1100.98 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1069 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 55.05

05/04/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.60 miles.

11.60 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.35

Current total to pay off for equipment $200.40 - $8.35 amount of profit made on today's ride = $192.05 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1089.54 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1058 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 54.80

05/01/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 12.87 miles.

12.87 miles x $0.72 per mile = $9.26

Current total to pay off for equipment $209.66 - $9.26 amount of profit made on today's ride = $200.40 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1077.94 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1047 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 53.90

04/30/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.76 miles.

11.76 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.46

Current total to pay off for equipment $218.11 - $8.45 amount of profit made on today's ride = $209.66 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1065.07 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1034 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 53.25

04/24/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.6 miles.

11.6 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.35

Current total to pay off for equipment $226.46 - $8.35 amount of profit made on today's ride = $218.11 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1053.81 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1023 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 52.67

04/23/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.64 miles.

11.64 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.38

Current total to pay off for equipment $234.84 - $8.38 amount of profit made on today's ride = $226.46 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1041.71 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1011 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 52.09

04/22/2009 Commute

Commute from work to home.

Total Miles: 11.90 miles.

11.90 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.56

Current total to pay off for equipment $251.78 - $8.56 amount of profit made on today's ride = $243.22 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1030.07 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 1000 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 51.50

First commute from new company/job to home. Went really well. Beautiful weather.

For veteran commuters reading about it is boring.

The only thing more mundane then the same commute by bike route over and over again for veteran bike commuters is reading about commuting by bike. I like to keep up to date on the laters commuting information and learn something new about it. I have a habit of, when I see a book about bicycle commuting buying and reading it.

I recently bought a new book about just such a thing. I started reading it cover to cover as I alway like to do. Eventually I realized this was pretty mundane and boring stuff and I already knew everything it was telling me. I started skimming through the book. I would read a page or 2 in each section and chapter to see if anything new would catch my eye. Nothing did. It took me a total of about a half an hour to go through this book, The Bike To Work Guide.

It is kind of ironic I bought this book a week before an article on bikeiowa.com was posted about this very same thing. That the only thing more mundane and boring then the same commute route is reading about commuting by bicycle. I agree with that fact. The same old bicycle commute route can get mundane and boring. But it is still better then driving or riding in a motor vehicle.

Here is the article;
Read about commuting? Yawn

Commuting by bike may be as fast for some.

Some people who commute to/from work by bike do so as fast or faster then if they commute by motor vehicle. Not the case for me. My community is small enough and does not have the traffic congestion problems that larger communities do. Getting around by motor vehicle is very easy and takes literally minutes. It takes me longer to commute to/from/ work by bike then if I drive my Jeep, about 3 times longer in fact. But I still prefer to commute by bike.

I am getting exercise, I save money, about $0.72 a mile by not driving myself to and from work in my Jeep. I help keep greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere and it is one less motor vehicle on the roadways helping to contribute to the possibility of a collision with another and possible perpetuating the high cost of auto insurance rates, etc.

Here is an article about a bicycle commuter who's commute by bike is as fast as if he would drive his car;
Drive? Not when biking is as fast

Slight change in commute.

Prior to working for the company I am currently at I applied at another company. I have been with my current company for 3 weeks now and am still in training. The other company I applied at a while back called me in for an interview, I was offered and accepted the new job and start on 04/20. I will have better pay and benefits.

This will mean there will be a slight change to my commute route. My new company is in the building next door to my current one. They are maybe 2 blocks apart in the business park where both are located. I have an open house with my new company on 04/16 when I will find out about where I can park/lock my bike.

03/19/2009 Commute

Commute from work to wifes office.

Total Miles: 8.20 miles.

8.20 miles x $0.72 per mile = $5.90

Current total to pay off for equipment $257.68 - $5.90 amount of profit made on today's ride = $251.78 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1018.17 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 989 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 50.91

On the way to wifes office had a problem with bike. On the way to wifes office about a block away my seat frame broke when 2 of the welds failed. Need to have it repaired or replaced. Looking into options but I can not ride until then.

03/18/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 8.31 miles.

8.31 miles x $0.72 per mile = $5.98

Current total to pay off for equipment $263.66 - $5.98 amount of profit made on today's ride = $257.68 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1009.97 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 981 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 50.50

Decided to stop at wifes office and rode the rest of the way home with her. Her office is along my commute route home. I made it in time, loaded the bike on the carrier on the back of our Jeep and we came home.

03/17/2009 Commute

Commute home from work.

Total Miles: 11.78 miles.

11.78 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.48

Current total to pay off for equipment $272.14 - $8.48 amount of profit made on today's ride = $263.66 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 1001.66 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 973 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 50.08

Today was my first commute home this year and the first commute from my new job. It was also the first time I ever commuted on the first day of a new job. Logistically it was pretty easy to figure it all out and deal with where to park/lock bike, etc.

03/16/2009 Errands

Errands to Hy-Vee, can redemption center, wifes office, Target and Petco.

Total Miles: 22.35 miles.

22.35 miles x $0.72 per mile = $16.09
$16.09, amount of profit made on toaday's ride for not using Jeep + $3.10 from can and bottle return = $19.19 total profit made on today's ride.

Current total to pay off for equipment $291.33 - $19.19 amount of profit made on today's ride = $272.14 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 989.88 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 961 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 49.49

Today was a long errand ride. I started out with a load and ended up bring a load of something home. Here are the details; I dropped all of the empty plastic bags at the recycle drop bin at Hy-Vee, then took a load of cans and bottles to the can redemption center. After which I had to stop by my wifes office to trade her cell phone batteries. Mine was dead and she has a charger at her office. I then rode to Target for a couple of things that cost less then $12.50. After which I rode to Petco and bought dog treats and a 15 pound bag of dog food for Sophie, then I continued on home. Sophie was very happy because we ran out of her food yesterday, needless to say she was pretty hungry and emptied her bowl.

03/15/2009 Errands

Errands to Siouxland Recovery Recycling Drop Site, downtown post office and downtown public library.

Total Miles: 11.51 miles.

11.51 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.28

Current total to pay off for equipment $299.61 - $8.28 amount of profit made on today's ride = $291.33 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 967.53 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 939 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 48.38

I hope he is going to be ok.

What police thought was a collision between a cyclist and a car was not, thankfully. But Robert Eugene Bennett did have an accident because of a medical condition which did cause him to crash, colliding with a parking meter. He is in critical condition at Iowa Methodist Hospital. I am glad a car did not hit him as it would have been worse, but saddened he did have an accident. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and I hope he pulls through this.

Here is the news story;
Medical Condition Causes Man To Crash Bicycle

Commute no longer in question.

I have applied, was offered and accepted a new job that I start on Tuesday 03/17/2009. I have a choice of 2 commute routes. Choice A is about 6 miles or so, but there is climbing hills after about the first couple of miles. Choice B is all flat but is 11 to 13 miles long.

I will not be commuting to work for a while. One reason is it is still too cold in the mornings, but nice enough in the afternoon to commute home. My wife will take me in the mornings and I'll ride home when I am off at 3:30 pm. Another reason is I start work at 7:00 am, I would have to get up to get ready at 5:00 am to leave by 6:00 am. After my first 8 weeks of training I will have different shift and will be better able to commute on the way to work and probably after work as well, depending on when my shift ends, post training.

The commute home from work will be easier if I choose option B, the longer, but flatter route. When I start commuting to work option A will work better. Even though it is the same road for the climbing, going to work is not as steep as coming home from work, and even though there is climbing I think it will take less time then taking option B, the longer, flatter route.

03/06/2009 Errands

Errands to Siouxland Recovery Recycling Drop Site, downtown post office and downtown public library.

Total Miles: 11.76 miles.

11.76 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.46

Current total to pay off for equipment $308.07 - $8.46 amount of profit made on today's ride = $299.61 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 956.02 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 928 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 47.8

This is my second ride and second errand run of 2009.

Here are photo's of the load I took to the recycling center today;

Changing cost per mile.

I am changing the figure I use for cost per mile when I ride my bike compared to when I drive my Jeep. My Jeep Compass is similar to a medium sedan. This web site; Your Driving Costs shows a national average. Granted the figures are from 2007 but I think that is ok because it is likely the cost has gone up per mile to drive a motor vehicle, not down. From here on out, starting with my ride yesterday I will use the figure of $0.72 a mile.

03/05/2009 Errands

Errands to wifes office and PETCO for Sophie our Samoyed.

Total Miles: 12 miles.

12 miles x $0.72 per mile = $8.64

Current total to pay off for equipment $316.71 - $8.64 amount of profit made on today's ride = $308.07 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute/Errand Stats since 2008:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 944.26 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 917 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 47.21

This is my first ride and first errand run of 2009.

Commute route and distance is up in the air.

My commute route and distance was going to be 15+ miles as of the first of March. That has changed. The company I was working for laid me off so I am now amongst the 4 million other Americans who has joined the ranks of the unemployed, is looking for work and drawing unemployment benefits. Myself and several others were laid off because of the economic recession, which as we know was caused by and during the 8 years bush of the bush administration. No wonder he is 5th from the bottom in the recent presedential rankings of best to worst. When I do find work and I know what my commute route and distance is going to be I will post about it. Until then, wish me luck.

Charge of the Bike Commuter!

I am not the author or composer of this piece. After reading it click on the link below to see the source.

Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the boulevard of Death
Rode the bike commuters.
“Forward, the light is changing!
“Charge for the intersection!” he said:
Into the parkway of Death
Rode the bike commuters.


“Forward, cyclists take your lane!”
Was there a man dismay’d?
Not tho’ the riders knew
Some city planner had blunder’d:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the boulevard of Death
Rode the bike commuter.


SUVs to right of them,
Taxis to left of them,
Mini Vans in front of them
Beep’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with horn and bumper,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the bike commuters.


Flash’d all their pumps bare,
Flash’d as they turn’d in air,
Beeping at the drivers there,
Charging an army of cars, while
All the world wonder’d “…why do they ride bikes when they can drive?…”:
Plunged in the exhaust-smoke
Right thro’ the line they broke;
SUVs and Pick Ups
Reel’d from the horn beeps and waving pumps
Shatter’d and sunder’d.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the bike commuters.


SUVs to right of them,
Taxis to left of them,
Mini Vans in front of them
Horns and bumpers;
Storm’d at with yells and beeps,
While bike and cyclist fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro’ the jaws of Death
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of bike commuters with some frames crumpled and some saddles empty.


When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered…”…who are these crazy cyclists???…”
Honor the charge they made,
Honor the bike commuter,
The Noble Bike Commuter.

Source

Longer commute.

As of March of this year my commute will go from about 3.75 miles one way to 15+ miles one way. The company I work for is moving my dept. out of the downtown building I work in and back down to the company headquarters. Right now they are leasing the space we are in. This is in part because of the economic problems happening right now. Intead of staying where we are, thus paying the lease and the monthly parking rates in the city ramp next to the building I work in, they are moving us. I think they are doing this in part so no one else has to be laid off. There have already been 3 people let go.

What does this mean for my commute? Well I will have to get up anywhere from half an hour to 45 min. earlier then I do to make it to work on time, change and be ready to start.

I love working so close to home. I guess the trade off will be more miles this year. I will start commuting by bike sometime in March.

Amount made while commuting or running errands.

In 2008 I started keeping track of how much money I made back by commuring and running errands on my bike vs driving my Jeep. I only used the cost per mile for gas. It was $0.13 a mile. I came up with that by dividing the cost per gallon into the miles per gallon the Jeep is rated at. I will have to refigure that for this year because the cost of gas has dramatically changed compared to last year.

At about 25 miles per gallon and with gas now at about $1.80 a gallon the amount I make back in fuel is: $0.07 a gallon.

I also figured in the other costs of driving, things like tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. and figured the Jeep is driven about 12,000 a year. That increased the amount by another $0.03 a mile.

Then I figured the cost per mile for an annual tune up, new chain, tires, etc. on my bike and that came to $0.01 per mile.

For 2009 the amount I will make back by commuting or running errands on they bike compared to driving the Jeep is: $0.09 a mile.

My company will not set up a Section 132 Plan.

As I mentioned in this post: The Bicycle Commuter Act finally passes the commuter act had finally passed. I then learned in roder to take advantage of it employers have to set up what is called a Section 132 Plan for employees to take advantage of the Bicycle Commuter Act. A Section 132 Plan is similar to a flex-spending plan set up for out of pocket medical expenses.

I inquired with my company's H.R. dept. as to whether or not they can or will set up such a plan so employees who commute to/from work can take advantage of it. I got an answer back today on the matter. It was for 2009 we are not going to impliment such a fringe benefit or plan because right now the administrative costs are too prohibitive. But we are open to it for 2010. I took this answer for what it is worth and with a grain of salt. Here is the kicker though. My company is shelling out thousands of dollars a month for employees to park in one of the downtown city parking ramps. None of this come out of the employees pockets. I am sure my company cna count this as a tax deduction or receives some sort of reimbursment for this expense. But it would still be cheaper to set up a Section 132 Plan that would allow employees who commute to/from work by bike to take advantage of.

What I am going to do is at the start of the 4th quarter for 2009 revisit this idea with my company to see if they will indeed impliment it starting in 2010. I'll wait and see what happens.

All season commuters.

I do not commute or ride my bike year round, at least not yet. The best I did this year was ride until about Nov. 5. I hope to start earlier, around Feb. 28, next year. Those that do ride year round have my respect. Some do so because they have no other choice, others do so despite other options. Riding in the cold weather takes a lot of discipline and committment. I am working my way up to that point.

Here is an article on bikeiowa.com about year round commuters:
Gear Up: Becoming An All-Season Biking Commuter

Reducing our carbon footprint

I already do a lot of the ideas in this article. I walk when ever I can not ride or the distance is short enough, even if I have my Jeep. Often, in the downtown area it is faster to walk up to a mile, rather then walk to the ramp, drive my Jeep to the destination and find a parking spot. In my home as the old light bulbs burn out I replace them with the newer energy saving bulbs, this includes my outdoor lights as well. I have yet to walk to work, even though it is about 3 miles, maybe less.

A very good article on bikeiowa.com about reducing our carbon footprint:
Urban-dwellers: Try these things to cut emissions

Pedal To The People, I couldn't agree more.

Though I do commute & ride, it is not year round. I ride for pleasure & enjoyment & of course exercise. I commute to reduce the amount of wear, tear & milage on my vehicle as my wife only have/need one. This story in bikeiowa.com couldn't say it better: Story #2679

11/05/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.49 miles.

miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.97

Current total to pay off for equipment $317.68 - $0.97 amount of profit made on today's ride = $316.71 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 932.26 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 905 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 46.61

This is my last commute of the year. Getting too cold, even for the cold weather gear I have, to ride and stay comfortable and warm.

11/04/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 5.29 miles.

5.29 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.68

Current total to pay off for equipment $318.36 - $0.68 amount of profit made on today's ride = $317.68 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 924.77 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 898 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 46.24

Rode to the polls this morning to vote.

On the way home from work had to have wife pick me up. Head light would not stay on. Battery needed to be recharged.

The bikejournal site is still down. Here are my ride results for today's commute:
Total Time: 0:28:26
Avg. Speed: 11.1
Max. Speed: 21.4
Route: Errands
Route description: Stopped at polling location and voted on the way to work. Did not make it all the way home, head light needed to be recharged, would not stay on.
Weather: Beautiful! Warm, sunny, but very windy.
Bike: Vision R40 Recumbent
Flat

11/03/2008 Errands

Ran errands today.

Total Miles: 14.01 miles.

14.01 miles x $0.13 per mile = $1.82

Current total to pay off for equipment $320.18 - $1.82 amount of profit made on today's ride = $318.36 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 919.48 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 893 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 45.97

Ran errands to:
1. Doctor office.
2. Lunch stop.
3. Recycling Center.
4. Home Depot.
5. Insurance agent's office.
6. Bank.
7. Grocery store.

Right now the bikejournal.com site is down so I am posting the rest of my ride results here:
Total Time: 1:21:31
Avg. Speed: 10.2
Max. Speed: 32.4
Route: Errands
Route description: Ran errands to doctor office, linch, recycling center, Home Depot, insurance agent's office, bank and grocery store.
Weather: Beautiful! Warm, sunny, but very windy.
Bike: Vision R40 Recumbent
Road with hills

11/01/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 1.11 miles.

1.11 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.14

Current total to pay off for equipment $320.32 - $0.14 amount of profit made on today's ride = $320.18 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 905.47 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 879 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 45.27

Never made it to work. Area around eyes got too cold and glasses kept fogging over. Turned around and came back home, changed cloths and drove to work.

Can not commute below 40 degrees.

For right now I can not commute if it is below 40 degrees F. The reason is, despite all of my cold weather riding gear, the area around my eyes gets too cold and my glasses fog over. I need to purchase a pair of goggles that will fit over my glasses and a helmet that will work with the goggles. My regular bike helmet would be pushed up too high with a pair of goggles.

I found this out this morning when I was commuting to work. When I left home it was 34 degrees F. I got about a half a mile from home and turned around and went back. Changed into my regular work cloths and drove to work. Everything but the area around my eyes was nice comfortable. Because the area around my eyes was so cold my eyes teared and the tears then froze, making it worse.

The goggles and helmet will cost me an additional $170.00

Until I get the goggles and helmet I will not be riding in anything below 40 degrees F.

10/31/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 3.73 miles.

3.73 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.48

Current total to pay off for equipment $320.80 - $0.48 amount of profit made on today's ride = $320.32 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 904.36 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 878 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 45.22

10/30/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.57 miles.

7.57 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.98

Current total to pay off for equipment $321.78 - $0.98 amount of profit made on today's ride = $320.80 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 900.63 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 874 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 45.03

Finally back on bike after a 17 day break for recovering from a surgery. Feels great to be back to commuting.

Council Bluffs recenlty added bike racks to their buses.

The metro transit system in Council Bluffs and Omaha recently added bike racks to their buses. They have followed Des Moines, Davenport and Cedar Rapids in doing this. This is going to help commuters in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area a great deal. It has greatly helped commuters in other cities mentioned. this can turn a commute that a person would not otherwise be able to do bu bicycle because of distance and turn it into a more manageable one. A person can ride to the bus stop, put their bike on the rack, board the bus, ride to their stop point and if need be finish their commute to work on the bike. I think this is a great idea and that all cities that have any sort of public transit bus system should have bike racks on the buses.

Sioux City is now the only city in Iowa that has not done this. I sent a kind email to the city asking why we have not done this and when we are going to do this. I have yet to hear back from them.

Here is the bikeiowa.com article: Council Bluffs adds Bike Racks on Buses

10/13/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.56 miles.

7.56 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.98

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $322.76 - $0.98amount of profit made on today's ride = $321.78 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 893.06 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 867 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 44.65

10/12/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.36 miles.

7.36 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.95

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $323.71 - $0.95amount of profit made on today's ride = $322.76 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 885.50 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 860 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 44.28

10/11/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 8 miles.

8 miles x $0.13 per mile = $1.04

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $324.75 - $1.04amount of profit made on today's ride = $323.71 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 878.14 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 853 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 43.91

The Bicycle Commuter Act finally passes.

As part of the 700 billion bail out package the Bicycle Commuter Act was passed. The administrative rules have not been written yet but it will allow employers to give employees up to $20.00 a month for approved purchases if they ride their bicycle to and from work on a regular basis. The purchases include bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage. There are more details tocome and the act will go into effect in 2009.

As a bicycle commuter I am very happy with this. Though myself and several others do agree that we would have rather this had been passed as part of a diffeant pacakge or on it's own. We do accept what we can get and are not looking a gift horse in the mouth though. This has been 7 years in the making with the help of the League of American Bicyclists, or LAB. This is a small step but an important one. Compromises had to be made for it to even happen. I am working with my employer to offer some sort of reimbursement or benefit to people who commute to work by bicycle.

There will be more information to follow but here are links to the information so far:
League of American Bicyclists
Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision: Frequently Asked Questions
Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision
Bicycle Commuter Act Passes House and Senate

10/10/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.56 miles.

7.56 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.98

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $325.73 - $0.98amount of profit made on today's ride = $324.75 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 870.14 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 845 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 43.51

10/09/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.70 miles.

7.70 miles x $0.13 per mile = $1.00

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $326.73 - $1.00amount of profit made on today's ride = $325.73 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 862.58 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 837 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 43.13

10/08/2008 Commute

Commute to work.

Total Miles: 3.88 miles.

3.88 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.50

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $327.23 - $0.50amount of profit made on today's ride = $326.73 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 854.88 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 830 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 42.74

10/07/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total Miles: 7.57 miles.

7.57 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.98

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $328.21 - $0.98amount of profit made on today's ride = $327.23 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 851 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 826 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 42.55

Fender Test Ride

What was supposed to have been a historical research ride ended up being a test ride for my new fenders to see how well they work in the rain. About 4.5 miles into my ride it started to rain. I was heading out to take photo's at Adams Nature Preserve. I turned around & headed back home. My new fenders worked great in the water.

Stats:
Total miles: 9.19 miles.

9.19 miles x $0.13 per mile = $1.19

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $329.40 - $1.19amount of profit made on today's ride = $328.21 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 843.43 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 819 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 42.17

Historical Research Ride

Historical Research Ride. Rode to 6 differant historical sites to get information for History and Culture by Bicycle Blog.

Total miles: 31.45 miles.

31.45 miles x $0.13 per mile = $4.08

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $333.48 - $4.08 amount of profit made on today's ride = $329.40 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 834.24 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 810 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 41.71

10/04/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total miles: 7.52 miles.

7.52 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.97

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $335.43 - $0.97 amount of profit made on today's ride = $333.48 amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 802.79 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 779 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 40.14

Items I have hauled on my bike.

Here is a list of things I have hauled either in my saddle bags or folding baskets.

Saddle bags:
1. Change of cloths
2. Deoderant
3. Bag Balm
4. Burts Bees Hand Salve
5. Baby wipes
6. Milk
7. Eggs
8. Broccoli
9. Bread
10. Canned chicken
11. Staple gun
12. Stakes
13. Paper signs

Folding baskets:
1. Cardboard
2. Paper
3. Tin cans
4. Glass bottles
5. Plastic milk containers
6. Prescription drugs
7. Redeemable bottles & cans
8. Apple cider vineager
9. Gin
10. Milk
11. 100' tape measure
12. Medical documents
13. Bungee cords

Break Out The Bikes, indeed.

More & more people are getting around by bike. One reason is the high gas prices. As I have stated in previous posts the only good side effect of high gas prices is more people are riding their bikes. Many are getting on a bike for the first time in decades. Some are buying new bikes, others are pulling thier old bike out of the garage or basement, cleaning it up, having it worked on at a shop to be ready for riding. This is not just happening in the U.S. either. It is happening in Europe.

Great Britain recently passed a Complete Streets Act. The Federal Govt. is looking to do the same thing. There are 2 bills currenlty before Congress. I say it is about time. We really need one.

One bill, The Complete Streets Act of 2008, if passed, will require any state or MPO that receives federal dollars will be required for them to consider ways to better accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians & mass tranist users.

The second bill, The Bicycle Commuter Act of 2008 will provide a tax benefit to employers who give their workers cash reimbursements to help defray the cost of of bicycle commuting.

Senator Tom Harkin, D, Iowa is a sponsor of the bills. I am a Harkin supporter. I met him last year at the Grand Opening of the new Perry Creek Trail & Flood Control Causeway. He was one of the Senators responsible for getting the funding needed for the over due flood control project. At the official opening of the trail he stated he has always supported cyclists & our rights to the roadways, etc. Now I see that is true based him sponsoring these bills.

Here is the bikeiowa.com story:
Break Out The Bikes

10/03/2008 Commute

Commute to and from work.

Total miles: 7.58 miles.

7.58 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.98

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $335.43 - $0.98 amount of profit made on today's ride = $334.45., amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 795.27 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 772 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 39.76

Commuting by bicycle.

Here are some links on why & how to commute by bike. There are solutions to the most common excuses people give for not wanting to commute. The links also have stats. showing the results of commuting.

Commuting By Bike

2007 Bike To Work Statistics

Bike To Work 2007 Survey Results

Bike Commuter Tips Blog

How Many Bicycle Commuters Are There in the USA?

10/02/2008 Commute to Work

Commute to work.

Total miles: 3.72 miles.

3.72 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.48

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $335.91 - $0.48 amount of profit made on today's ride = $335.43, amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 787.65 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 765 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 39.38

Update: Additional Cost of Commuting

From 10/01/2008

Commute to and from work.

Total miles: 7.35 miles.

7.35 miles x $0.13 per mile = $0.95

$311.86 amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike + $25.00 for new Under Armour Hood = $336.86

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain, cold weather & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $336.86 - $0.95 amount of profit made on today's ride = $335.91, amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 783.97 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 761 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 39.20

Update: Additional Cost of Commuting

From 09/28/2008

Historical tour & research ride.

Total miles: 17.75 miles.

17.75 miles x $0.13 per mile = $2.30

Amount of additional equipment needed to ride in rain & after sun set that I need to earn back by commuting & running errands on the bike, $314.16 - $2.30 amount of profit made on today's ride = $311.86, amount remaining before I break even.

Gas Free Commute Stats:
Total Commute & Errand Distance: 776.62 miles
Total Greenhouse Gas emissions not created: 754 pounds
NAVG Gal. saved. (NAVG Gal. - National Average Gallons): 38.83

Update: Additional Cost of Commuting

Had to buy some additional equipment to ride in cold wet weather & after sunset.

The first was a a pair of Specialized Therminal Tights today at my local bike shop. They cost about $91.00. The second was a light, it cost about $140

$140 for light + $91.00 for tights + $83.16 previous amount I need to make back to break even = $314.16 new amount I need to make back to break even.

I also need to buy another Under Armour Hood. Lost the first one.