What Stops You From Riding?

I know there are those among us who ride their bikes no matter what. The rest of us have doubts. At least once in a while. In the Chicago region, winter —even as mild one as we’re having this year— will keep most people off their bikes. What are your stumbling blocks to cycling? And, if you are able to overcome them, how do you do it?

For me personally, one of the biggest block to riding was my kids, when they were little. We didn’t have fantastic cargo and electric assist bikes available today. But I did bike with them locally in our own neighborhood: to their various activities, friends' homes, library and ice cream shop.  But I was absolutely paranoid about biking with them on larger streets, such as Elston or Milwaukee. So, when going on a longer trip around Chicago with them, I often choose the perceived safety of the automobile.

Traffic safety, when I bike alone, is also a concern, but it never stops me from riding. I have many years of urban riding experience, and I choose my route and biking strategy based on my skills and energy level. But it is something we all have to think about when we roll our bike onto a city street. Are you ever so concerned about safety that you choose not to ride?

These days, my main obstacle is what I would classify under “habits” or “mindset”. I enjoy touring and adventure riding much more than I did when I was younger, and I am fortunate to have a commute that is 90% on the North Branch Trail, that can feel very much like a recreational ride after a day of working. And as much as I enjoy that ride, it seems that if I stay off my bike for a few days, laziness and taking the path of least resistance creep up, and make it less likely for me to ride. After a period like that, it takes a real, conscious effort to resume riding. Do you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone to ride?

Unlike those of us who work in the bike industry, most folks can't show up for work wearing cycling gear. How do you reconcile having to adhere to a strict dress code and grooming standards with a strenuous commute? Does that stop you, or do you find a way around it?

I am lucky to live within a couple blocks of a major bike trail, and close to a few convenient biking streets. Although those are not the most pleasant routes to bike on, they are fast and efficient routes. The areas I generally have to travel through don't cause me to be concerned for my personal security. Is your location and/or route an obstacle to cycling?

Although I can easily manage the distance from my house to my job at the store, it is definitely more than what I would consider a "hop". This obstacle sometimes falls under the heading of "laziness" (see above), but sometimes it’s simply quicker to go by car, because I have convenient access to the highway during non-rush hour times. Do you consider your bike commute impractical because of the distance or time you have to travel? Or, like me, are you sometimes just lazy? How do you give yourself a kick?

I know the violent rain would stop me. Or snow and ice, for sure. Does it ever stop you?
How about your fitness level?
Your cycling equipment?
Always running late?
Or are you unstoppable?