Surprising Benefits of Commuting by Bike

I’ve been biking to work for three years now, covering about 20 miles a day, and I’ve picked up a lot of unexpected perks along the way.
I’ll explain how this habit started and show how simple biking to work can really be.
Cities are adding more bike paths and shared streets, and there’s a clear shift toward greener, healthier ways to get around—especially here in the Twin Cities.
Like most things, the hardest part is just getting started.
But don’t panic — it’s a lot easier than you might think.
The first time I tried it I did a little prep, and it went fine. Well, almost fine…
Google Maps estimates are based on a relaxed pace, so use them as a conservative guide and build in some buffer time. I ride a bit faster than Google assumes, so I usually cut 5–10 minutes off the suggested time.
After day one of bike commuting you’ll notice two things: you’ll be exhausted if you’re not used to long cardio sessions, and you’ll feel proud as hell. You just rode your bike to work and back — that’s a big deal.
You might also turn into a bit of a bike-accessory addict. Try not to go overboard.
You’ll save about $10 a day (not counting long-term health savings), but you don’t need to spend it all on flashy “I look like I could ride in the Tour de France” gear.
My upgrades now? A lighter, nicer helmet; clip-in shoes so I feel more connected to the bike; and my favorite: a phone holder that doubles as a bottle opener.
A wise person once said: beer and bikes go together like peas and carrots.
Riding reconnects me with one of my favorite childhood freedoms — hopping on my bike and heading out to meet friends and cause a little trouble.
When I ride to work, I’m not stewing over email. My brain gets creative. I plan problems I want to solve. I daydream. Mostly, commuting by bike lets you enjoy summer instead of letting it slip away in an air-conditioned cubicle.
The exercise, plus gas and auto-maintenance savings, are just icing on the cake. You hop on your bike and feel like a kid again, swapping rush-hour stress for the simple joy of open roads and summer adventures.