Is biking best?

LocSoeur
Sep 30, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Dec 30, 2024

Two months into ditching my car and cycling more.

I have biked since childhood, but car ownership was always the goal. Heck, if I could afford a personal chauffeur, even better!

Of course, to reduce my dependency on fossil fuels, which is key to addressing global warming, my mindset and aspirations needed to shift—and it did.

So, this summer, I sold my gas-guzzling car and I got a used e-bike. We are now a one-car household, and we’ve adjusted well to the change. I don’t know what I’ll do this winter, but I’ll figure something out.

Here’s what I’ve enjoyed the most about biking so far:

1) It’s a serious money saver.

Compared to a car, bikes are cheaper to fix and maintain. The cost of car insurance, winter tires, gas, maintenance, car licence, parking fees and fines adds up. Now, it adds up in my wallet. Cha-ching!

2) Parking is so easy!

There’s no need to drive around looking for a parking spot, or to move the car to abide by a set time limit, or to wiggle out of a tight parking spot. So annoying.

3) I know when I will arrive at my destination!

Cheers to being reliable again.

4) I don’t like using the bus.

There's something about sitting in the bus with strangers - my face invites way too many unwanted conversations and awkward moments. Also, buses don’t always show up when they are supposed to, and it can get crowded.

5) Less stress.

Driving can be frustrating and headache inducing. There are traffic congestion, construction detours and drivers who don’t signal (uggghh). I also worry about being late, even when it’s out of my control. That’s not a great way to start the day. When I bike, I feel energized and grounded when I arrive at my destination.

6) I don't need to carry ID.

I don’t need to carry a driver’s licence (which I often misplace) and bring money to pay for parking (which I often forget).

7) I’m out in nature.

I get to enjoy and notice the beauty around me. I also experience the seasons change, listen to the songs of birds, and feel the cool breeze on a hot summer’s day.

8) No need to go to the gym.

Well, personally, I’ve never bought a gym membership, but you know what I mean. My physical activity is woven into my lifestyle and it’s convenient. I’m also maxing out the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity as recommended by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

9) I could live longer and in good health.

According to a 2022 article by the World Health Organization, “… cycling for 20 minutes on most days reduces mortality risk by at least 10%”. And wait, there’s more! “Active commuting is associated with about a 10% decrease in risk for cardiovascular disease and a 30% decrease in type 2 diabetes risk”.

10) Cool vibes.

For some reason, people think I’m cool because I bike everywhere. Sometimes, I get additional discounts and perks just because I bike. Why not!

11) I sleep like a baby!

After all that active commuting, when my head hits the pillow, I sleep deeply.

Unanticipated revelations and changes from commuting by bike:

I rarely use makeup. Having face goop because of the heat or running mascara in the rain isn’t something I tolerate anymore. It’s also better for my skin. There are so many toxic chemicals in cosmetic products, who has the time to look through all the ingredients? Not this lady.
After many years of not wearing a helmet, I finally got one. Okay, fine, I got it because it’s mandatory when riding e-bikes in Ontario and Quebec (check the rules in your region). Oh, and I got gloves to protect my hands from too much sun exposure.
My clothing and shoes are more comfortable because it’s active wear. Think comfy bras, long-sleeve t-shirts, breathable pants, and running shoes.
I realized that I dislike driving and that I have been forcing myself to enjoy it. Not anymore. I will walk and bike whenever I can.
I experienced and learned about the barriers to biking: reduced mobility, health issues, unsafe paths, lack of shower facilities, lack of safe and secure bike parking, dangerous drivers, the upfront cost to get fully equipped (especially with children), and sometimes fear. As a result, I am taking action to make my city even more bike-friendly.
I have a new perspective and I am imagining a different way to live: not needing a car, quieter streets that smell good, working closer to home, fruit trees along paths, more paths for active commuting, more untouched green spaces, and yes, more parks.
On a hot summer’s day, I notice how certain areas like rivers and wild green spaces act as nature’s natural refrigerators. I look forward to feeling the cool breeze along these paths. Looks like I’m on my way to become and a water and nature protector.
I wear only protective hairstyles, think twits, braids, cornrows—no more Brazilian blowouts for me. Good thing—it’s expensive and it doesn’t last very long.

Now, I don’t want to paint a rosy picture. Here are some pain points:

It will get cold and I’m not looking forward to braving the Canadian winter.
Depending on where you ride, it can be noisy or stinky…possibly both. So, biking very fast through the noise and a holding ones’ breath comes in handy.
I'm feeling the effects of climate change. Extreme weather events are affecting my ride. The flooding in Quebec temporarily obliterated the bike path from Gatineau to Ottawa. The smoke from the wildfires created so much air pollution that I had to wear N95 masks when the smog was at its worst.
Not all businesses and small to medium-sized shopping plazas have secure bike racks. Sometimes I can’t park my bike right at my destination, so, having a long bike lock cable helps to secure my bike to a tree.
My partner’s tall, like professional basket baller type tall, so there aren’t any e-bikes on the market that are catered to their unique height. Although biking is best for me, it’s not the best for them. However, they haven’t stopped using our e-bike in full throttle mode to commute to work to beat the traffic—it’s just not that comfortable.

To wrap it up.

Making the change to sell my car and get an e-bike has been a great decision. It was also a very easy one. It's cheaper, great for the planet and my health. Also, I feel good actually doing something impactful to address the real and present threat of climate change. It took a bit of adjustment and planning, but after a short while, it became easier and the benefits outweigh the temporary discomfort.

I will keep biking for as long as I can. And now, paired with my e-bike, hilly terrains are no longer a barrier.

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