Have you ever considered bike commuting to work? Maybe you have considered biking to the grocery store, appointments, to meet-ups in town, etc. If not, perhaps this blog will push you in the right direction to give bike commuting a try! I have been commuting to work (and all around Traverse City for various things) since the summer of 2021. In 2021, my husband and I bought a house closer to my work that made it more accessible to commute via bike year round. We also transitioned to a one car family pushing me even more into the commuter lifestyle. I have learned so much about commuting over the last four years and cannot imagine ever driving to work again!
It all starts with the right gear. This was tricky when I first started commuting to work. I did not have proper rain gear or a way to carry all of my things to/from work. I started off using a standard backpack. This worked out great until it would rain and then all of the contents of my backpack would get wet. I invested in a waterproof backpack and it has been a game changer. I highly recommend purchasing a good waterproof backpack! Speaking of waterproof, you will definitely need waterproof pants and a rain jacket. When it is really hot and humid in the summer, I found that wearing a backpack was making me even more hot and sweaty. This would lead to an uncomfortable start to my day. I ended up getting a bike rack installed on my bike and using panniers to carry what I needed to/from work instead of the backpack. This kept me much cooler and still allowed me to pack whatever I needed for the day. I learned that it can be useful to leave certain items in my pannier/backpack year round. For example, you never know when it is going to surprise rain on you, so I leave my rain jacket and pants packed. I also leave a headlight, taillight, and sunglasses in my pack. In the winter, I store extra gloves and a hat. You know what else panniers are good for? Carrying your left-overs from dinner back home!
I ride two different bikes to work throughout the year. I did not want to ride my summer commuter bike on the roads in the winter because of the salt that is put on the roads. My winter commuter bike has a durable frame and a belt drive. The belt drive has less metal parts that can rust from the salted roads. If you are considering commuting in the winter, it is helpful to be able to wash your bike frequently even with a belt drive. Winter can be harsh on the bike. Even just rinsing it off with a bucket of warm water is helpful! You know what else winter commuting is good for? Iceman training! Riding on snow is similar to riding on sand and we all know there will be sand on the course at Iceman! I know some winter commuters ride a fat bike, this would be a good option as well.
Commuting in Traverse City via bike has always felt safe to me. However, I am mostly riding in the downtown and nearby areas. I am not commuting on back roads or busy highways. With that being said, safety is still a factor always on my mind while riding. Using a headlight and taillight will increase your visibility and others ability to see you. You could also consider wearing a reflective vest. They even make vests with lights on them! As far as the routes I take to commute, I use the TART system, Boardman Lake Loop, and streets in town.
There are many benefits to commuting by bike. Financially you can save on gas, parking, and car maintenance. Of course there are physical benefits like daily exercise, mental health boost, and consistency. Riding a bike to work (or other commuting duties) creates zero emissions, causes less traffic congestion, and leaves a smaller footprint as a bike requires fewer resources to build, maintain, and park. It is practical with a predictable commute time, easy parking, and flexibility. You may feel more connected with your community and bond with other bike commuters.
Overall, I am so glad I gave commuting a chance a few years back. If you haven’t learned yet, I really love bikes and it’s pretty neat to be able to start my day riding my bike to work. It brings me joy and is also a great way to wake up! I encourage you to give it a chance as well! In the end, it will certainly make you stronger for a solid Iceman finish!
Thank you to Haleigh Dunn @life.with.haleigh for being our 2025 Iceman Trailbalzer!