Can you see yourself biking to work?

[Pat Coyle]

Even as the economic crisis has consumed our attention, issues of energy and the environment remain critical to our country's future. We need to use less energy and find cleaner ways to move. In Indianapolis, projects like the Cultural Trail will make it easier for bikers and walkers to navigate downtown. This is a hopeful sign, but is it realistic to think that a large number of Hoosiers will foresake their cars for bicycles? Can we change our habits? Even with the need for energy conservation and bike friendly thoroughfares, do you think YOU will actually bike to work any time soon? Please share your thoughts here.

[Damon Richards]

The biggest impediment to my biking to work has been the switch to daylight saving time. It's stays dark much longer in the morning during the summer months. I'm one of those EARLY risers. Like the Marines used to say, I get more done by 9 AM than most people do all day. Nonetheless, I have already ordered a headlight and will forge out on bicycle at least one day per week beginning in May and continuing until either darkness or cold force me to stop.

[Parke Ladd]

I'm with Damon. Biking is wonderful, but considering that moving where I need to go at the hours I need to get there, the darkness is a major impediment. However, the bike lanes are a much appreciated sign of positive progression in Indy. When can we get running lanes, as well? Can we do a Cali imitaion and get bike and walking lanes on every street? That would be amazing!

With all that said, I hate driving. Road trips are great, but the daily detail of driving short distances over long periods of time is terrible. I would rather bike to work, no questions asked, and I will gladly give up my "habit" of driving for a good bike ride. Is it really a habit if you're forced to simply conform due to a lack of alternatives? Who knows. Good for Indy. I look forward to further forward movement in this area!

[Brandon Sobotka]

I used to bike to work a couple of years back and then for some reason (laziness and convenience) I stopped. When I look back...that maybe my most productive time of my short career. I always felt great when I arrived at work. When I had a bad day I definitely didn't want to ride home, but when I did get home I had worked out my days stress and anger. Also, I was in great shape. So nothing but positives other than time constraints(maybe a little soreness at first), but I just adjusted my schedule and it worked out well. I've always thought about doing it again, especially if there were more bike friendly routes available.

[Amy Magan]

Carmel to Fountain Square doesn't feel too conducive to biking to work. However, now that the weather is warmer, we'll do more biking/walking to the grocery/pharmacy/bank.

[Alicia Oskay]

Living downtown and working downtown, biking to work was a relatively easy habit for me to implement. However, I am surprised at how many family and friends think I am absurd to bike when the sun starts to set or there is the slightest sprinkle. It's as if they think I will instantly get robbed or melt. I do have lights and some good clothing to help me through these less than prime times.

On a pouring or excessively snowy and icy day, I've been stuck by bike and must admit, I take my car more often than not if I know these weather conditions are coming. However, I have been known to layer up and bike in weather as ling as it's above 0 degrees (with wind chill) and no precipitation... thanks to the barclava and some good gloves! I love any excuse to get outside, especially when it's cold out as there is little that will bring me out otherwise.

I love the bike lanes on Michigan and New York. I rode to swim lessons with my tot yesterday.

Biking, as a way of transportation, did take the course of a year to implement and fully prepare what I need. To get a trailer and hitch, good clothing, lights, etc. But now, I prefer to travel this way. It's so freeing to bike, especially when it's dark in the evening or early morning... I feel like the city is mine!

[Justin Brady]

I don't think more people will start riding to work, but I hope more do. I find biking home after a long day to be totally stress relieving. Luckily living and working downtown it is a rather easy thing to. Though I am thankful for the addition of the cultural trail and bike lines for safety reasons.

[Laura Frank]

I would love to bike to and from work, but a few things keep me from doing it. First of all, I live in Castleton and work downtown. Second, biking in the dark...am I crazy to worry about safety? I don't think these are excuses, as I get up at 5:00 a.m. and run 5 miles each morning. Perhaps if I had a biking group to ride with, it would be more ideal.

[Doug Theis]

Only if I put a mirror on my bike. (grin)

I ride to work regularly in the summer. It's about 8 miles from the south side to downtown.

Regarding the risk of riding, much of it is perceived. I'd rather ride on 86th St at rush hour than on the Monon.

[Eric Froehlke]

I don't think it will be possible to use less energy in the future. With the natural population growth and new electronic devices released daily competing for our existing resources, I just don't think a "reduce energy use" strategy will fly. I do think we can use energy more efficiently, but, more importantly, we need to find ways of PRODUCING energy more efficiently.

That said, biking to work has never seemed practical to me. I usually carry a lot of things with me (e.g. laptop computer bag, books) that are difficult to carry on a bike. Also, after a 20 min. ride, I am going to need a shower.

I think the best bet for me would be a motorcycle.

[Annie Sever-Dimitri]

I will! I still work one day a week at Hoaglin To Go on Mass., and the ride down there at 7:00 am during the summer is brilliant! So many pretty flowers, dogs barking or riding in cars with their heads stuck out....my only problem is that I get caught up in the scenery and almost ride my bike into a phone poll! Totally worth the effort!

[Tamara O'Hearn]

I do bike to work--my hair was kind of mussed up at first, then I cut it and now it works! I am 43 and ride about three miles--it is not really just the right thing to do--it is a lot of fun.