She Strengthens

Getting Back on the Bike: A Fun and Frugal Way to Get Around

I dusted off my old bike skills about two years ago, and it’s been a game-changer. My partner and I would take leisurely rides, but we never used our bikes as a mode of transportation. That was until our city invested in improving its biking infrastructure.

Bike-Friendly Infrastructure Makes a Big Difference

With the introduction of separated bike lanes, we could ride from our doorstep to the downtown core without worrying about traffic. This boost in confidence led us to rethink our reliance on cars. We eventually sold our second vehicle, and I began walking to work or taking the bus. My partner would bike or take public transportation.

Upgrading Our Rides

We invested in new bikes, spending around $800 CAD each. It was a significant expense, but we wanted to make sure we had reliable rides for our daily commutes. The difference between our old bikes and the new ones was remarkable.

A Brief Detour: When Disaster Strikes

Just as I was gathering data for this post, disaster struck – my bike was stolen from our garage! Luckily, the police recovered it, and I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. The experience taught me a valuable lesson: always lock your bike and garage, and keep a record of your bike’s serial number.

The Cost Savings of Biking

I created a spreadsheet to track my bike usage and calculated the cost savings. In one summer, I saved $439.63 CAD ($335.17 USD) on gas and parking. That means my new bike will pay for itself in less than two years.

Beyond the Financial Benefits

Biking has many advantages beyond the financial savings. It’s a great way to stay active, reducing the need for separate workout sessions. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly mode of transportation, producing no emissions and reducing traffic congestion.

Joining the Bike Revolution

We’ve become bike converts, and it’s been a triple win for us. We’ve saved money, improved our physical health, and reduced our carbon footprint. If you’re considering making the switch to biking, I highly recommend it. The benefits are well worth the initial investment.