Riding a bicycle in the Houston area gets you point-to-point at about a 12 MPH average speed. Driving a car point-to-point in the Houston area, very roughly, doubles the bicycle average speed to about 25 MPH. Case in point: from my northwest suburban home to the Houston Galleria business district, about 25 miles, it could take an hour on average to drive. Worse at peak times, better at slack times, but an hour is a typical average that I use for time budgeting.
The cost of driving is 60 cents per mile (according to the IRS). The cost of bicycling is about 1/10 of that, or $0.06 per mile (could be less, but these are my costs).
If I bike ride 25 miles, it will take me two hours. If I drive, it will take me one hour. But I'll save $13.50 in the process, so riding a bike "pays" me $13.50 tax-free for that extra hour spent. I would have to earn about $20 per hour before Federal income taxes and SocSec/Medicare deductions to get back $13.50 after-tax. Everything depends on my particular tax bracket, of course.
I like the thought that I get paid $20 per hour to improve my health, and see the outdoors and wildlife.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The 6/10 Morning report
Rode the Westview to Antione to Memorial to Shepherd to W. Alabama route this morning and hit an all time record on the number of Cyclecommuters. Including myself there were 12 and none going in the same direction as me.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Peter Wang joins BCH as a Contributor
Those of you who've not guessed by now Peter Wang has joined us as a contributor to BCH. Peter brings a lot of experience in both cycling and cycle commuting to these pages.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The biggest, most dangerous newbie mistakes
There are lots of newbie bike commuters out there; maybe you're one of them. If so, please read this list and please amend your ways if you are violating any of these laws or guidelines.
Flagrancies
Riding against traffic
Running stoplights and signs in the presence of other vehicles (you're relying on them stopping for you to continue living)
Riding at dawn / dusk / dark with no front light and no rear reflector
Sudden left turn from right side of road
Continuing straight through the intersection from the right side of a right-turn-only lane
Riding in the median of a roadway, between the two opposing directions of traffic
Curb-hugging. No, ride in the right tire track, or in the center if there is no shoulder or bike lane
Sidewalk riding where the sidewalk is frequently cross-cut by driveways, side-streets, or it has many pedestrians
No hand-signals
No looking back before you make a move
No helmet
No eyeglasses / sunglasses, sunscreen, water
No personal ID on you
Suggestions
Use a rear-view mirror
Wear a reflective vest and areflective ankle bands in low-light conditions. Wear bright clothing at all times.
Use a red rear light and a red rear reflective in low-light conditions
Carry a cell phone
Flagrancies
Riding against traffic
Running stoplights and signs in the presence of other vehicles (you're relying on them stopping for you to continue living)
Riding at dawn / dusk / dark with no front light and no rear reflector
Sudden left turn from right side of road
Continuing straight through the intersection from the right side of a right-turn-only lane
Riding in the median of a roadway, between the two opposing directions of traffic
Curb-hugging. No, ride in the right tire track, or in the center if there is no shoulder or bike lane
Sidewalk riding where the sidewalk is frequently cross-cut by driveways, side-streets, or it has many pedestrians
No hand-signals
No looking back before you make a move
No helmet
No eyeglasses / sunglasses, sunscreen, water
No personal ID on you
Suggestions
Use a rear-view mirror
Wear a reflective vest and areflective ankle bands in low-light conditions. Wear bright clothing at all times.
Use a red rear light and a red rear reflective in low-light conditions
Carry a cell phone
We need bike commuter access to METRO light rail
Please visit the Houston BikeTrain blog, and take appropriate action!
About bicycle education classes
ROAD ONE is the essential nine-hour classroom + road course which will teach you the essentials of riding on the road. It is offered several times a year at various locations throughout Houston.
BICYCLE COMMUTING is a follow-up course for Road One graduates. It will be offered on 6/28/08 and is not likely to be offered again for a long time. The truth of the matter is that not many people in the area have graduated from Road One, so the target audience is tiny.
Bicycle riding on the road is just about as complex as motorcycle riding on the road. Training is absolutely needed for a safe, enjoyable experience for both types of two-wheelers. You would not consider getting on a motorcycle without training and the right license, would you?
How to find Houston area bicycle education courses: CLICK HERE
BICYCLE COMMUTING is a follow-up course for Road One graduates. It will be offered on 6/28/08 and is not likely to be offered again for a long time. The truth of the matter is that not many people in the area have graduated from Road One, so the target audience is tiny.
Bicycle riding on the road is just about as complex as motorcycle riding on the road. Training is absolutely needed for a safe, enjoyable experience for both types of two-wheelers. You would not consider getting on a motorcycle without training and the right license, would you?
How to find Houston area bicycle education courses: CLICK HERE
Public Service Announcement: Peter Wang Offering Course on Commuting by Bike
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008, 10 am - 2 pm
Instructor: Peter Wang
Location: 851 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77079
Fee: $10
Description: For adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike. This three hour follow-up to Road I covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Successful completion of Road I is a pre-requisite for this course. If you have not done Road I you will not be turned away, but you may not get the full benefit out of the course. Bring a lunch, or money to buy your own lunch at area restaurants.
To register for this course, contact:
Phone: (281) 556-0923
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