Comments on: Why I Go By Bike : Doug Rozelman

By: Dee

Dee — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:18:06 +0000

Oh how I’d love to sell my truck. I consider it every single day. The only reason I haven’t yet is because I’m in the Army and I get sent to different schools and temporary assignments so often… it would really be a pain to find a rental in a semi-rural area. So I end up keeping this expensive chunk of metal just so I can haul my stuff around for a while. I do think that after this next move I will be able to sell it though, and depend only on my bicycles and the occasional rental car after that. Good luck with it, Doug. Bicycling for daily errands and work is the best thing I’ve ever committed to.

By: jdc

jdc — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:00:23 +0000

I’m also a shop wrench. I live in a snowy area. I usually pull my car off of the road in April and ride until the end of October, where my insurance company puts my car back on the road for the winter months. This year I phoned them and told them to pull my car off of the road for the winter as well. The agent replied “you mean ON, right?” I assured her that I meant to return to fulltime commuting by bike. For the record, I’m 50 yrs old and have only had a licence for 10 years, being that I’ve been a year-round bicycle commuter for most of my life. I rarely drive anyways and will sell my car and buy a new track bike for my stable as a reward, lol. It most certainly IS possible to use a bike as a main mode of transportation. The hardest part is convincing your mind to get comfortable with the idea in inclement weather.

By: Bike Shop Girl

Bike Shop Girl — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:20:15 +0000

Doug -

I think we found your dream girl!

By: Halley

Halley — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:43:42 +0000

I sold my car two years ago, and except for one occasion when I was provided with a rental car, I haven’t used one since then.

I am a professional musician and a social worker. Up until about 7 months ago, I kinda used my bike for short trips, but often went by bus. I have spent a good part of this last year figuring out transportation for my gig gear (a custom built 5′ trailer) and just how many groceries I can purchase.

A hint. For the big grocery days, bring your panniers into the store (I clip mine to the side of the cart!) gives me visual reference.

Also, I don’t know how it is on your side of the world, but here in Portland, OR when I go on a first date, if they don’t roll up on two-wheels,it’s the nail in the coffin for me.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:59:03 +0000

Your new Bicyclifestyle sounds exciting – and we wish you all the best as you take on this new philosophy. Here’s a few tips, from your cousin (and her Chevy Tahoe) to help you avoid the bumps…

1. Get a nifty little handlebar basket for those trips to the grocery store
2. Don’t EVER bike to a first date…

Love you and look forward to continued reading!!

By: Nikki

Nikki — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:27:49 +0000

Great article Doug! I look forward to growing with you on your journey as I myself continue to embrace a healthier and eco-friendly lifestyle.

By: welshcyclist

welshcyclist — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:24:09 +0000

Go for it Doug,

By: DougRoz

DougRoz — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:32:44 +0000

Thank you all for the warm welcome! My daily experiences will mainly serve as upcoming content, but I am always open to suggestions and new ideas. Stayed tuned for more!

By: Thomas Brock

Thomas Brock — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:38:26 +0000

Congratulations, Doug! And welcome to the bike commuting world.

Don’t feel bad about any sort of mis-steps. They’re just learning experiences along the way.

You’ll be fine and enjoy life just a bit better for it!

By: Ringer

Ringer — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:44:51 +0000

I had a similar realization after I bought a new bike back in spring 2008. I lived close to work/school and suddenly realized, “I don’t need a car. I have a bike!” I sold my car and have gotten around primarily by bike ever since–except for longer trips, for which my wife’s car comes in quite handy.

She and I recently moved to Tennessee–not the most bike friendly place, but I’m within a mile of where I teach and we have a brand new bike/pedestrian path near us that takes us to grocery stores, restaurants, and our favorite frozen yogurt place. We’ve embraced the idea of biking if the trip is within 2 miles, and boy is it a wonderful life.

Good luck, Doug!