Choosing the Right Ride
Should you drive or should you bike? We get it: it can be tough to decide which ride is more convenient. On the one hand, a car can take you to places you'd never reach on a bike; on the other hand, cycling helps you stay active and reduce your carbon footprint. So, when should you hop into the driver's seat, and when should you grab your helmet instead? Here are 10 times you should drive—and 10 when biking's the better choice.
1. Long Road Trips
If you're planning to go on a road trip, you're definitely going to want to drive—or take public transportation. In fact, any trip that takes longer than an hour on wheels probably warrants a personal vehicle, unless you're someone who packs light and likes spontaneity (and the exercise).
2. Bad Weather
How the weather is outside might also influence your decision to drive or bike. In heavy rain, snow, sleet, or fog, you don't want to be making the trek out without prioritizing your safety. You should also stick to driving if it's extremely hot or cold out.
3. Grocery Shopping
Planning to do some grocery shopping? While you certainly can bike to the closest supermarket to save fuel (and to get some exercise in), if you're buying items that may be heavy or difficult to lug home, it's best to drive instead. After all, you wouldn't want your groceries to spill out onto the road or weigh you down.
4. Traveling with Kids or Pets
Traveling with kids or pets? Unless you have a dedicated bike that can safely carry them, it's better to make the drive instead. Younger children will also need to be safely buckled when you're out and about, and a dedicated car seat is the more secure option.
5. When You're Coming Down with a Cold
While you probably shouldn't drive if you're sick—especially if you've taken cold medication—and should stay home and rest instead, driving is the better option when you feel like you're coming down with a cold. You wouldn't want your condition to worsen, after all.
6. Remote Locations
If you're going camping or heading to a remote location, it's probably best you make the drive out than take the bike. You'll at least have an extra layer of security in a contained vehicle when traveling through unmarked, unpaved roads than on a bicycle.
7. At Night
Planning to head out at night? Since there's reduced visibility in the dark, it's better to take the car than to bike. Without reflective clothing and other protective items to keep you safe, it can be hard for other drivers to spot you if you're biking along unlit roads.
8. When You're Sore, Achy, or Tired
Just like you might want to drive if you feel like you're coming down with something, you should also avoid driving when you're feeling sore or achy. Biking will only tire you out even more, so take the drive instead. However, if you're feeling drowsy, cross out both options and stay at home.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
9. Moving Heavy Items
Moving heavier items? It's better to drive than to lug them around on a bike. Plus, you'll be able to stack and transport more of them than you would if you were cycling out, meaning you'll make fewer trips.
10. Emergencies
It should go without saying that in cases of emergencies, you'll definitely want to drive than bike—unless the latter is the only option you have and you live in a rural area. Otherwise, being in a car will allow you to safely transport an injured or sick passenger, and will get you to the hospital much quicker.
But sometimes, driving doesn't have to be the go-to option. If you're looking to save fuel and get some physical activity in, let's jump into 10 instances when biking is the better choice.
1. Short Trips
If your destination is just around the block and you're too lazy to walk there, go by bike instead. That way, you'll get there faster and you'll get some exercise in—it's like hitting two birds with one stone.
micheile henderson on Unsplash
2. Light Errands
While you'll probably want to take the car for grocery trips if you know you'll be lugging home multiple bags of items, for lighter errands, biking might be the better choice. For example, if you're just heading out to an appointment, hop on a two-wheeler—you'll likely get there in half the time you would by driving.
3. Avoiding Traffic
If speed is a priority and you're heading out during rush hours, bike to your destination instead to skirt through all the traffic. While everyone else will be stuck waiting until the light turns green, you can take different lanes and shortcuts to get to where you need to go more quickly.
4. Avoid Parking Hassles
Just as you might bike to avoid getting stuck in traffic, biking is also the better option if you're looking to get around parking hassles. You can leave your bike almost anywhere as long as you have a lock with you, which can help you save time, effort, and money.
5. During Sunny Days
What's a better way to soak up all the natural light on a warm, sunny day than by biking? Sure, you probably wouldn't want to bike when it's raining, snowing, or foggy out, but to take advantage of those perfect weather days, hop on a bike.
6. To Get a Workout
If your days are often busy and filled to the brim with work, school, and other responsibilities, biking is a great way to get some exercise in without needing to carve out time to head to the gym. You'll be surprised by just how many calories a bike ride burns!
7. Explore Local Surroundings
Want to explore your local surroundings and head into remote areas you might not be able to access with a car? Then biking is the perfect option! You'll be surprised how many new things you'll discover, even if you've lived in the same city your whole life.
8. To Save Money
Owning a car is expensive, let alone driving one. The bills quickly pile up if you're always getting behind the wheel, as you'll need to pay for gas, regular maintenance, and car insurance. So, if you're looking to save money, bike more.
9. To Reduce Stress
Biking helps boost mood, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. This isn't just due to the release of feel-good chemicals, like endorphins, that happen when you bike or exercise—it's also because biking allows you to feel calmer and enjoy your surroundings more.
10. To Reduce Carbon Footprint
Looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Hop on a bike more often. Driving releases harmful gases into the environment that pollute the air we breathe, and even if you opt for public transportation or carpooling, these options still burn fossil fuels. Choosing to cycle instead helps cut emissions and create a cleaner, more sustainable planet, one ride at a time.
