Nobody likes their daily commute better than cyclists, according to Statistics Canada (Like Commuting? Workers perceptions of their daily commute (pdf)). Even though commuting cyclists may be few in number in most Canadian cities, those who bike to work are almost twice as likely (59%) to like their commute compared to workers who drive cars (37%). It is even higher than workers who walked to work (46%).
Does this come as a surprise to cyclists? I've had a lot of crappy days cycling, but I've had a lot more good days on my bike. The good days make up for all the things that try to ruin my commute, namely, angry drivers cutting me off, air pollution, or icy/salty streets. The good days are when I get to pass backed up cars, when I get to feel a nice breeze in my face, and when I realize that I'm looking better than I have in some time.
The same report points out that poor transit riders have longest commutes and are the least likely to like their commutes - only 28% of public transit users report liking their commutes. The Statistics Canada analysts found that the length of their commute had the biggest impact on the enjoyment of their commute. No big surprise. Being forced to take transit a few times in the recent snow storms makes me look wistfully out the bus window at the brave souls biking as I stand crammed waiting for the traffic to clear.
Comments
hamish (not verified)
yes, pity the captive car/transick users
Sat, 02/23/2008 - 22:09Despite the smearious risks of a lot of the cycling in Caronto, it's still the better way. At times you have to feel sorry for the motorists and transick captives who are stuck in traffic. It's too bad the City/TTC doesn't want to provide safer cycling, especially along the critical east-west routes in the lower west core - if it actually were safer, we'd likely see more bike traffic.
Dr. Steph
sigh
Mon, 02/25/2008 - 10:10I was just thinking about how much happier I am when I bike to work instead of walk/ttc. I'm not a winter cyclist (I'm a wimp about the cold and find the roads too icy/scary) and I can't wait until Spring so I won't be crammed into the subway anymore.
Luke (not verified)
I'm curious how many among
Mon, 02/25/2008 - 22:50I'm curious how many among the 41% of velo-commuters who didn't like their commute hold that viewpoint as a consequence of the pernicious effects of auto traffic. In my experience, the most common reasons for an unpleasant commute is not the weather, regardless of it being rainy, snowy, or sweltering, they are gridlock, exhaust/smog, and the usual repertoire of motorists' hazardous, negligent or idiotic proclivities -- all unintended consequences of the typical driver's commute.
In this respect many perceived detractions of cycling more rightly originate with motorists. Not only are drivers more discontented, they unwittingly make others like-minded.