Commuting Question

I never worked in a nursing home so I cant answer that. Are you biking out of choice? Are buses available in your area? I also do not have transportation of my own at the moment. AT LEAST YOU GET YOUR EXERCISE!

Yes, it's out of choice. I don't have an automobile that I use for transportation, and I wouldn't want one. I sometimes take the bus to my community college, which is ten miles out. Sometimes, though, I decide to keep biking as the bus sometimes runs late -- at times half an hour late. Usually, I can bike faster than most motorists while in the city.

Yes, it's good exercise. I'm a biking enthusiast, so my commute is especially enjoyable to me.

Well, I've only worked in one nursing home and we don't have an employee shower but I imagine if you got there a few minutes early every day you could just grab a couple washcloths and duck into the bathroom to wipe down and change.

How long does it take you to bike 15 miles? I'm just wondering because I was thinking about doing that too. I don't know why- the last time I tried riding a bike around here I thought I was going to get flattened by a car- people drive excessively fast down these back roads.

Alright, thank you. Sounds good. I'll need to get to work earlier anyway to cool-down.

It usually depends on the terrain, but on flat-ground with my mountain bike with slick tires -- it takes me only an hour. Expect longer if you live in a ridiculously hilly area. An hour and a half if you're not an experienced bike commuter.

It's the same around here with the crazy drivers, especially in rush hour. I'm probably honked at at least once a day, and even when I use my hand signals I have cars trying to pass me while I'm trying to make a turn. I'd recommend caution, but keep in mind that less than 1% of cycling accidents are struck-from-behind collisions. I've been biking as a part of commuting for the last three years, and have never been in any kind of collision. And, of course, wear a helmet. It's actually required by law to wear one in my state (North Carolina).

I'm curious. Would nursing homes also allow you to bring your bike inside? There's a severe lack of any sort of biking facilities in my area, and I've never even seen a bike rack (apart from the one on my bus). I usually lock my bike onto poles, pipes, or large trees.

Thanks,

I have never biked to work but I give you major kudos for doing so. The nursing home I worked at did not have employee showers. I use to do reception during the day and work the floor at night so I would have change. I use to go into the employee bathroom and dress in there, tie my hair up, etc. It wasn't ideal but wasn't horrible either.

As long as the bathroom is spacy enough, that sounds fine. I doubt there will be many male employees so I shouldn't have any problem with privacy.

How long are your commutes, generally? There's usually twenty nursing homes every 15 miles here, and I'd be willing to commute 25 miles to work.

I think its great you are getting good exercise by biking to work and helping the environment!

Well, it also saves me a great deal of money. I only spend $100/yr on my bike(s) including maintenance, parts, and gear as I can repair most mechanical problems myself. Given my income, I couldn't afford a car either way.