5 Steps To Kick the Auto Commuting Habit

When was the last time you thought about your commute method? Have you ever thought about it? Could there be an alternative you haven’t considered?

Making a change, whether it is to commute via bicycle or to quit smoking, follows some basic steps. Here are some steps on the road from automobile to bicycle:

Step 1 – Status Quo

I am a regular auto commuter. Bicycling seems silly or impractical. Why should I change how I get to work? Bicycling takes too much time & effort. What’s in it for me?

Bicycling is a viable alternative to auto commuting. Yes, it takes some time, but it’s time that you do or probably should be spending in the gym. It’s also a lot of fun to get out into the air every morning and have something to look forward to at the end of the day.

Step 2 – Contemplation

I am a regular auto commuter, but maybe there is a better way. I know a guy at the office who rides in, but he’s in great shape. My boss also bikes at lunch. I think I could bike that far, but not before work or every day. I also realize that my first rides will probably be a lot slower than my driving trips. After a while, though, I’d probably speed up as I got into better shape. Still though, I’m not convinced that I can do it.

Almost anyone can bicycle to work, but it does take some time, effort, and planning.

Step 3 – Preparation

I am a regular auto commuter, but I think I’d like to try bicycling one of these days. I can see that bicycling is a reasonable alternative to driving, but it does take some effort on my part.

Start small. Don’t try to commute every day at first. Instead, pick one day a week where you’ll bicycle in. Read on-line resources for the beginning bicycle commuter so you get an idea of what to expect and what kind of resources you’ll need for commuting. Take a trip to work on an off-day like Sunday, to get an idea of how long it will take. Set goals and write them on your calendar like "bicycle to work on this Friday." Watch your progress, but don’t be disappointed if you don’t make it some days. Look to the future instead of the past.

Step 4 – Action

I bike to work once a week now. It was tough at first, but it’s getting better now. I made some mistakes at first (like forgetting my socks), but I have a routine. My friends have noticed my better moods and they say they like the change!

Keep up the good work! Enlist the support of friends and others who bicycle commute.

Step 5 – Maintenance

I make it a habit to bicycle commute once a week, but I don’t have to stop there. Some weeks I bike twice or even three days. I also meet and bicycle with others who share my commitment. Maybe this winter I’ll ride some days, too.

Share your success story with others. Find more people who have taken the plunge and learn their stories. Stay motivated by setting written goals and working to achieve them.