I've been thinking about this for a while, because I happen to live within 5 miles of my job. So I just gathered up my courage and decided to try this on a trial basis. I live in an area where there are alot of bike trails and greenbelts running thru the neighborhoods, so it really is a pleasant ride. I can easily make the ride in 25 mins. Of course, primarily I'm doing it for the exercise benefit, but there are a lot of fringe benefits also:

1) saving gas (!), especially since I normally drive a big ol' SUV
2) stress reliever (this is a BIG one for me)
3) environmentally friendly
4) energizes me for my day
5) makes me feel good about myself

It's such a pleasant feeling riding on the trails, being able to say "good morning" to the elderly couples out for their morning stroll, or the occasional dog-walker, and watching the birds, squirrels, and the bunnies hop across my path. You just don't realize what this does for your mental well-being and state of mind. So even though I started doing this for the physical benefits, I have to say that the emotional and mental benefits are just as, if not more, important!

I would bike to work if I didn't live 34.8km about 21.62 miles away. I really think you should go for it - you will love it! And them come join us in the 500 mile biking thread!

I would love to, but I live about 30 miles from where I work, and most of that is highway. I take the commuter bus, though, so I am saving on gas (and anxiety of driving in DC).

I'm really proud of my husband - he had heart surgery in 12/2003 and now he bikes to work, approximately 14 miles, and takes him about an hour. About 6 miles are bike trails, and the rest is street driving. In January he weighed 356 lbs and is now down to 245. He is simply incredible and each time I see him, I'm just Wowwed with a capital W. I've lost about 26 lbs since January by biking, but my weight loss is mostly from spinning. I'm not brave enough to do our biking trails alone - too much crime in our biking area in Columbus, Ohio and I don't particularly trust riding in the street - too many weirdo drivers.

I like riding my bike (in three seasons! ) but even though I only live 3.5 miles from work, the first 1.5 are on a busy two-lane road that has minimal shoulders and no bike trail. I usually have my bike in the car, and ride several evenings after work. Here I have access to a great bike trail that goes for miles and miles. And as of this weekend I have a new speedometer/odometer to I can tell how far, how fast, and how long I've gone.

Chaoskitty - your husband is awesome!!