Bike…………………………..?

Timmy the Male Prostitute: Bike…………………………..?
How would a bike work as a first vehicle? Would it really be that hard in the winter? The roads are usually plowed, and I live in an area that doesn’t get much snow.I wouldn’t mind riding in the rain that much. Don’t mock me, just explain.

Answers and Views:

Answer by ?
To use a bike as your primary transportation is not unheard of. I’m sure there are many who do this. My brother-in-law is one such person. He teaches at Cal Berkeley and travels to San Francisco everyday also.I myself have been thinking of doing the same thing. I will not be going to and from work though, I retired in ’04. Still I am thinking of getting rid of my car, seeing my wife has a new one.
I think it is up to the person deciding this to convince himself it will work day to day. You have to ride more careful during the winter months, that goes without saying.

Answer by It’s That Guy
I use a motorcycle as my primary form of personal transportation. I do have a car, and I use it when it rains, or when I have something big to carry, but that’s not really very often. I live in California where I can ride comfortably all year, and it seldom rains here.

I know people (around here) who have only a bike, and they seem to do okay, though they occasionally have to ride in the rain. You can do it, it’s just a little more trouble hassling with the rain suit and booties if you don’t want to get drenched.

I don’t know how well it would work in snow. Even if the street is plowed, there’s black ice that could be deadly. Plus you’d have to dress up pretty warm, and I guess that’s not such a big deal because you’d have to anyway just to go outside. Good warm winterwear is a lot thinner and lighter than it used to be. If it was me, I think I’d have a car anyway for use on days when it’s snowing or sleeting.

Answer by Bryan
My bike is my primary source of work transport & when it rains I don’t mind putting on the extra gear but when it snows or there has been a frost after rain then there is no way I would go out on the road. I have, in the past, come off my bike because the front wheel went out from under me & when that happens at a reasonable speed there is no way but down.

Answer by Kojak
I agree with posters above black ice is deadly to a motorcyclist. I am a year round commuter and don’t own a car. But I live in fairly mild conditions without seasonal snow. If you decide to ride at all let alone year round, the advice I will trumpet for all I’m worth is: Invest in good gear, and you will enjoy the experience in a much broader range of conditions. Personally I went with lower range synthetic two piece. Versatile easy to take on and off, and if you look after it with a silicone spray extremely wind, cold and water proof. And cheap gloves usually fall to bits 😀 The other advantage is if you take a tumble, the synthetic gear wont beat leathers but you will at least have some skin left on your body when you get up 😀