ADAP7IVE
This is a complex issue, so please bear with my long explanation. I've had much luck on the site before, so I'll leave it to my fellow Answers members to help where they can.
I'm seriously considering going car-free and using only a bicycle (and public transit if the need arises) for transportation once I move to Chicago. Bike commuting sounds like a cost-effective, fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly way to go, but my parents insist I'm an idiot for a) not keeping a car, and b) paying over $1000 on a bicycle and equipment (get a $100 wal-mart bike instead, my dad says).
From my research and talking to friends who bike-commute (one who hasn't owned a car since 1989 and manages with two young kids), $1000 is on the low end of decent functional bikes, whatever they're built for. In addition, riding a wal-mart bike is far less comfortable than a "decent" functional bike, and will probably kill my opinion of commuter cycling as well as my physical ability to ride for long distances.
I had attributed my family's response to the strong car culture in the US (cars are for adults, bikes are toys), but the strength of their aversion to the idea is giving me doubts. I guess I'm looking for a wider survey on whether I'm totally off on my idea or if I'm nuts to expect that a bicycle is a viable mode of transportation in Chicago, IL for a legal professional. Thanks for your help, everyone.
PS Yahoo's categories are biased, too: the transportation section refers specifically to cars, without a cycling subsection, so I posted in the sport section, where cycling is placed.
That's true, I don't know much. I haven't even owned a bike for ten years. But I'm convinced the theory is sound.
I should have been more specific: I'm going to be living in East Hyde Park. I just finished being a hermit for the CA bar exam, so no telling yet where I'll be working.
In light of all your helpful comments and my uncertainty of the length and terrain of my ride, I'm considering a touring bike. Perhaps a Surly LHT w/ disc brakes?
Answer
If a cycle is going to be your only form of transport then you need to get a reliable one, and 1000$ is the starting point for reasonable cycles.
Get along to a reputable cycle store, explain to the staff what you need the cycle for, and they will show you cycles that will be suitable, and reliable. All of the bigger cycle companies have a range of cycles that will suit you, so just try them out, and buy the one that feels right for you.
Don't forget that you are also going to need extras, such as lights, tool kit, pump, spare tubes, mudguards, probably a rack or panniers to carry things, and probably a complete sets of cycling suitable clothing, along with a helmet.
I can't help you with your family's attitude to your plan, but I can speak from experience and say that using a cycle as transport can work because I've done it myself.
Many years ago I realised that almost all of my driving was by myself, and mostly over short distances, so it made sense to ditch the car, and use my cycle to commute.
Whenever I needed a car, I hired one, and for most years the money I spent on car hire was less than what I would have been paying to insure a car.
I returned to car ownership when I changed jobs, and I couldn't afford the 2 hours a day it would take me to commute by cycle, although I did still do it 2 or 3 times a week.
Now my partner is disabled, a car is a necessity rather than a luxury, but I still cycle more each week than I drive alone.
If a cycle is going to be your only form of transport then you need to get a reliable one, and 1000$ is the starting point for reasonable cycles.
Get along to a reputable cycle store, explain to the staff what you need the cycle for, and they will show you cycles that will be suitable, and reliable. All of the bigger cycle companies have a range of cycles that will suit you, so just try them out, and buy the one that feels right for you.
Don't forget that you are also going to need extras, such as lights, tool kit, pump, spare tubes, mudguards, probably a rack or panniers to carry things, and probably a complete sets of cycling suitable clothing, along with a helmet.
I can't help you with your family's attitude to your plan, but I can speak from experience and say that using a cycle as transport can work because I've done it myself.
Many years ago I realised that almost all of my driving was by myself, and mostly over short distances, so it made sense to ditch the car, and use my cycle to commute.
Whenever I needed a car, I hired one, and for most years the money I spent on car hire was less than what I would have been paying to insure a car.
I returned to car ownership when I changed jobs, and I couldn't afford the 2 hours a day it would take me to commute by cycle, although I did still do it 2 or 3 times a week.
Now my partner is disabled, a car is a necessity rather than a luxury, but I still cycle more each week than I drive alone.
Rahm blasts Chik-fila bc it doesn't represent Chicago values.Do strip clubs, gang wars, sex shops represent?
TAT
Chicago values better?
Joe, Chickfila is not refuisng service or employment to anyone
Answer
Homosexuals make up less than 4% of the population. Christians make up a much greater percentage regardless of how it is defined. Why is it, according to politicians, so "wrong" to say anything negative about homosexual behavior but they have no qualms about bashing Christian beliefs?
Rahm is just telling the world that Chicago has no values.
JOE: Except liberals have banned certain cooking oils in restaurants, large soft drinks in NYC, require seat belts in cars, and require helmets to ride motorcycles or bicycles (in many places). So much for doing what I want with my body.
Homosexuals make up less than 4% of the population. Christians make up a much greater percentage regardless of how it is defined. Why is it, according to politicians, so "wrong" to say anything negative about homosexual behavior but they have no qualms about bashing Christian beliefs?
Rahm is just telling the world that Chicago has no values.
JOE: Except liberals have banned certain cooking oils in restaurants, large soft drinks in NYC, require seat belts in cars, and require helmets to ride motorcycles or bicycles (in many places). So much for doing what I want with my body.
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Title Post: Going Car-Free, Bicycle Commuting for a Legal Professional (Am I Missing Something)?
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