The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: reformingSucka on November 07, 2017, 09:35:08 AM
-
UPDATE:
I decided to bike to work. Nearly one month in and I am loving it. There is a learning curve though, like the one time I forgot to pack my work clothes in my backpack. Also, the ride home is all up hill. So that is a two-for-one deal, I get home and I get some exercise. Thanks for the encouragement everyone!
Hello MMMers,
I have been struggling with whether or not to start walking to work. It is about a 30 minute walk, or aprox. 2 miles each way. The total estimated savings is $1400 a year in parking costs alone - I have to pay to park at work. I don't have a car payment, so gas and maintenance would be the additional costs. Biking is not a viable option in the area.
So why haven't I done this already? I would have to wake up and be out of my house by 6 am and I don't want to lose my parking spot - they have a lottery to get parking in the area, and even for what I pay now - it's a deal. Also, this may be a silly reason - but I like the option of going back home during lunch or day if something at home needs my attention.
Advice and thoughts greatly appreciated!
-
How come biking isn't an option? How often do you actually go home during the day, and how much would it cost to drive only when that is necessary?
-
You could also run/jog? Not sure how fast your mile time is, but its quicker than the 30 min walk. Currently I bike 3.5 miles each way, but have been tossing the idea around of running instead. My employer charges for parking also and I WILL NOT pay money to show up for work. Another idea would be a scooter or one of those electric unicycles/skateboards for the sidewalks.
-
Yes to both questions.
Your situation is the perfect situation to any mustachian! I would love to be able to walk to work, but there are literally <10 houses within walking distance of work and none for rent.
Also, like MMM says, if there are paved roads, then it's viable for biking.
-
Two miles! You're being ridiculous and yes, you should be facepunched :)
Let's say you work 50 weeks out of the year, that's 50*5*4 miles=1000 miles of driving/year, plus $1400 just for parking. Starting an engine from cold is harder on an engine and also diminishes fuel efficiency.
Not clear why you think biking is not an option. If it's because you don't have a place to store the bike at work then get a folding bike, or even a scooter for adults (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Fuzion-Cityglide-Adult-Kick-Scooter/dp/B00O84TLCC). By bike your commute should be about the same as by car, perhaps slightly longer by scooter.
If hills are an issue then get an ebike.
For the amount you pay for parking/year you can get a folding electric ebike with beefy wheels (for snow, dirt, etc) - https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike
-
How come biking isn't an option? How often do you actually go home during the day, and how much would it cost to drive only when that is necessary?
Biking is not really an options as I live in a rather hilly, narrow, and very busy (traffic area) with no bike lanes, I see a near-miss or minor accidents in the area happen weekly.
I probably go home 2-3 times a month - not for lunch, I brown bag. But I do sometimes forget work-related things at home that I like picking up during my lunch hour.
The cost of parking per day can vary from $8-20 dollars, depending on events going on in the area. Uber/Lyft during high commute times costs about $4-8+ dollars each way.
-
Two miles! You're being ridiculous and yes, you should be facepunched :)
Let's say you work 50 weeks out of the year, that's 50*5*4 miles=1000 miles of driving/year, plus $1400 just for parking. Starting an engine from cold is harder on an engine and also diminishes fuel efficiency.
Not clear why you think biking is not an option. If it's because you don't have a place to store the bike at work then get a folding bike, or even a scooter for adults (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Fuzion-Cityglide-Adult-Kick-Scooter/dp/B00O84TLCC). By bike your commute should be about the same as by car, perhaps slightly longer by scooter.
If hills are an issue then get an ebike.
For the amount you pay for parking/year you can get a folding electric ebike with beefy wheels (for snow, dirt, etc) - https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike
Yes, yes. I need to cure myself of clown car disease. And the motorized bike is an option I had not thought of, thanks! The motorized bike would also solve the few times a month that I may need to go home during the day.
-
How come biking isn't an option? How often do you actually go home during the day, and how much would it cost to drive only when that is necessary?
Biking is not really an options as I live in a rather hilly, narrow, and very busy (traffic area) with no bike lanes, I see a near-miss or minor accidents in the area happen weekly.
I probably go home 2-3 times a month - not for lunch, I brown bag. But I do sometimes forget work-related things at home that I like picking up during my lunch hour.
The cost of parking per day can vary from $8-20 dollars, depending on events going on in the area. Uber/Lyft during high commute times costs about $4-8+ dollars each way.
And there aren't any side streets that cut through the busy areas? I rarely take the same path biking that I would driving. I usually take side streets and only cross busy roads. Sometimes it makes it slightly longer.
Forgetting something at home 2-3 times per month is a silly reason to not walk. If you are on foot, you'll probably make sure to not forget things and/or do without them.
Have you tried walking yet? At least give it a go for a week. You'll likely find it is so much more enjoyable that it is worth whatever minor additional hassle it creates for you.
-
If Uber is $4-8 each way, I'd argue that's cheaper than driving. The Uber fee basically offsets the parking fee. Then let's say 25-50 cents per mile for gas, depreciation, maintenance, etc.
-
Personally, I'd walk. (Well, actually I'd do my damnedest to find a way to bike because that's like a five minute easy bike ride . . . but if that was really out, then I'd walk). You've got a huge potential savings for pretty minimal input, and it's good for the soul to spend some time outdoors on a daily basis. Listen to some books on tape, podcasts, or music to maximize your time while walking.
I used to forget things when I started cycling regularly. You learn fast.
-
Another idea would be a scooter or one of those electric unicycles/skateboards for the sidewalks.
One of these bad boys. http://rynomotors.com/the-ride/easy-riding/
-
I'm jealous. I would LOVE to walk to work. As someone else mentioned, you could always jog one direction if you are a running type. Jog home, or leave a stash of clothes at work on Monday and jog to work (if they have showers) and then walk home in the evening. What a lovely problem to have.
-
Yes you should walk, that's nothing of a commute, and I can't believe you drive and pay to park!!
-
How come biking isn't an option? How often do you actually go home during the day, and how much would it cost to drive only when that is necessary?
Biking is not really an options as I live in a rather hilly, narrow, and very busy (traffic area) with no bike lanes, I see a near-miss or minor accidents in the area happen weekly.
Have you used google maps to look for a bike route? It took me ages to figure that one out. The biking path is almost never the same as a driving route. Unless you live in a place with extremely limited road service (sounds unlikely based on the dangers you mentioned) it would probably give you a route on some pleasant side roads.
As an aside, I drove down the big main artery road in my area to merge onto the highway for 10 years before I ever realized it went right along the river, and there is beautiful riverside bike path that goes alongside and beneath it. Very safe and very pretty. I couldn't believe it had been there that whole time and I never knew (you can't see it from the road, and vice versa).
-
Bus??
-
Eh, I think it's worth a shot to try walking--can you try walking for a few weeks and not lose the parking spot? I walk to work nearly every day--it's less than a mile for me, but it did take me some time to get used to it, and get proper gear for walking in winter.
Just start doing it tomorrow, right away, and see how it goes.
Do you absolutely have to be at work at a particular time each day? I walk but have a flexible schedule so if I show up at 7:15 vs. 7:30, it's no issue. I find that walking in the morning is a great way to wake up. You can also listen to music or audiobooks or podcasts, just like you would in the car, but I find it nice to be outside, enjoying the fresh air, sunrise, etc..
I'll admit I have driven to work (or gotten a ride) when it's below -10 F, because I've learned that's my temperature limit (and my husband is concerned I could slip on ice and freeze to death). I plan easy lunches I can bring to work--and if you ever forget lunch, it's a good excuse to order something in, or walk to a nearby place for lunch.
Also, co-workers know I walk to work and have offered to give me rides home if weather is bad--rainy, snowy, whatever. I have only ever taken someone up on this offer once in all my years of walking, but it's surprising how generous people are if they know you'll be hoofing it.
-
Although the early-AM departure is off-putting - you should DEFINITELY walk!
Before I got engaged I used to walk to work from my condo. It was approximately 1.25 miles each way. It was FANTASTIC exercise (I could practically eat whatever I wanted & not gain any weight!!) and a really great way to decompress after a busy work day. I also saved ~$85.00/month by not having a bus pass.
I now live much farther from my job & my daily commute is a 30-45 minute (each way) bus ride. I miss my walking :(
-
LOL yeah you need a face-punch. You've come to the right place! :)
Try it a few times. I bet you end up liking it! I live 7 miles and was able to get walk/run down to 1hr 15min each way. I loved it but too much time away from home (fam time), so I bike instead (30min)
And Uber/Lyft is cheap enough it's a backup option in case you need to leave the office for a bit, etc.
good luck!!
-
Four miles a day is absolutely nothing to walk and you may even prefer it to biking (and you should definitely at least do this), but I guarantee there's a safer way to get to work that you haven't considered by bike.
-
I would definitely walk that. I walk almost two miles most days during my lunch break at work anyway.
-
Definitely walk. I walk 45 min each way to work. I could bike in 15 min but I知 walking for the extra benefits of the exercise, best exercise you can actually. If I want/need quicker, or it痴 raining or whatever lame-ass excuse comes up, I just use the train or taxi/Uber.
-
Honestly, I think the biggest problem with the situation is that there isn't enough distance. Another 8 miles and it would be a fun bike ride, another mile or two would be a fun jog. As it is it's just slightly longer than I'd prefer to walk.
-
I'd absolutely walk (if biking was really out of the question). Over such a short distance, though, you could certainly afford to take a less-direct, more bike friendly route.
-
Is there a sidewalk to ride a bike on for the worst sections? I dont really like biking on sidewalks but if there are no other good options. Also there is cycling to work and there is riding a junker bike to work, two miles is not worth spandex and a shower but a casual ride on a 'bar bike' might be ok.
At the very least you need to try to get into the habit of walking.
Do you pay for the parking spot even if you dont use it on a given day?
-
2 miles? I love biking, but I would walk. Almost not worth breaking out a bike and having to park/lock it for that much distance.
-
It probably takes you longer than 30 minutes (I doubt you walk 4 mph...) if it's 2 miles, probably 2/3 hr or 40 mins at a brisk pace (3 mph).
Paleeeeeeeeze! Drive???????????????????? NONONONONONONONO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
99% of the time when people say "biking is infeasible due to circumstances" it turns out to be bullshit. You are no exception.
"But I can't there are hills!"
Think of them as opportunities to build muscle.
"But I can't there are cars!"
Find another route, ride on the sidewalk, or just get used to riding in traffic. Plenty of people do it.
"But I'll lose my parking space!"
You live TWO MILES from work. What the hell would you need a parking space for? You can walk that distance (and I have) when it's 30 below and the snow is knee-deep.
It blows my mind that you are paying money to drive to work when you could easily get there for free and get a workout into the bargain. Okay, two miles isn't really a workout, but it's a hell of a lot better than the sitting on your ass you're currently doing.
Walking is an acceptable option, but biking would allow you to go home at lunchtime if you want. An e-bike is not necessary. You do not need a motor to go TWO MILES. Don't be a wimp.
-
I walk a bit under 2 miles each way for my commute. Its superb! Do it. I used to cycle commute longer distances but now that I live this close, walking is in many ways better. So much less fuss at each end than with a bike (eg getting ready, checking bike, helmet (Aus), potential lights, locking bike, etc, etc).
After a while your speed will increase and you'll get your time down. I'm an insanely fast walker, my commute I can do in 20minutes. Most of my colleagues take twice as long to get to work via bus or car.
-
2 miles is nothing. I'd skip the walk/bike debate and rollerblade it. It would be so much fun!
And before you say you can't rollerblade on hills, you can. They have brakes, you can slalom the steep bits and going uphill is easy, you just take short steps.
For $1400/yr you could get some sweet sports equipment to make your commute into playtime.
-
I ride my bike 18 miles each way to work. You really have no excuse not to walk. Here, take my face punch.
-
I would walk. I never did have that kind of commute, but long ago and far away, I lived in the DC area.
First rental, I walked 0.6 miles to the metro. Took the metro (orange/blue) then walked 0.4 miles to work. So it was only 1 mile.
Last rental, I walked 1 mile to work. And walked home most days. Sometimes I bummed a ride.
So I've done 1 mile each way. It was great. It was $75-100 a month to park at work or anywhere nearby. Luckily for me, the majority of the walk could be completed underground for rainy/ snowy days.
-
FACE PUNCH!
WALK ALREADY!
You will love it.
-
walk!
for a halfway step, you could take Lyft in the morning and make the walk home more leisurely, like if you want to make phone calls as you go, or stop for an errand on your way.
or maybe do a slow jog if you want to get there faster
-
Start playing Pok駑on Go and get that dopamine from hatching a 5k egg every day. (I'm not being sarcastic, I walk that much on my lunch break to play and I wish I could afford to live walking distance to work to have opportunities to walk more). You will be addicted to walking to work for sure.
-
I was recently laid off from a 1.8mile door to door commute. I miss it dearly.
I walked, biked, and skateboarded to work. Skateboarding was my favorite way to get back and fourth to work - took about 12 minutes and was a fantastic workout. Went through shoes like they were candy though, and took a few wipe-outs that are tougher now that I'm not a child. A couple good hills to slalom down on the way home (more uphill on the way to work) was a thrill. I found that 2 miles on a bike can be a good exercise on a 1 speed if you have a good hill or two to climb.
I didn't have to pay to park, so I did drive if I was running late or the weather was bad. I hate being cold, so I drove a good part of the winter since mornings are often below 20 degrees or so - although it was still cold in the car - but it was much shorter.
I lost 15lbs one summer while I was also counting my calories.
I figure to drive 1.8 miles to work is $337/year at 54 cents per mile (the government rate). I could drive every day if I wanted. But I preferred the quiet walk to work with a nice walk home in the afternoon with my daughter (her school was right next door to my work). I found that I actually would walk different routes to make my walk a little longer if it was nice out.
Most people spend 30 minutes each way in their car listening to talk radio and morning shows - ugh. I spend it on my feet waking up, listening to the birds, enjoying the sound of the water in the creek, watching the seasons change, and enjoying the sunrise or sunset depending on the time of year. Talking to my neighbors if I walk by someone that wants to say hi - I know this is a novel concept. Petting someone's dog. Giving a big smile to everyone I see. Complimenting the young neighbor on the remodel of a run-down house in the neighborhood when I see them fixing it. Having great discussions with my daughter has been priceless, and as she grows and the discussions become more mature, it's even better - time well spent that I often miss when I'm home just because there is so much to do.
I DO spend a LOT more money on shoes. I want good shoes that last a while and won't mess up my feet. Probably offsetting the actual cost of the commute, but quality of life is way better. A good pair of walking shoes each year is about $50-100.
The new job is only 1 mile door-to-door - still the same wonderful path. The same distance walk too since I still have to take my daughter to school which is closer to my old companies building.
Just try it. I bet you like it.
-
If you're not a fan of biking, perhaps because of work clothes, get a scooter! This distance would be so easy to cross on a scooter!
-
I am beyond jealous!
I live 28mi from work. It sucks. It sucks big time. It sucks the life out of me. Its shit on a stick.
The silver lining for me is that DW is only 2mi from her workplace. She bikes it regularly and actually enjoys her 30min RT commute.
I sit in a car for 90 min a day (if I'm lucky). When it gets bad, its 120+ min. I get to enjoy all humanity has to offer during this time. There's not much positive out there in rager cager land.
I know I don't have all that much longer to do this though. That keeps me partially sane.
A 2mi walk would be a damn happy rainbow dream for me.
-
At various times I've commuted by foot, bike, transit, and car.
Walking to work is by far the best. It's relaxing, clears your mind, and kind of zen. Also great for your health.
-
I will be waking! I知 going to start with a couple times a week, and tradition to full time soon. Since my parking requires a months notice, I知 going to transition into full time walking by 2018. Thanks for the face-punches :) and motivation!
-
I probably go home 2-3 times a month - not for lunch, I brown bag. But I do sometimes forget work-related things at home that I like picking up during my lunch hour.
Be organised or do without. Walk.
-
Great decision! Get some podcasts and some headphones and enjoy the savings! Put your parking fee to work before you start to spend it.
-
I will be waking! I知 going to start with a couple times a week, and tradition to full time soon. Since my parking requires a months notice, I知 going to transition into full time walking by 2018. Thanks for the face-punches :) and motivation!
Let us know how it goes! :)
-
Awesome sauce! *Two big thumbs up!*
-
Walk or buy an autoped. With that you can easily switch between walking when necessary and speeding up when you can.
-
I will be waking! I知 going to start with a couple times a week, and tradition to full time soon. Since my parking requires a months notice, I知 going to transition into full time walking by 2018. Thanks for the face-punches :) and motivation!
Let us know how it goes! :)
I am near the end of month 1 - I ended up deciding to ride my bike! And loving it so far! There is a learning curve... like the day I forgot to pack my work clothes in my backpack. And my ride back home is all hill - which I guess is a 2 for 1. Exercise + getting home. Thanks!
-
I am near the end of month 1 - I ended up deciding to ride my bike! And loving it so far! There is a learning curve... like the day I forgot to pack my work clothes in my backpack. And my ride back home is all hill - which I guess is a 2 for 1. Exercise + getting home. Thanks!
Well done. It is indeed best to have the bill on your way back. This way you can get to work non-sweating without a need to shower and sweat on your way back.
You could consider putting a complete set of clothes in your office, for just in case. My DH usually has some clothes at work, as he bikes often.
-
I am near the end of month 1 - I ended up deciding to ride my bike! And loving it so far! There is a learning curve... like the day I forgot to pack my work clothes in my backpack. And my ride back home is all hill - which I guess is a 2 for 1. Exercise + getting home. Thanks!
Right on! One of us . . . one of us . . .
(http://i.imgur.com/cQRP1Jy.png)
-
I am near the end of month 1 - I ended up deciding to ride my bike! And loving it so far! There is a learning curve... like the day I forgot to pack my work clothes in my backpack. And my ride back home is all hill - which I guess is a 2 for 1. Exercise + getting home. Thanks!
That's awesome news! Good for you for making that change! :)
-
Yay! Welcome to the club :-)
-
Way to go!!
-
I'll echo everyone's support! Welcome to the club and congrats on doing it in winter! You're harder core than I am!
-
More support from me, for including some walks occasionally!
My walking commute is a minimum of 2.6km each way, if I walk the exact optimum route. There are a million options (inner city with lots of parkland) though so its often a couple of hundred metres or so more. I often also will duck past the supermarket, or drop off/pick my daughter up from School too.
I've had this commute (new home and work location) since March 2017. In that time I've had about 8 weeks off, of it, inc work trips away.
I've been training in the gym, though this is very much muscle building/toning (not body building, aiming for strength endurance overall), and my diet has improved a little more. But I've lost 8-9kg in that time. I suspect that diet is about 2kg of that, gym 1kg. The rest, the walking commute.
You don't have to walk, or bike everyday, you can mix it up. Say one day per week do the walk, or bike in, leave the bike, walk home, walk in, bike home, etc. Its good to vary your fitness excercises :-) Walking commuting I love...I used to bike commute, but much prefer the lower futz factor of walking. I just change my shirt if its hot weather. I don;'t have to worry about safe storage of my bike at each end, locks, etc. Don't have to ever worry about helmet and lights. If its wet, its much much easier (even with excellent mudguards and flaps) to stay dry and comfortable walking, using an umbrella (a good quality one works well in high wind). Don't ever have to worry about punctures and other mechanical bike issues that could come up.
But its great to see everyone with support in here and the OP doing a bike commute! YOU BADASS!!!