The Joys of Bicycle Commuting: Freedom, Health, and Simple Living on Two Wheels
People always told me I was crazy for choosing to commute by bicycle. They couldn’t wrap their heads around why someone would opt for a slower, sweatier, and seemingly inconvenient way to get from point A to point B. But to me, crazy is sitting for 10 hours a day at a job, stuck in traffic, stressed, and inactive. Life is short—why not move through it with intention, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and the simple pleasure of riding?
Why Bicycle Commuting Is the Ultimate Simple Living Hack
Bicycle commuting isn’t just about transportation—it’s a lifestyle that aligns with homesteading, frugality, and self-sufficiency. Instead of burning gas and money, you’re fueling your body with movement, saving on transportation costs, and living a more intentional life. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with the world, and enjoying the little things—something so many of us forget in the rush of modern life.
For me, biking isn’t just about getting from place to place. It takes me back to my childhood, where I’d spend hours exploring on my bike, feeling completely free. It reminds me of riding through foreign lands, like the time I biked all the way to Panama, experiencing the world in a way a car never could. On a bike, you notice the details—the way the sun rises, the way the air smells after rain, the hidden corners of your town you’d never see otherwise.
The Health Benefits of Bike Commuting
Modern life is designed to keep us sitting—at work, in the car, at home on the couch. Biking fights against that stagnation. It:
✔ Boosts cardiovascular health 🚴♂️
✔ Increases energy and mental clarity ☀️
✔ Provides daily vitamin D exposure 🌿
✔ Burns calories and builds strength 💪
✔ Reduces stress and improves mood 😊
Instead of forcing myself into a gym, I get my movement in naturally. There’s something empowering about arriving somewhere knowing your own two legs got you there.
Making Bike Commuting Enjoyable
If you’re considering bike commuting but worry about discomfort, boredom, or inconvenience, here are some simple ways to make it a joy rather than a chore:
1. Listen and Learn While You Ride 🎧
One of the best things about bike commuting is the extra time to learn, reflect, and grow. Whether it’s listening to an audiobook, a Bible reading, or a language-learning course, the time you’d normally waste in traffic becomes productive, uplifting, and enriching.
Affiliate Link: Wireless Earbuds for Safe, Hands-Free Listening
2. Invest in Good Gear 🚲
A smooth, enjoyable ride starts with the right equipment. A comfortable seat, a quality helmet, and a durable bike can make all the difference. I’d recommend visiting a local bicycle shop and trying out the hybrid bicycles to determine which is most comfortable for you. I personally ride the Sirrus Specialized Hybrid while commuting and chose the Surly Long Haul Trucker to bike to Panama. My absolute favorite tires are the Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I’ve been able to ride thousands of miles without punctures! As for saddle, my personal choice is the Brooks B17, which is great for long distance cycling and touring. And I always cycle with a good helmet for safety.
Affiliate Link: Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tires
Affiliate Link: Bike Seat for Extra Comfort
Affiliate Link: Lightweight Helmet for Safety
3. Pack Smart 🎒
If you’re commuting to work, errands, or just exploring, a good bike bag or pannier keeps your essentials organized and prevents awkward, sweaty backpack rides. I ride with a rear rack, which can hold anything from a trunk bag to a tent. I also ride with back panniers which can hold my clothing, essentials and even laptop.
Affiliate Link: Rear Rack
Affiliate Link: Topeak Trunk Bag
Affiliate Link: Waterproof Panniers
4. Dress for the Ride 👕
Wearing moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics makes a big difference, especially in hot climates. A good pair of padded cycling shorts or leggings keeps you comfortable on longer rides. I like to ride in reflective colors to make it easier to be seen in traffic.
Affiliate Link: Windbreaker Bicycle Jacket
Affiliate Link: Reflective Bicycle Jersey
Affiliate Link: Padded Bicycle Pants
5. Stay Safe with Good Bicycle Lights 🔦
One of the biggest concerns with biking—especially in the early morning or evening—is visibility. A good set of front and rear bike lights keeps you safe and ensures drivers can see you. Whether you’re riding in traffic or on a quiet country road, bike lights are a must-have for safety.
Affiliate Link: Rechargeable LED Bike Lights for Night Riding
6. Navigate Hands-Free with a Cell Phone Holder📱
If you’re using Google Maps or a biking app to navigate, holding your phone while riding is unsafe. A handlebar-mounted phone holder keeps your phone secure and easily visible, so you can follow your route hands-free.
Affiliate Link: Top-Rated Bike Phone Holder for Safe Navigation
7. Plan Your Routes for Fun & Safety 🗺
Not all roads are bike-friendly, so finding the best routes with bike paths, scenic views, and less traffic makes every ride more enjoyable. Apps like Komoot and Strava help plan the best routes.
Affiliate Link: Best Bike GPS for Finding Safe, Scenic Routes
8. Bringing Your Pet Along for the Ride 🐶🚲
One of the best parts about biking is that it doesn’t have to be a solo activity—you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure! Whether you’re heading to the park, running errands, sitting on the patio of your favorite dog friendly restaurant, or just cruising around, a bike trailer for pets allows your dog to join in the fun safely and comfortably.
Benefits of Using a Pet Bike Trailer:
✔ Keeps Your Pet Safe – No worrying about them running into traffic or getting tired.
✔ Great for Older or Small Dogs – Perfect for pups who can’t keep up on long rides.
✔ Adventure Together – Turn ordinary bike rides into shared experiences with your pet.
✔ Ventilated & Comfortable – Many trailers come with mesh windows for airflow and a smooth ride.
Affiliate Link: Top-Rated Bicycle Trailer for Pets – Safe & Comfortable Ride for Your Furry Friend
If your dog loves exploring but can’t always keep up, this is the perfect way to include them in your biking lifestyle while keeping them safe and happy. Just clip them in, pack some water, and hit the road together! 🚲🐾
Biking & Homesteading: The Perfect Match
Homesteading is about living simply, frugally, and self-sufficiently. Biking fits perfectly into that lifestyle:
✔ Saves Money – No gas, no insurance, no car maintenance. Just you and your bike.
✔ Reduces Waste & Emissions – Less pollution, fewer car-related expenses, and a smaller environmental footprint.
✔ Slows Life Down – Instead of racing through traffic, you take things at a natural pace.
✔ Connects You to Nature – You experience the seasons, the weather, and the land in a way you never could from a car.
Final Thoughts: Is Bicycle Commuting for You?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in a car, frustrated in traffic, and chained to an expensive, sedentary lifestyle, try switching things up. Even biking just a few days a week can change your perspective, improve your health, and add joy to your daily routine.
People called me crazy for choosing to commute by bike, but I think I’d be crazy not to. Life is meant to be lived, experienced, and felt. And for me, that happens best on two wheels. 🚴♀️
Would you ever consider commuting by bike? Let me know at our BLeaves Farms Instagram or Facebook page! And if you’re ready to start your biking journey, check out my recommended gear above to make your ride as enjoyable as possible. Happy cycling! 🌿🥜
