I used to drive to the grocery store three times a week

Now I plan one big trip on Saturday and bike there with a big backpack. I started this about six months ago after seeing my gas receipt hit $80 for the month. Anyone else try switching to a bike for regular errands?

3 comments

3 Comments

ellis.victor2d ago

Tbh the "paper bag totally dissolved" part from maryshah is giving me flashbacks. I tried biking home with a frozen pizza once, thought I was being smart. Hit a bump, the box flew out of my backpack like a frisbee and landed right in a puddle. Had to eat soggy cardboard topped with regret for dinner that night. My bike errand phase lasted about as long as my gym membership.

the_jason24d ago

My cousin tried the whole bike errand thing in Austin last summer. He lasted three weeks before the 100 degree heat and sudden thunderstorms made him give up. That backpack system sounds great until you need a gallon of milk, a twelve pack of soda, and a bag of dog food all at once. Some of us just have bigger families or live in places where biking isn't safe or practical year round. Driving those short trips might cost a bit in gas, but the time saved and cargo space is worth it for my situation.

maryshah24d ago

Exactly, who has time to play Tetris with groceries on a bike rack? I tried biking to the store once when my car was in the shop. Got caught in a downpour with two bags of groceries, the paper one totally dissolved. Ended up with broken eggs and wet bread in the middle of the street. Your cousin's three weeks in Austin sounds about right, that heat would kill anyone's good intentions. Sometimes a car is just the right tool for the job, especially with a family.