Monnster

Yeah, I'm that guy. I once left for work in bad snowstorm. They closed the schools and I took back roads all the way to my work. When I was about half way there I remember saying to myself " you are an absolute idiot".

Turtle Speed

Currently I'm the only bike commuter in a place of about 50 employees. There used to be another, but she got fired after stealing from the store (lol). One of the managers rode to work one day, but hasn't done so since.

Virtually all of the comments I get are positive. Lots of stuff like, "Hey, where's your bike?" and "Did you ride to work today?" Not with a wiseguy attitude, but an interested one. A couple of people have asked me questions about bike commuting - how I navigate traffic, etc. Uneasiness around cars seems to be the biggest hurdle that prevents most people from riding.

Since I bike to university too, and it's in a suburban area surrounded by many arterial roads, people are always surprised and sort of interested to hear that I bike there too.

I don't tell anyone how I commute, but usually the cat gets out of the bag when they see me with my ride, or when I'm carrying my backpack and they see my helmet. Then they have the opportunity to start asking questions. Then you become an ambassador of sorts whether you intended to or not. Since I think bikes are good for people and good for the earth, life is pretty good being Bike Guy.

vol

Most are compliments, but here is the problem: the few odd looks come from those who have more or less power. There is one or two that are habitually jealous of others who know better how to enjoy life. Then there are the bores who think you are supposed to show up in suit and tie with a briefcase in hand; coming in with a bike gives the impression that you are unprofessional. The latter is essentially subconscious jealousy.

Those of you who have a boss that also rides a bike are lucky!

DrakeSuperbus

If anyone considers me crazy, it is because I am the only 4 season commuter at work, not because I ride in general. There are a couple other fair weather commuters who will ride in on occasion when it is nice out.

AdamDZ

To me it's "crazy" to sit in the traffic on the way to work. But that seems what the majority thinks of as "normal" so go figure.

chefisaac

totally agree!!!!!!

nelson249

This I like.

Zagbad

I'm one of 2 that do it regularly. The place has only been open since August 2012, so we'll see how many more join us in the warm weather. A lot of people have said they will, but I don't believe them. But if they did we'd have to install more bike racks. Possibly properly this time. They so half-assed the current ones. "It takes 6 bolts to secure each? Lets use just 2 and don't put them in all the way!" is what I assume the guys who installed them were thinking.

But ya, I am the crazy guy. For a multitude of reasons though, riding a bike to work is just one.

arsprod 

If you could [crochet, scrapbook, knit, quilt, photograph, eat, bake, bee keep] your way to work... doesn't work for my office mates

jrickards

It's supposed to be 10C (50F) and pouring rain this afternoon, if any one at work calls me "crazy guy on a bike", I'm going to +1 that sentiment, I didn't check the weather before I headed out this morning. At least I get home to a hot shower.

trx1

not much weather will stop me....
yea im the "your nuts dude" guy at work

Jim from Boston

Is anyone else known as "The crazy one" at work?

Thanks for your gracious greeting, chefisaac. I had been called a “saint,” and other complimentary terms, as well as “crazy,” etc for several years prior to June 1 of last year, when I got hit from behind and sustained some severe injuries putting me out of work for three months. The outpouring of cards, calls, and visits from my workplace was tremendous, and so supportive. (As was that of Bike Forums, and as I convalesced, I recall some enjoyable correspondence with the chef about cycle commuting.)

My employer was also very beneficent, and my return to full time in September was successful. I’m still often warmly greeted now several months post-accident with a “How you doing?”. Earlier on my return, I usually got these three comments: “You look great (awesome, fabulous, etc)”; “We’re glad to have you back.”; and “Are you going to ride your bike again?”. I’d estimate that about one-third or less of the last queries were from nay-sayers and the rest were favorable or neutral.

CharlieFree

I'm glad your return was successful and that you are OK. I'll add my voice to the many others giving best wishes during this trying time in your hometown.

I'm curious whether you found it difficult psychologically getting back on the bike? I had a minor spill that resulted in injuries that kept me off for six weeks over a year ago. I'm happy to be back commuting but must admit the thought of possible incidents lurks in the back of my mind more than they did before.

scottsmith

Yes, but in a good way. I'm the only semi-regular bike commuter in my office of 25 and get affectionately called crazy for it. More-so since I moved from a house in town, 10km from the office to the country 28km from the office.

For me it would be crazy NOT to ride when I can swing it. I need it and the commute helps me make time to work that in.

jrickards

Today, I'm calling myself crazy (but moments ago, a co-worker said the same, without my prompting her). 3C (37F) and lightly rainy - I was quite cold on the ride in, my legs were glowing red.

Telly

Today's latest conversation with an employee of a neighboring company...

You ride WHAT to and from work?
Oh so you must live nearby, right?
You live WHERE?
Aren't you afraid of being killed?
You're out of your mind.... are you suicidal?
You're crazy.

Rough translation from Greek to English, but you get the picture!

WonderMonkey

HA! I've told that to myself here and there doing different things. Kayaking when the river is nearly frozen over, riding in driving rain....... getting married again...

Mr. Hairy Legs

My thoughts exactly. Sitting in traffic is one thing I simply can't tolerate.