Do not try this at home—it’s illegal, and possibly dangerous.
Still, on the eve of bike-to-work day, it’s worth remembering that bikes are often just as speedy as cars—even on a freeway. It certainly was for these daredevils.
But even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, bike travel can be a time saver. First of all, consider the health benefits. According to one medical researcher in Britain, accident risks of biking are real—but are vastly outweighed by the health risks of sedentary lifestyles: for every life year lost through accidents, 20 are gained through improved health and fitness. So even if a bike trip is longer than a car trip, it could save you lots of time in the long run.
Just so, simply owning a car is a time-sink. By one estimate—after you factor in the time it takes to earn the money to make car payments and buy gas, plus the time stuck in traffic, searching for parking, and so forth—the average car travels at a mere 5 miles per hour. That’s a speed that even the tamest of bikers should have no trouble besting.
So don’t think that you have to be a daredevil to travel fast on a bike. All things considered, it’s often the fastest way to go.
(Hat tip for the video to Chris Mayda…)
Jamie Fellrath
Let me assure you – this is psychotic. This rider is just a step away from winning the door prize… and not in a good way. But yes, everything you say about bike travel is true. It’s actually SAFER to ride your bike than to drive – fewer accidents. Seriously. Just don’t ride like the guy in the video. :)And depending on the car you drive now, you’ll save anywhere from $8000 per year or more (based on the price of gas a couple years ago… now it’s obviously more). And you’ll save time – no need to go to the gym if you ride your bike everywhere! There are lots of great bicycle advice websites out there, check some out and get on your bike!
Samuel John Klein
Leave to to Angelenos to take Critical Mass and kick it up to a whole ‘nother level.Acutally, it is legal to use interestate highways in Oregon for bicycle travel, just not here in the Portland Metro area, or along the length through Salem or near Eugene. And Highway 26 is legal for use along the Canyon Road portion (from the Vista Ridge tunnel up to Sylvan).Legal … just not terribly safe (those I-5 drivers are nuts). And we’re fortunate in the Willamette Valley that we have so many other ways to go that we don’t need to use the freeways.
Sungsu
I always get a little wistful this time of year since I telecommute full time. At least I get to cycle to school with my daughter, a five-minute ride, although we usually walk.