THE BIKE COMMUTERS | Joy Ride

Bicycles are the epitome of human-powered transportation. Two-wheels, the wind on your face and the ability to get to work using your own body’s strength to do so. Idahoans commute for a number of reasons; from saving money on gas to avoiding traffic jams to getting a blast of fresh air before the day begins. In this piece you’ll meet Twin Falls bike shop owner Nate Rioux, who commutes in agriculture country, from Filer to Twin Falls every day – riding by farm animals and crops, he believes bike commuting is a way of getting in touch with your environment. We’ll also hear from Lee Wyman, in Nampa, Idaho who started commuting just to see if he could and now he can’t get enough of it.

[reedwymond]

I’ve been bike commuting in Boise for 14 years, year round. At this point I can’t imagine getting back in my car to go to work. Those poor people in their cars don’t know what they’re missing.

[PixelShade]

My mum is 67 years old and has Spinal stenosis. She can't walk more than 10 minutes without sitting down and resting... I could tell she was really defeated by this new reality of life, especially since she started gaining weight due to her limited movement. Her doctor recommended cycling. She tried it out at the hospital gym and it went really well, so I fixed up her old derelict bike that has just been standing around for the last 30 years. It's an old single gear dutch-style bicycle. Now, she's riding about 10km (6.2miles) per day, she goes grocery shopping, visiting friends. And I can tell that she is A LOT happier these days. Her medical condition took away her freedom to move, but her bike gave it back her... :)

[pauljoslin]

Just got a new job closer to home. Sold the car, bought a bike and i feel calmer already. Use to sit for ages in traffic. Now will take me 30 minutes to get home. And most of my commute is through a beautiful park and woodland on cycle paths. Wish id done this years ago

[mlister]

It's weird how radical riding a bike seems to be in America

[stevehamilton]

Kinda sad when you think that approx 50% of land area of our cities is devoted to the automobile (roads, parking, repair, driveways, etc) yet some politicians and fellow citizens get so angry when bike lanes are proposed. I was a bike commuter through most of my working life and continue to ride with passion and joy. Great seeing all the comments from people who have started, even late in life. The bicycle really is one of humanity’s greatest creations.

[chrisobber]

I commute 45 minutes twice a day all year round. I know when the wind blows stronger, weaker, which directions... you develop a pattern after a while. You see the sunrise uninterupted, the wildlife on the fields and so much more. Those very few days that I take my old car out, it's just not the same. So much more stressful with all the other maniacs in their cars. My bike has become my faithful horse. I couldn't live without it anymore.

[camperanne]

I’ve been cycling to work for over 5 years here in TN. It is an urban ride but I love it! I especially love riding through neighborhoods at night where there’s little traffic. It’s so peaceful and quiet! It’s very relaxing.

[dennisbotkin]

While it wasn't mentioned, one of the pioneers of bicycle commuting in Twin Falls was standing on camera in Bull Moose cycle shop in the video. He rode to his store almost every day for at least 40 years. This was truly a story about the bike commuters! Great job!

[vincentobcemea]

So true. It clear’s our mind when you ride your bike.

[ForGlory]

I got into commuting to work during covid. People dont know the joy of having something to look foward too everyday. Never going back driving to work unless i need a physical break

[andyh]

Loved this!
I’m 60 and retired, but this got me motivated to start cycling to my daily 7am swim. 11km round trip. Thank you

[DadVibe]

What Nate said about the perception of cyclists is so true. Bikes transcend politics/beliefs. I’m definitely more conservative, but I love working on bikes and the self reliance that comes from bikes, but most of all, I love how they make me feel like a kid again, on an adventure, exploring the familiar but with a new viewpoint.

[stevejorde]

The fragrance of grass and flowers is my air-freshener. The sounds of birds and nature are my radio. The mist from sprinkler systems is my AC, and 15MPH is my top speed, allowing me to say hi and get waves from people 9 to 90. The looks I get from cagers as I pass them while they're stuck in traffic is more than enough entertainment. Give a bicycle any day!

[BikingZen]

This video makes me so happy. It really puts into words how happy it feels to commute. I live in a big city (Chicago) and even in winter it feels extremely special to be “playing” outside on your way to work. Great video, I’ve watched it twice!

[craigthomas]

Bravo! I'm a 3 year bike commuter, in a bigger city, but the sentiment feels the same. Thank you!

[MyaLong]

I love bike commuting! I’ve been doing it in Tucson, Arizona and Boise, Idaho for 5 years now - I’m never going back

[kroomin]

Great video, really important to highlight this side of bike culture. What a ride to work he has!

[sasebodriver]

I have the same situation as the last bike rider. I have 14 mile ride to work, city roads, I leave at 4ish am. Riding home is more challenging, especially around freeway on and off ramps during rush hour. Lights and reflective vest to me is a must. Took a couple month break due to time change and people to me drive a bit more aggresive during holidays. Anyway this video just told to get back on the bike again, thanks.

[whitefluffydogs]

I started biking again at 59. I do most of my errands on my bike. It is fun!

[emausderratsuchende]

a tender story....I have been commuting to work for over 30 years and could write books about what I experienced. I also have the privilege of crossing a nature reserve, flora and fauna greet me every day and ask me how I'm doing... and nature also shows me the limits in the form of weather situations that are difficult to endure.
Greetings from Germany