Picture Me Rolling.. To Work.. On a Bike

Picture me rollin’ in my 500 Benz on my black beach cruiser
I got no love for these drivers, there’s no need to be friends

…Or, whatever Tupac said.

How I Went Car-Free in Los Angeles: From Leisure Rides to Everyday Commutes

Fresh out of college and new to Los Angeles, I didn’t immediately drop all of my bad habits. Living an active lifestyle was not something I adopted overnight—it was a gradual shift that began with small changes. The biggest leap I made toward a more active lifestyle was when I decided to go car-free in Los Angeles. That change completely reshaped how I moved through the city.

It all started with an old black beach cruiser that a co-worker gave me. The bike was nothing fancy, but it came with a front basket that was perfect for leisurely rides on my days off. I wasn’t biking for transportation just yet, more for fun. I’d ride along the beach, cruise through my neighborhood, or pedal over to a friend’s house. I still relied on my car to get to most places, but I started noticing how much more relaxed I felt when I was on two wheels instead of four.

At first, biking was purely recreational. Then, one day I decided to leave my car at home and use my bike for errands—picking up groceries or heading to my local nail salon. It was a small but meaningful step toward reducing my reliance on driving.

One weekend, my trusty (but troubled) Chevy Cruze was acting up again—nothing new, since I’d been facing car troubles for a while. I called my mechanic, but he wouldn’t be able to fix it until the following week. The thought hit me hard: How am I going to get to work on Monday?

I vented to my co-worker, B. Barry, who suggested something that I initially scoffed at: "Why don’t you just ride your bike to work?" At first, I thought she was out of her mind. Ride my bike to work? No way! I couldn’t imagine arriving at the store all sweaty or figuring out a route that wouldn’t leave me frustrated or lost. But after considering it, the idea didn’t seem so crazy. After all, I was already using my bike for short trips. Why not try commuting by bike?

With some skepticism but a dose of curiosity, I mapped out a bike route to work. To my surprise, it wasn’t that bad. Sure, there were some adjustments to be made—planning what to wear, packing extra deodorant, figuring out how to avoid rush hour traffic—but over time, commuting by bike started to feel like second nature.

Six months later, I sold my car and fully embraced a car-free lifestyle. Biking wasn’t just something I did for fun anymore—it became a core part of my daily routine, from getting to work to running errands to meeting friends. Not only did I save money on gas, parking, and repairs, but I felt healthier, less stressed, and more connected to the city.

Related: Biggest Difference Going Car Free in Los Angeles as a Woman

Bicycle Commuting Tips for New Riders

Starting out as a bicycle commuter can feel a little intimidating, but the reality is that it's more accessible than you might think. If you're just starting to incorporate cycling into your daily commute, a few basic tips can make all the difference.

First, choose the right route. Not all roads are bike-friendly, so it’s worth taking some time to find bike paths or streets with dedicated bike lanes. Apps like Google Maps offer a cycling mode that can help you plan your route more effectively. You’ll want to opt for routes with minimal traffic, good lighting, and smooth roads. Starting with shorter, flatter rides can also help build your confidence before you tackle longer or hillier commutes.

⚡ Biker Babe Quick Tip: Make your first commute feel easy by starting with a test ride on the weekend, when traffic is lighter and you can take your time navigating!

Second, get the gear you need to ride safely and comfortably. A good helmet is non-negotiable, and bike lights are essential for night or early morning rides. Invest in a reliable bike lock, as Los Angeles has its fair share of bike theft. Comfortable clothing matters, too. You don’t need fancy cycling outfits, but breathable fabrics and padded shorts can make a big difference, especially for longer rides.

Finally, stay motivated. The thought of biking to work can be daunting at first, but it gets easier with time and practice. To keep yourself going, focus on the benefits — improved fitness, a smaller carbon footprint, and all the money you’re saving by not driving.

Q&A: Common Bike Commuting Questions

Is cycling a good way to commute?

Absolutely! Cycling is not only an efficient mode of transportation, but it also allows you to skip traffic, reduce your carbon footprint, and fit in some daily exercise. For those of us living in cities like Los Angeles, where the traffic congestion is a serious issue, bike commuting can be a game-changer. When I started biking to work, I found that I could get to my job in Beverly Hills faster on two wheels than by car during rush hour, and I avoided paying for parking. Plus, cycling brings a sense of freedom that you just don't get when you’re sitting behind the wheel.

Is bike commuting enough exercise?

Yes, bike commuting is an excellent form of exercise. Depending on your route and how vigorously you pedal, cycling can provide a full-body workout, improve cardiovascular health, and help build muscle. For people looking to stay active without making time for a dedicated workout, commuting by bike is an easy way to incorporate fitness into your daily routine. Whether you're tackling hills or cruising along flat paths, it's a solid workout that adds up over time.

What is the ideal bike commute time?

The ideal bike commute time can vary based on personal preferences, but many people find that 30 to 45 minutes each way is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to reap the health benefits of cycling but short enough to not feel too taxing. If you’re just starting out, it might be best to begin with a commute under 10 miles. For me, my 5-mile commute to work was perfect – it was quick and gave me just enough time to clear my head before starting my shift.

Are cyclists the happiest commuters?

Research suggests they are! A study from the University of Auckland found that cyclists are the happiest commuters, and it's easy to see why. When you’re riding a bike, you have a greater sense of control over your commute. There’s no sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic or stressing over finding parking. Instead, you’re outside, moving your body, and soaking up some fresh air. Personally, cycling helped me arrive at work in a much better mood than when I used to drive — no more cursing out five drivers in the span of 5 miles!

Is bike commuting worth it?

Yes, 100%. In fact, switching to a bike commute was one of the most rewarding changes I made. Not only did I save time and avoid L.A.’s notorious traffic jams, but I also saved money by eliminating parking fees. Plus, I found that I felt healthier and more energized. Biking to work quickly became a key part of my daily routine, and I would never go back to sitting in a car for hours on end. For me, bike commuting was a saving grace for both my time and money.

Is 10 miles too far to bike to work?

⚡ Biker Babe Quick Tip: Don’t worry about hitting big mileage right away! Start small, stay consistent, and let your commute evolve naturally.

It depends on your fitness level and experience. For new cyclists, 10 miles each way might feel daunting, but it’s not impossible. When I first started biking, my commute was under 5 miles, and it felt like a breeze. Now, as a gig worker commuting to various locations around L.A., I've biked much longer distances. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a commute under 10 miles until you feel more confident. With the right mindset and preparation, even longer rides can become part of your daily routine.

What percent of people commute by bike?

Unfortunately, only a small percentage of Americans commute by bike. According to a 2023 report, just 0.54% of U.S. commuters bike to work. This number has remained stagnant for years, but we can be the change! By choosing to commute by bike, you’re setting an example and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. Every rider on the road is a step toward making bike commuting more accessible and popular.

Riding Out

Going car-free in Los Angeles wasn’t something I planned, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. What started as a few bike rides for fun turned into a life of bicycle commuting, making me feel more connected to the city and improving my overall health. For anyone considering making the switch to bike commuting, especially here in L.A., I can honestly say: you’ve got this! Take it step by step, follow a few simple tips, and soon enough, biking will be second nature. Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce stress, or embrace a more active lifestyle, cycling to work is a game-changer. So grab your helmet, map out your route, and hit the road — you might just find that it’s the best part of your day!

Before you roll away…

Maybe you’re not ready to make the move today, but you are interested in starting your active lifestyle by biking to work one day.. or, maybe you’re already a regular bicycle rider and you enjoy seeing the lives of others that lead an active life as well — follow around LA with TK on Instagram to add some active Los Angeles living to your feed!

Thank you for riding, riders.