Bike Commuting vs. Run Commuting

4月 29, 2014

Today I braved the streets of Tokyo on my bike. I love riding and really enjoy taking in all the sites as I ride. Normally, I commute underground in the subway and don't see much of anything. Riding is twenty times better than the subway. But riding can be nerve racking. Today, a large truck brazed right along side me. I seriously just had to do one mishap and I would be toast. While I do love to ride, this fear of being run over is serious. What do other bike commuters do to stay safe on the roads? Now, run commuting takes place on city sidewalks for the most part and is as safe as walking. I never have the fear of being run over, mainly because I do follow the stop lights and don't run like a mad man. I hear some stories of other urban runners who neglect all laws of the road. I show respect for everybody's right to use the sidewalks and roads. Unfortunately, it means I have to wait for stop lights sometimes. When I am really in shape and looking for a new personal best for a run commute, these lights are aggravating. But when I want to time myself, I join a proper race. I typically take my run commutes for weekly training, and leave any tough training for the weekends. So bike commuting vs. run commuting? I will stick mostly to run commuting for now. Bike commuting is awesome, but I can't do it every day. We now have two children dependent on their mom and dad to raise them up.