In theory, cycling to work sounds like a great idea, but in practice, there can be a few barriers to entry that can make people think they can't use a bicycle as a viable commuting option, but according to Global Cycling Network, they can all be overcome.

• It's too far
  • GCN suggests that you may be surprised how far you can ride in an hour or so, so if you're office or school is less than 10 miles away, give it a try. You just might discover that you can ride much further than you think.
  • If you're still not convinced that you can make it, GCN suggests using your spare time to build up your fitness through indoor workouts or weekend bike rides, then use that to power your commute once you're ready.
  • For many, cycling to and from work in one day is a big ask, but thankfully in a city like Pittsburgh, you don't always have to bike both ways in one day. You can leverage the public transportation system, too, taking your bike with you while you travel by bus, or even leaving you bike at one destination and toggling between bus or car rides on the second leg.
• It's not safe
  • Safety concerns are the number one reason why people don't ride their bikes, but there are things we can do to boost our safety and confidence, like finding quiet or less trafficked roads to plan your route. Cycling-specific route planning tools like Strava can be helpful in this regard.
  • GCN also suggests putting cycling safety into perspective, and to balance the perceived risk of cycling with the risks associated with inactivity, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. "Opting for the car might feel like the safest decision, but a bike ride will reduce the long-term risks of a whole hots of life-threatening health conditions.
  • Tackle the fear factor by building confidence. Spend time getting familiar with your bike and equipment, work on your riding skills with drills, or simply spend time riding your bike outside of busy commuter hours and, over time, you may build the confidence to ride for your commute.
• My bike will get stolen
  • Bike theft is an unfortunate fact of life in most cities around the world, but there are strategies to help mitigate this risk, like storing your bike inside during the day, securing your bike with a quality lock, and even purchasing dedicated cycling insurance.
• I don't want to get hot and sweaty
  • Arriving at work or school sweating and out of breath can feel like a big faux pas, so it makes sense that some people avoid cycling as a mode of commuting to avoid this situation all together, but GCN suggests that it's not a big a faux pas as you may imagine. And riding slower or less strenuously, or simply bringing a change of clothes, can make your commute comfortable and easy.
  • Or, while not the least expensive option, e-bikes are growing in popularity and can make the trip from A to B extremely easy, quick, and completely alleviate the "hot and sweaty" reality you fear.
• It's too much hard work
  • Daily life can be exhausting in and of itself, and the added pressure of having to use your legs to get to work or school and back home again can often feel like a bridge too far. Even the most dedicated cycle commuters take the train or car some days, so you don't have to feel like it's an all or nothing strategy. Make it fun, remember why you're making the choice to commute by bike (reducing your carbon footprint and pollution, improving your physical and mental health, etc.), and try it out by just cycling one or two days a week initially. You may be surprised how quickly your opinion about the "hard work" changes.

Source: Global Cycling Network