[Winter Commuting blogger Dan B. gives us the low down on which is better in the winter: biking or riding the bus?]

This year I’m blogging about being a winter commuter and the fact has actually changed how I commute. Usually I ride my bike during the ‘warm’ months–March-November–and then ride the bus December-February.

Now, because of writing about winter commuting, I’m finding myself still riding and taking a completely different perspective on the commute. Instead of making a blanket decision to ride the bus during the cold months, I’m riding to work as much as I can. I only take the bus when the conditions are too nasty for me to want to ride. It’s kind of irrational – I feel a challenge to ride only because I’m writing about winter riding.

Might as well list my pros and cons about biking Vs riding the bus.

Biking – Pros
No waiting around
Cardio benefits
I enjoy riding
Quicker than taking the bus

Biking – Cons
Can be cold or wet
Have to bring dry clothes
Danger of wipeout or being hit

Riding Bus – Pros
Relaxing, enjoy music or podcasts
Warm, dry
Occasionally I’ll see someone I know and we can ‘catch-up’
No worries about traffic dangers
Get dropped off right next to where I work
I enjoy seeing and being part of the variety of other bus commuters
The AATA Drivers are friendly and helpful

Riding Bus – Cons
Waiting for the bus – can be cold and wet
Have a 10 min walk to where I catch the bus
Buses don’t run past 11pm
Sometimes the buses are jammed & overcrowded

During rush hour, my bus – the #4, runs every 6 min or so, so there really isn’t much of a wait. Non rush-hour waits can be 30 min or more and that’s definitely a ‘con’

So basically – if it’s not too snowy or slippery – this boy will be riding his bike