The bus fare is only a dollar and thirty cents, which is significantly more then virtually free cost of riding my bike to work that I’m comparing it to. It might not seem like much money, but it does accumulate every time you swipe your card to board the bus. Riding the bus definitely more economical than driving, but if I choose to ride my bike, I don’t have to pay any fare at all.

Of course, biking isn’t completely free. There’s always some wear and tear involved, although I doubt it’s worth just $1.30. My once shiny new bicycle isn’t as new anymore; the back tire is showing some signs of wear. Nonetheless, it should easily last until next year and potentially even beyond. I’ll also need to schedule a tune-up and maintenance overhaul during the winter, but the overall experience is enjoyable.

I was undecided about whether I should bike to work today, especially this morning due to the rain. However, I’m glad I made that choice because I saw a rabbit and several birds while riding along the rail trail. I also passed by the misty Normans Kill Falls and managed to burn around 500 calories.

Having biked to and from work throughout the past week, I’ve already saved $5.20. This amount will only grow as I continue to ride throughout the week. This is money that would have otherwise been spent on bus fares. So far, I haven’t used this as an excuse to make mid-week store runs, although there are weeks where those savings disappear.

Moreover, in many cases, the groceries I might not have bought mid-week would have been purchased over the weekend. Additionally, as I’ve started cooking more dishes, I’ve found myself needing more spices and supplies, which wasn’t the case before.

Beyond the financial savings, each bike ride presents an opportunity to improve my health. This could potentially lead to saving money in the long run by avoiding doctor’s visits and extending my productive working years, whether that’s in an office or on a future homestead. Paying others to do things I can do myself can become expensive.