A Year of Commuting by Bike: A Real Record of Health, Wallet, and Quality of Life

A year ago, I made a decision: to switch my daily car commute to cycling to and from work. My motivation at the time was simple—parking fees in Taipei City were just too expensive. But looking back a year later, the changes this decision brought far exceeded my imagination. Here is my real experience, recorded with data.

Basic Information

• Commute Distance: 12 km one way (Neihu to Xinyi District)
• Commute Time: ~40 minutes by bike / ~35-55 minutes by car (depending on traffic)
• Bike Used: Flat-bar road bike (Giant Escape R3)
• Tracking Tools: Garmin bike computer + Strava + expense-tracking app

Financial Aspect: Saving Over NT$100,000 a Year

This was the most immediate change. Here is the detailed cost comparison:

Original Monthly Expenses for Driving

Item	Monthly Cost
Fuel	NT$ 3,500
Parking (monthly rental)	NT$ 5,000
Maintenance and repair amortization	NT$ 1,500
ETC tolls	NT$ 800
Subtotal	NT$ 10,800

Monthly Expenses After Switching to Cycling

Item	Monthly Cost
MRT/Bus (rainy day alternative)	NT$ 600
Bike consumables (tires, chain, etc.)	NT$ 300
Occasional taxi	NT$ 500
Subtotal	NT$ 1,400

Monthly net savings: NT$ 9,400, approximately NT$ 112,800 per year

Of course, the first year included the bike purchase cost (about NT$ 18,000) and accessory costs (helmet, lights, locks, etc., about NT$ 5,000). After deducting these, net savings were about NT$ 89,800. But from the second year onward, savings exceed NT$ 100,000 per year.

Health Aspect: The Data Speaks

Weight and Body Fat Changes

Metric	Before Commuting	After 6 Months	After 12 Months
Weight	78 kg	73 kg	71 kg
Body Fat Percentage	26%	22%	19.5%
BMI	25.8	24.2	23.5
Resting Heart Rate	75 bpm	65 bpm	58 bpm

Annual Exercise Data (Strava Statistics)

• Total Distance Ridden: 5,280 km
• Total Time Riding: 352 hours
• Total Elevation Gain: 18,600 m
• Total Calories Burned: Approximately 158,400 kcal
• Average Speed: Improved from 22 km/h to 26 km/h

Health Check Report Improvements

What surprised me most was the change in my annual health check report:

• Triglycerides: Dropped from 185 mg/dL to 128 mg/dL (previously flagged in red, now normal)
• HDL Cholesterol: Rose from 42 mg/dL to 56 mg/dL
• Fasting Blood Sugar: Dropped from 105 mg/dL to 92 mg/dL
• Blood Pressure: Dropped from 138/88 to 122/76

When the doctor saw the report, he asked if I had started exercising. When he heard I was just commuting by bike, he said, “This is more effective than any medication.”

Time Aspect: Faster Than You Think

Many people worry that cycling to work takes more time, but the truth is:

• Driving commute: 35-55 minutes (big variation during rush hour) + 5-10 minutes finding parking
• Cycling commute: Consistent 38-42 minutes (unaffected by traffic jams) + 2 minutes locking up

On average, cycling commute time fluctuates much less, and it’s even faster than driving during peak hours. Moreover, those 40 minutes of cycling also count as exercise time—it’s like “gaining” an extra 80 minutes of exercise per day. If I were driving, I wouldn’t feel like going to the gym after work anyway.

Psychological Aspect: Unexpected Positive Effects

This is the hardest change to quantify but the one I feel most deeply:

Significantly Reduced Stress

When driving, traffic jams, cars cutting in, and fighting for parking spots were all sources of stress. When cycling, although I occasionally encounter unfriendly drivers, most of the time I’m enjoying the breeze and morning light. My mood upon arriving at the office is completely different.

Improved Sleep Quality

With consistent daily aerobic exercise, I fall asleep noticeably faster—down from 30-40 minutes of lying in bed to under 10 minutes. Deep sleep time (according to smartwatch data) also increased from an average of 45 minutes to 75 minutes.

A Stronger Connection to the City

Commuting by bike let me rediscover Taipei. I noticed many alleys, breakfast shops, parks, and street scenes I never saw when driving. The changing seasons, the smell of the air, flowers blooming and withering along the roadside—these small sensations make the daily commute no longer a mechanical movement.

Commuting Gear Recommendations

After a year of real-world testing, here is my recommended commuting gear list:

Essential Gear

• Helmet: Absolutely non-negotiable; I recommend models with the MIPS system
• Front and rear lights: Front light at least 300 lumens; rear light with a daytime running light mode
• U-lock or folding lock: Cable locks only deter honest people, not thieves
• Saddle bag or rear rack bag: For spare clothes and personal items
• Fenders: A lifesaver on rainy days or wet roads

Seasonal Gear

• Summer: Sweat-wicking shirts, sun-protection arm sleeves, small sports towel
• Winter: Windproof jacket, thermal gloves, neck gaiter
• Rainy season: Lightweight rain gear (two-piece recommended), waterproof shoe covers, sealed bag for spare clothes

What to Do Upon Arriving at the Office

This is a major concern for many people. Here’s my approach:

1. Buy wet wipes at a convenience store near the office for a quick wipe-down
2. Bring a set of clean work clothes (bring five days’ worth once a week)
3. Use the company’s employee changing room or restroom to change
4. Carry deodorant and a small bottle of cologne

Challenges Encountered and Solutions

What About Rainy Days?

Taipei’s rainy season is indeed a challenge. My principle is: ride in light rain (wearing rain gear), switch to the MRT in heavy rain. Over the year, I switched to public transportation due to weather about 35 days, accounting for 14% of workdays.

Safety Concerns

This was my family’s biggest worry. Solutions:

• Plan the safest route (prefer sections with bike lanes)
• Install a bike camera (front and rear dual lenses)
• Wear a high-visibility reflective vest
• Follow traffic rules; don’t rush

Summer Heat

July and August are indeed tough. My countermeasures: leave earlier (depart at 6:30 AM to avoid the hottest hours), choose routes with tree shade, and thoroughly wipe off sweat and change clothes upon arriving at the office.

Advice for Those Who Want to Try

1. Start with one day a week: Don’t force yourself to ride every day from the start; gradually increase the frequency
2. Ride the route once beforehand: On a weekend, ride your commute route once to familiarize yourself with the road conditions
3. Invest in safety gear: Don’t skimp on the helmet and lights
4. Tell your colleagues: Let them know you commute by bike; they’ll understand if you occasionally need a few extra minutes to freshen up
5. Track your data: Use an app to record your riding data and money saved; these numbers will keep you motivated

Conclusion

One year of bike commuting saved me nearly NT$90,000, helped me lose 7 kg, improved my health check red flags, and made me feel better every day. Of course, this isn’t for everyone—commute distance, route safety, and office facilities are all factors to consider. But if your circumstances allow, I strongly suggest trying it for at least a month. You might find, like I did, that you never want to go back to driving.

Related Reading

• Bike Commuting in Practice: 30-Day Insights from a Metro Commuter Turned Cyclist
• The Cycling Commute Revolution: A Complete Guide to Riding to Work in Taiwan’s Cities
• Bike Commuting: A Lifestyle Revolution That Changes the City’s Rhythm
• Cycling and the Environment: Calculating the Carbon Emission Benefits of Choosing a Commuter Bike Over Cars and Scooters