Why I Ride to Work
You may think it’s for the exercise. There is that, since otherwise I wouldn’t do much all winter, me not being a skier or a health clubber.
It could be the scenery, because Michigan is a place of pure beauty. And that certainly plays into my decision; few things are more lovely than a winter sky or sun (when we see it) glinting off snow.
But, why I really ride for is the money or, more accurately, the chance to win it. Herman Miller believes in conserving the world’s gas and burning employees’ calories, so it does a monthly drawing for a $50 gift card. You log your miles biked each month (in my case 5 miles each way) to enter. There’s a similar drawing for carpoolers.
I’ve yet to win, but I keep on biking in the hope I will, which is good because I’ve spent my yet-to-be-realized gift card several times over on goggles, balaclava, and other gear.
That looks like a cool ride. Where I live the whole city shuts down when there is more than an inch of snow so nobody goes to work.
Since 2009, the IRS has permitted employers to reimburse workers up to $20 per month for bicycle related expenses (helmets, repairs, lights, etc). This seems like a fringe benefit Herman Miller would be on board with. Seems like $20 a month would be a better deal than just the chance to win a $50 gift card – especially if you are spending it on bike gear anyway.
Kudos to you for cycling. May motorists always pay attention and give you space!
Daisy McCarty
http://www.sandiegocubicles.com/blog/