I will have to fill up my car today, but it will be the first time this month so that's okay. It's a fairly efficient little car, which makes a huge difference. I also work from home, so I don't commute. I've re-started my efforts to do all trips under five miles by bicycle. Luckily, I live near everything I need, so that's easy.

I worked in the DC area for six years. Even though I lived 14 miles from my work, I was able to commute by bicycle three times a week year round. Most of the other days I took the Metro, but that took longer than the bike.

If I ever have to get a job that requires a commute again, you can be sure that it will be with an organization that is bicycle friendly and within a decent bicycle commuting route. Otherwise, I simply won't take the job. I've said "no thanks" to a job offer before because it was not bike-friendly. Not everyone is willing to make that choice, though.

Best of luck on figuring out how to make your commute better, Miranda. I've found that there usually are other routes that are more bike friendly, but it just might take some time to work them out. I hope you can do that where you live.