You know you're officially a bike commuter when...

[Melalvai]

You turn down multiple offers of rides home, preferring to ride home yourself in 32-degree torrential rain with heavy wind.

Monday we had "wintry mix" falling from the sky. A fellow in the lab seemed very worried about me and offered twice to give me a ride.

I didn't accept because I didn't need a ride. I had a ride: my bike. Even in that kind of weather, I feel safer on my bike than in a car.

A few weeks ago the roads were not great. I took my daughter to school in the car, returned home, left the car at home for my husband to use to get to his classes, and biked to work as usual. On the car journey, I slipped twice and had to pump the brakes to keep control (nothing major, but to be expected in those conditions). On the bike journey, I did not lose control once, or even feel I might lose control.

So, although the temperature is uncomfortable, I really believe I'm safer on my bike. No one else is convinced. They say things like "other cars could lose control, and on your bike they'll kill you instead of ruining your bumper". I just don't agree.