Skyrocketing housing costs are pushing people to the suburbs, where they get more space for their money. Suburban living often means a longer commute—an average of 55 miles round-trip, much of it stuck in traffic. Switching up your transit options helps reclaim time and money. If you've ever listened to a podcast on the go, you've already had a glimpse into making the most of your commute.
If your suburb has a commuter train, you're in luck. Trains let you work, read, or relax—no stop-and-go traffic. There are also many ways to optimize such commutes and make up for the lack of infrastructure on either end: it’s not uncommon for some long-distance commuters to own two cars – one that they use to drive from their house to the train station and another they take from the train station in another city to the office.
However, multimodal commuters often neglect one mode of transportation: the bicycle. Using a bicycle for a portion of your commute can have notable benefits—it can save time, lower or eliminate reliance on a car, and extend the range of how far from the nearby public transport hub you can work. It can also improve your mental and physical health, environmental footprint, and general sense of well-being. Bicycling to work is not just for hardcore athletes—it doesn’t even require cycling apparel.
What is multimodal commuting?
Ever hopped off a train and wished for a faster way to get to your destination? That’s multimodal commuting—pairing transit with a bike, scooter, or skateboard to save time and money. It is reasonably common, and you may already be doing it without realizing it. Here is a very standard example of multimodal commuting that combines public transit, bike commuting, and a personal vehicle:
You drive five miles to a transit center, park, and take your bike to the train platform. Boarding through the bike-designated door, you secure your bike on a hook and take a seat. After a 12-mile train ride, you hop on your bike for the final three miles to work. At the end of the day, you simply reverse the steps.
Despite this being a hypothetical scenario, commutes like this happen from smaller communities to major metropolitan areas nationwide. Savvy multimodal commuting offers the best of all worlds: cost efficiency, convenience, and freedom. The average American spends $179 per month on gas alone — once parking fees, vehicle maintenance, and depreciation are added into the mix, it’s easy to see that number triple. Relying on public transport for a significant leg of a commute makes it much more manageable and affordable, and does away with navigating stop-and-go rush-hour traffic. For many, that alone is enough to adopt multimodal commuting.
Benefits of multimodal commuting
Individual benefits
The average commute time for Americans is just under 30 minutes. Wouldn’t the fictional multimodal commute described above take longer? Depending on where you are, it may not. Large metro areas like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Dallas have expanded commuter rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) options to better connect suburbs to downtown areas. Some systems, like New York’s MTA and Chicago’s Metra, have increased service frequency and upgraded infrastructure to reduce delays. Although progress has been uneven across different cities and transit systems, overall the U.S. public transit system has measurably improved since it started receiving increased funding and federal support. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (2021) allocated $108 billion to public transit, the largest federal investment in U.S. transit history.
When evaluating the feasibility of your particular commute, getting to the nearest transit hub might feel challenging for a number of reasons: distance, car availability, parking expenses, or safety. Replacing the car with a bike may turn out to be a game changer on many levels.
For one, you’d ride your bike at least twice per day, every day. You will burn 300-600 calories, perhaps even more, if you really decide to push it. You will build muscle, increase cardiovascular strength, and improve your immune system – you will live longer.
Aside from the positive physical impacts, you will also see a measurable impact on your mental health. Studies have shown that regular time outside and in nature reduces stress hormones such as cortisol. Because you are on your bike and the train during the heaviest trafficked segments of the commute, you don’t have to deal with the stress of sitting in stop-and-go freeway traffic.
You will save money. Driving 30 miles less every day translates to roughly 7,500 fewer miles yearly. Assuming gas prices are $3.50 and your vehicle gets a generous 20 miles per gallon, you’d reap $1,300 in annual savings by choosing public transport.
Community benefits
The benefits of multimodal commuting aren’t just impressive on a personal scale. Individuals' decision to give up a single-car commute can positively impact entire communities. This is especially true when city and community infrastructure get organized in a more commuter-friendly way.
Up to 200,000 annual deaths in the United States can be attributed to poor air quality. Transportation leads all categories in greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 29% in the U.S.. More people choosing to switch from a car for their commute can significantly reduce that marker. Adding cycling into the mix has a profound effect; a University of Oxford study showed that cyclists produced 84% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than those using gas-powered vehicles to get to work.
Minority communities are often disproportionately affected when it comes to lack of access to personal transportation: around 9% of Americans have no access to a car, with the data point doubling when only African American households are considered. In in a number of American cities, Black Americans had a nearly 25% longer commute compared to whites.
If more Americans gave multimodal commuting a chance, neighborhoods would begin to shift away from prioritizing personal car travel and optimize for mass commuting options. Shifting in this direction would improve all neighborhoods and increase commuting opportunities, regardless of race or income.
The addition of a bike to a commute has the potential to make a multimodal commute more efficient for many. For those who may not have access to a car, riding a bike to a nearby transit station allows them to access a larger area, or even accept a job in a nearby city.
Effective multimodal commuting with a bike
While multimodal commuting can save you money and ease the reliance on a car, it can only work if it results in an efficient commute. If a car, bus, and bike combo takes twice as long as driving to work, you simply won’t do it. So, there is quite a bit to consider before you jump head-first into a multimodal commuting journey.
Aim for riding a train
One of the main reasons for adopting multimodal commuting is to avoid traffic congestion, which falls during morning and evening rush hours. Downtowns and freeways are often packed with cars, creating a stop-and-go nightmare. By choosing an alternative way of transportation like a bicycle or a scooter and staying off the roads, you’re removing yourself from contention with traffic. If available, public transportation options like the subway and monorail are also a good idea.
Buses, on the other hand, aren’t great – since they travel the very downtown roads and freeways every other commuter does, they are especially prone to inefficiency. If the transit portion of your commute is by bus, there is a good chance you will sit in the traffic you wanted to avoid in your car. Buses also have limited space for bikes, usually only two. If two other bus passengers have the same idea as you and the rack is full, you will be waiting for the next bus.
Most light rail systems in the U.S. are developed with multimodal commuters in mind and can accommodate bikes. For example, Link Rail in Seattle can accommodate 4 bicycles in each car. Beware that some light rail systems have time-based restrictions on bikes during peak hours to avoid overcrowding. MBTA in Boston, MA, bans bikes on Red, Orange, and Blue Lines during rush hour. BART in San Francisco allows bikes at all times but restricts them in specific areas susceptible to crowding.
Commuter trains that connect many suburban areas are some of the most reliable and efficient modes of transportation – they run often, are unaffected by the traffic, and are rarely affected by weather. Trains also provide a smoother ride than buses and light rail. For many, a train ride isn’t just a commute, but a time to start their work day by responding to emails or planning the day.
Planning efficient bike-transit routes
Several things should be considered when planning your multimodal commute involving a bike. A one-time investment in planning can be the difference between an enjoyable and a frustrating commute.
Stay clear of traffic
From your drive or bike ride to the transit station to your ride on public transportation, to the route you ride to your destination, do your best to avoid traffic. This may mean getting off public transportation a few stops earlier or even later because it gives access to an easier cycling route.
Only one mode of public transportation
Public transportation can be unreliable. Buses are susceptible to traffic and can run late, trains can have unexpected delays, and everything can pile up. Also, you’ll likely want to be 5-10 minutes early for the train or bus, so taking two forms of public transportation might add up to 20 minutes to your commute, or if the schedules don’t stack up well, a lot longer. For these reasons, it is best to limit your commute to only using one mode of public transportation.
Look for bike paths or corridors
When planning the cycling portion of your multimodal commute, take advantage of any bike paths or corridors you can use to ride to your destination. Many cities are beginning to incorporate bike paths into their planning, with many having a sprawling network of trails, allowing you to traverse with minimal interaction with traffic. Even if choosing a bike path means adding extra time to your ride, it will likely be well worth it – it’ll be much more efficient than dealing with traffic and intersections, and much safer.
Limit the bike leg
Be sure you can manage the cycling portion of your commute. Limit the miles you will ride each way unless you are using cycling as a fitness goal. The public transit leg of your multimodal commute should take up the bulk of your daily commute. Biking ten or more miles each way is a lot, and will result in you showing up to work tired and sweaty. If you average 10 mph on your ride (which is reasonable for a commute), your ride will take one hour. With the additional train and driving time, the overall commute might become inefficient.
If the bike portion of your multimodal commute is longer, consider an e-bike, as you can keep a quicker pace. Most commuter mid-range e-bikes are equipped with 10-14Ah batteries and can yield on average 40 miles per charge. Due to the presence of a battery and a motor, e-bikes are heavier than their conventional counterparts, and getting them on and off public transportation might be more taxing.
Utilize technology
Planning a route has gotten significantly easier with more fun with technology. Google Maps is a great place to start. Simply enter your starting and ending addresses to get an overview of your commute and how close it is to transit stations, bike paths, or other routes you may consider.
Once you have a general idea of your overall route, commuter apps can help you fine-tune your multimodal commute. We recommend you try all 3 because one might work better for your specific commute.
Citymapper – designed primarily for urban commuters, offering public transportation, walking, cycling, and micro-mobility options (like e-scooters and bike-sharing). It excels in real-time transit updates for subways, buses, and trains.
Komoot – geared towards outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, and adventure sports. It excels at both off-road and urban navigation and route planning. When planning your route, you’ll be able to see the elevation map and the types of trail, such as singletrack, path, street, road, and state road you’d be riding on, and for how long.
Moovit - primarily for public transportation. It covers bus, train, metro, tram, ferry, and ride-sharing services in cities worldwide. It’s not as strong as Komoot when it comes to cycling navigation; for example, it doesn’t provide detailed bike lane mapping.
Do a test run
Once you have your multimodal commuting route planned, give it a test run. Trying your commute on a day off will provide you with an idea of what to expect. You may find the bike ride takes longer than anticipated or the train station tricky to navigate with a bike. Doing a test run of your commute will not only give you an idea of how long it will take, but it will also give you an idea of what it is like to do it all with your bike. However, remember that a practice run on Saturday is likely different from the rush on Monday morning. Give yourself extra time that first week of commuting to work out all the kinks.
Challenges to adopting multi-modal commuting
For many, the prospect of multimodal commuting can seem overwhelming. There are often many barriers and challenges to getting started, one of which is the distance from a transit station.
Roughly 45% of Americans lack access to public transportation. Some may simply live too far from a public transit stop or center, while others may live in a mid-sized or smaller community without an expansive public transportation system. Moreover, much of city planning and road infrastructure is still based on the single-car commute. Adding bikes to public transit may be the solution. A train station that seems too far away suddenly feels much closer when you cover the distance on a bike.
Another barrier to adopting multimodal commuting is access to safe bike travel. Many are hesitant to ride their bikes through congested downtown areas. If that is the final leg of their commute, they will likely not commute at all; the availability of a proper bike path or bike corridor is a game changer. If it means traveling a few extra blocks for a safer bike ride, it will be worth it – optimizing for safety is prudent.
Commuting by bike has its own list of challenges, both on the ride and when you arrive at your destination. Where do you securely store your bike? Is there a place to change? Do you need to shower? Can you shower? What happens if you get a flat or break your chain? Trying to have solutions to as many of these questions as possible before they happen will make your commute much more manageable.
Keeping your bike secure while commuting
Adding a bike to your commute will open many doors and possibilities. However, you are also increasing complexity and risk. For example, bikes are very easy to steal and almost never recovered. Being prudent about the security of your bike is a part of the game.
Car rack
Whether you drive a truck, an SUV, or a sedan, you’ll need to transport your bike on your vehicle safely. You will need a quality bike rack for your vehicle if you don’t already have one. The type of vehicle you have will determine the type of rack you need.
A hitch rack is likely your best and most expensive option. If your vehicle doesn’t have a hitch receiver, one will need to be installed. The total cost of transporting your bike via car can be close to $1,000, including the receiver, labor, and the rack itself. However, if you take proper care of your rack, it will last an incredibly long time.
Taking a bike on public transit
Knowing where to store your bike on the public transit leg of your commute is essential and will depend on the mode of public transportation you’re using. This is one of the reasons why a weekend practice run is crucial before you start commuting.
Buses typically have two folding bike trays on the front of the bus. If the rack is not in use, you will need to know how to unfold the rack, which typically consists of a handle latch on the front. Once unfolded, place your bike in the tray closest to the bus and extend the tray’s arm over the tire to hold the bike in place. Because it takes a while to load and unload your bike, most drivers may not allow you to lock your bike to the rack, meaning you’ll have to trust that it won’t get stolen. While it actually has been known to happen, very few thieves are so brazen as to attempt this.
If you use the train as your mode of public transportation, you will actually bring your bike on the train with you, as storage is inside the train car. When the train pulls up, look for a bike emblem or logo on the doors, which will indicate the area for bike storage on that train car. Bike storage is typically on your immediate left or right as you enter through the doors. Each storage area normally has two bike hooks where a bike can be hung vertically by the front wheel.
An important point to note is that carrying an e-bike on a trail will be more difficult, as e-bikes weigh notably more than regular bikes. Thinking of taking your e-bike on the train? Be ready to hoist it—it’s heavier than it looks. If lifting isn’t your thing, folding bikes or lighter models might be a better bet."
Securing your bike at your destination
When it comes to storing your bike at work, the safest place is by your desk in your office. A secure garage facility paired with a lock is next, followed by anywhere outside.
If your bike is stored out of your site, it will make sense to invest in locks. A combination of a heavy-duty U-lock and a sleeved chain is the proven solution. These locks are quite bulky, but you can leave them secured to the rack at work instead of lugging them around.
Folding bikes have gotten incredibly good — they are small enough to store in the corner of an office or cubicle or be carried on a subway. Beware that these bikes are optimized for efficient and quick urban commuting and might be suboptimal for traveling extended distances.
Try it for yourself
The best way to see if multimodal commuting works for you? Try it. Test your route this weekend, map out bike-friendly streets, and see how it feels. You might just find that a bike is the missing piece to unlocking a smarter, smoother, and more enjoyable commute.
Bike Insurance
By switching from a car to a bike for your commute, you trade many annoyances of cars, such as traffic and challenges finding parking, for cycling-specific concerns like the risk of theft and having to share paths with pedestrians and roads with cars.
Specialty bike insurance is designed to address all the risks associated with bike commuting. Other than coverage for theft and accidental damage such as crashes, our policy can be customized with coverages such as medical payments, liability, and uninsured motorist. The optional coverages can be customized to address specific needs or risk tolerance. For example, if you have a high deductible on your health insurance, you can purchase medical payments with a limit that matches your deductible – if you ever end up in a hospital, bike insurance will pick up your deductible. By combining the much needed coverage with flexible rates designed to supplement the coverage you may have elsewhere, it’s possible to create a comprehensive umbrella of insurance coverage to fit any lifestyle.