Commuter Corner: Why I Ditched the Earbuds

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I started my last Commuter Corner with a confession, but as it turns out, I have a lot of biking vices. So here’s another: until recently, I rode listening to headphones. I know, I know. It’s got to be said that listening to headphones on a ride is unsafe and, consequently, against both Cascade ride policy and the law in many places. But I want to talk about a different reason that ultimately got me to give up my beloved morning podcasts.  

It all started because I forgot my headphones at work one day. I rode home and back the next morning without them, and after some initial pop culture withdrawal, I started seeing the upsides to a distraction-free commute. 

Our jobs, families and other commitments often have very immediate needs, and when that’s the case, it can be hard to find time to be creative, re-examine our habits or think deeply. Riding without music has given me that time to think big-picture and brainstorm when everything else gets hectic. Many of the ideas that get me excited about my job are born on the Burke-Gilman. 

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An active morning commute is also a great transition between work life and home life. It helps me shift gears psychologically and move in and out of work mode. That’s not only good for starting the workday with momentum, but it also keeps me from boring my friends and family with work talk after hours.

One thing I noticed while riding distraction free was that I was simultaneously more in my head and more in the moment. It’s almost meditative in that sense. I’m more aware of the neighborhood, other riders, my own body and those little idea seeds that move in and out of my head. 

Riding in a bike train or with friends is a great way to connect with others, motivate yourself and have a good time. But riding solo (without noise) is a nice way to reconnect with yourself. If you’re feeling overworked, overwhelmed or just want some time to brainstorm, consider bike commuting. It’s a healthy and productive way to make your commute time count. 

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