Bike Month: The perfect reason to start cycling to work

Take your pick: Stuck in gridlock traffic in a car on MoPac Boulevard or zooming down the hike-and-bike trail, knocking out the daily workout on the way to the office?

Really, who wouldn't rather pedal a bike to work?

We know, it's not always possible. But whatever your excuse, there's probably a way around it, at least some of the time.

Live too far away? Try a combination bike/bus commute, or drive part way and cycle the rest. No shower at the office? Clean up with baby wipes or drop by Mellow Johnny's bike shop, which offers showers for $1.

May is National Bike Month, and Austin is gearing up with a slew of activities to get you started.

Not only is biking good for your body - a 140-pound person burns about 400 calories an hour pedaling at a moderate pace - it's gentle on the environment. Fewer cars on the road mean less gasoline consumed and less exhaust in the air. And it takes a motor vehicle off already congested roadways.

It also makes for happier co-workers. Because if you ride your bike to work, chances are you'll be smiling when you get there.

Meet two Austinites who commute on their bikes:

Eileen Schaubert, 46

Employer: Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop

Also relevant: Board member of the Street Smarts Task Force, the Bicycle Advisory Council and the Urban Transportation Commission

How often do you commute: Three or four days a week

Trip distance: 4.5 miles each way

Route: 45th Street at Shoal Creek Boulevard to Fourth and Nueces streets

How long does it take: About 25 minutes by bike versus 15 minutes by car

Bike: A cyclocross bike, which is like a beefy 10-speed

Showers: Available at work

How long commuting to work by bike: Two years

Why do you do it: ‘Partly because it gives me a chance to decompress on the way to work or back home. It's a chance to be outside. I get to see what's going on in my neighborhood. I was riding home the other day and discovered that my neighbor was 8 months pregnant.'

Other motivation: Mellow Johnny's employees have to pay $15 a day to park in the bike shop parking lot, so it's cheaper to ride a bike.

How do you make it work: ‘Primarily I carry stuff in a messenger bag, but if for some reason I need to drive downtown, I bring it the day before. I have a small locker at work where I keep a spare change of shoes and clothes, and I have extra toiletries there.'

What's the hardest part about bike commuting: ‘ You have to be thoughtful about what you're hauling. If I have two or three activities during the day, I have to think pretty carefully about what I'm bringing.'

When don't you commute: ‘ If it's pouring rain, I'll take the bus or drive in.'

Thoughts on cycling to work: ‘ It really is about reconnecting with my little world and my community, and for me it's just so relaxing. There are times when I'm riding that it's kind of a political statement: We can change our habits, it's not that hard to make small changes. It's also a really nice way to get exercise.'

Advice for rookie commuters: Schaubert is a master instructor for Street Cycling 101 and leads a weekly scout-a-route group ride at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays from Mellow Johnny's so commuters can learn the best cycling routes through their neighborhood. ‘Really get to know the bike laws. That's going to help you feel a lot more confident about which routes to take, making good choices for your own safety and getting along with other drivers.'

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John Jolly, 47

Employer: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

How often do you commute: Twice a week, sometimes with riding the bus

Trip distance: 21 miles each way

Route: Brodie Lane south of William Cannon Drive to Interstate 35 near Yager Lane

How long does it take: An hour and 15 minutes to work and an hour and 35 minutes home (a slightly different route), versus 30 minutes to work and 45 minutes home by car